Showmax and Joburg Film Festival Opened Up the Industry. Here’s What Happened Next.
In 2023, Showmax partnered with the Joburg Film Festival to launch an open call for first-time film directors from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The initiative aimed to discover fresh talent and provide them with a platform to tell their stories.
Two years and 296 submissions later, the impact of this initiative is set to unfold at the 2025 Joburg Film Festival, running from 11-16 March. Audiences will witness the world premieres of seven films from these debut directors, each offering unique perspectives and storytelling styles.
From April 2025, these films will be available to stream on Showmax, marking a major milestone for African cinema.
Championing New Voices in Film
“Showmax is committed to opening up the industry. Incredible work is continually underway to support new talent and foster fresh perspectives in storytelling,”.
says Tracy Ann van Rooyen, Showmax’s new executive head of content
She highlights how Showmax has helped filmmakers like Mandla N and Kelsey Egan bring their first films to life, leading to SAFTA wins and widespread recognition. Now, a new generation of filmmakers is stepping into the spotlight at JFF 2025.
Films in Competition
Adam – Directed by Liyema Speelman
🕒 Premiere: Sunday, 16 March, 2:15 PM | Nu Metro Hyde Park
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 4 April
A rebellious teenager clashes with his teacher at a strict farm school in this thought-provoking drama.
Kites – Directed by Menzi Mzimela
🕒 Premiere: Tuesday, 11 March, 12:00 PM | Theatre on the Square
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 25 April
A night out takes a shocking turn when a group of friends in Joburg must dispose of a dead body after a chaotic party.
Official Selections
Bet I Love You – Directed by Joseph Duke (Nigeria)
🕒 Premiere: Wednesday, 12 March, 7:00 PM | Nu Metro Hyde Park
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 23 May
A compulsive gambler puts his family’s reputation at risk after losing lobola money meant for his sister’s wedding.
Bobo – Directed by Maurice Muendo (Kenya)
🕒 Premiere: Friday, 14 March, 3:00 PM | The Forge
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 23 May
A young girl’s dreams are shattered when she loses a scholarship, just as her family faces eviction.
Ndingowakho – Directed by Siphokazi Mtila
🕒 Premiere: Friday, 14 March, 7:00 PM | Nu Metro Hyde Park
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 11 April
A teenager moves from the suburbs to a township to live with her estranged mother, facing new challenges.
Pheletso – Directed by Zack Mtombeni
🕒 Premiere: Thursday, 13 March, 7:30 PM | Nu Metro Hyde Park
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 18 April
A promising young man wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how he got there after a wild night.
Perfect Match – Directed by Mphomotseng Hoelejane
🕒 Premiere: Saturday, 15 March, 4:00 PM | Nu Metro Hyde Park
📺 Stream on Showmax from: 12 April
A family mix-up during lobola negotiations leads to a surprise engagement in this romantic comedy.
A New Era for African Filmmaking
The 296 submissions were carefully reviewed by a panel of industry experts, including Showmax’s then-executive head of content Allan Sperling, JFF curator Nhlanhla Ndaba, and MultiChoice content executives. Filmmakers were also paired with top production houses such as Urban Brew, Blended Films, and Durban Motion Pictures to help bring their visions to life.
These seven films are just the beginning. Another project from the initiative is set to premiere later this year at the Silwerskerm Festival, further cementing Showmax’s role in fostering African storytelling.
🎬 Catch these groundbreaking films at the Joburg Film Festival from 11-16 March 2025 or stream them on Showmax from April.
Find out more about the Joburg Film Festival here.
