Showcasing an exciting mix of films from both local and international creators, the festival's Golden Thread connected across Johannesburg. Featuring a selection of cinematic works from across the globe, this year's edition captivated audiences with not only its diverse array of films but extensive three-day JBX Talks and JBX Youth programmes, and various special events taking place throughout the week. From powerful documentaries to compelling dramas and uplifting stories, the festival celebrated the art of storytelling and the rich spectrum of human experiences. As the festival concludes tomorrow, it has delivered on its promise to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Tonight, the festival reached its exciting climax with the Awards Gala event. Industry professionals gathered in anticipation of the announcement of the best films. And now, without keeping you waiting any longer, let's reveal the winners.

The Best Short Film award went to the local African folklore tale Why the Cattle Wait (Phumi Morare). This poignant short feature delves into the complexities of unrequited love, set against the backdrop of a colourful African landscape, showcasing the emotional depth of the characters' struggles.

Sugar Land (Johanne Gomez Terrero), a Dominican Republic feature, claimed the Best Edit accolade. This rich film follows the life of a Dominican-Haitian teenager growing up in a community surrounded by vast sugarcane fields, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges faced by those on the margins of society.

The Best Documentary award went to Ernest Cole: Lost and Found (Raoul Peck), the powerful and thought-provoking film that opened the festival and made its African premiere. The documentary honours the life and work of Ernest Cole, a renowned South African photographer who captured the harsh realities of apartheid through his lens, offering an intimate look at his legacy and the impact of his images.

HAPPY: The Real Happy Sindane Story (Vusi Africa), a gripping South African feature, took home the Best African Feature Film award. This deeply moving film explores the true story of Happy Sindane, shedding light on themes of identity, race, and the complexities of the human experience in post-apartheid South Africa.

The Best Feature Film award went to Blind Love (Julian Chou), a touching coming-of-age story about a sensitive teenager who uncovers his mother's secret affair with a mysterious woman. As he grapples with his discovery, he begins to unravel the perfect facade of his seemingly happy family, exploring themes of love, deception, and self-discovery.

Joburg Film Festival's Special Recipient Award was presented to the legendary South African industry icon, Mfundi Vundla, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the country's film and television landscape. With a career spanning decades, Vundla is best known for his transformative work in the South African entertainment industry, particularly as the creator and executive producer of the iconic soap opera Generations. His work has not only shaped the local entertainment scene but has also paved the way for countless aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, both within South Africa and beyond its borders. Through his visionary leadership, Vundla has been instrumental in advancing the representation of African stories on screen, making a significant impact on how African culture and narratives are portrayed in mainstream media. The award celebrates his lifelong dedication to the craft and his enduring influence on the entertainment industry.

The Jury Special Mention was awarded to The Shadow Scholar (Eloise King), a bold and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the often-hidden world of shadow education, exploring how it affects both students and society.

The Young Voices Award was presented to CheckMate, a compelling and innovative film that captivated both audiences and the jury alike. CheckMate tells the story of a group of young individuals navigating the complexities of modern life, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. The film highlights the struggles and triumphs of its characters as they strive to make their mark in the world. Aspiring filmmakers from all over the country were invited to submit short films for the Young Voices film competition. Produced by Shakers Productions "ABOMNYAKAZISI", a pioneering South African youth enterprise, has emerged as a trailblazer in commercial, film, and television production, the team received a range of prizes, including a bursary and an internship.

This year's festival featured an esteemed jury made up of renowned filmmakers and industry experts from around the globe. Among them was South African actress Sthandiwe Kgoroge (Generations, Yizo Yizo) known for her outstanding performances in both film and television. The jury also included multi-award-winning filmmaker Muneera Sallies (Old Righteous Blues, Twisted Christmas), Yolanda Ncokotwana, broadcaster, story consultant, entrepreneur, executive producer, funding specialist, policy maker, and, currently the Head of Industry Development at the NFVF, and Egyptian film critic, festival programmer and president of the international film critics federation (FIPRESCI) Ahmed Shawky. Nigerian film scholar and National President of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and co-founder of the Guild, Dr. Victor Okhai brought his academic expertise to the panel, alongside internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning editor Melissa Parry. Together, this diverse and highly skilled group of professionals brought a wealth of knowledge and global perspective to the festival.

As the Joburg Film Festival comes to a close, a stellar lineup of local and international films and documentaries continues to delight audiences at venues throughout the city. From Nu-Metro Cinemas in Hyde Park to Nelson Mandela's Theatre on the Square, Artistry at BlackBrick, and the Bioscope at 44 Stanley, there's still an abundance of cinematic magic for audiences to enjoy.

The Joburg Film Festival concludes with a heartfelt finale tomorrow afternoon, featuring the South African family comedy Timmy The Kid as its closing film. Directed by the father-son duo Gray and Ziggy Hofmeyr, and produced by Nyikiwe Mathye, this uproarious film follows Timmy, a middle-aged farmer and aspiring cowboy, as he heads to the city to scatter his mother's ashes—only to stumble through mishap after mishap. Kenneth Nkosi stars as Timmy, alongside Lillian Dube, Sandile Mahlangu, and Celeste Ntuli. The film will be screened at Theatre on the Square on Nelson Mandela Square at 4pm, offering audiences a chance to enjoy this unforgettable comedy-drama.

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