Held from the 4th-31st May across Australia and New Zealand, net proceeds from the hybrid festival support NFP, Education Without Borders (EWB). EWB has been providing life-changing educational programmes for students from under-resourced and socially disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape of South Africa since 2002.
Showcasing the very best of contemporary South African film to antipodean audiences, the hybrid festival is filled with a selection of carefully curated films presented through in-cinema screenings and on their online platform.
Catering to various interests and tastes, there is a film for everyone. Wishing for some escapist entertainment? Get the popcorn ready! Want to see diversity celebrated? Look no further!
From hard-hitting documentaries to heart-warming short films, blockbuster features to personal stories – this year’s films give audiences unique insight into the creativity, strength and richness of South African cultures and languages.
Dates:
In cinema screenings: 4th – 11th May
Online festival: 11th – 31st May
SAFF 2023:
The 5th South African Film Festival is proud to showcase a diverse range of films made by some of the most promising filmmakers in South Africa who have achieved recognition both locally and internationally. This year\’s program focuses on showcasing inspiring and eye-opening stories that highlight the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting greater visibility and representation in the film industry.
Key Team:
Claire Jankelson – Festival Director
Collins Rex – Marketing Director
Ricky Human – Head of Programming
Education without Borders:
The vision and mission of Education without Borders is to empower disadvantaged and at-risk children around the world by instilling a love of learning through educational opportunities. To provide educational opportunities in South Africa (and Canada) for disadvantaged and at-risk children. This includes after school programs in mathematics, science, English, school leadership, and youth mentorship.
Website: https://ewbaustralia.com.au/
History:
SAFF Aus & NZ began in 2019 in Sydney – with 8 fully subscribed in cinema screenings and a Celebration event of 350 attendants
2020 saw SAFF pivot online – and become the first SAFF to go online. The audience in lockdown were poised and ready and we were able to go Australia wide
2021 saw SAFF expand online and include New Zealand. There were limited opening screenings in-cinema
2022 festivals remained a hybrid event and expanded to include 8 venues around the country with in cinema screenings – either opening or closing or both
Objective:
SAFF’s vision for the future builds on the festival’s role in generating both social and economic capital via Sydney and Melbourne cinema screenings. Complementing SAFF’s highly anticipated festival program is SAFF\’s renowned industry program that includes an investment fund, Education without Borders. More than just a celebration of cinematic art, SAFF is a festival with a conscience! All profits from the festival go to supporting the vital work of Education without Borders (EwB), a not-for-profit that is changing the lives of disadvantaged and at-risk youth in South Africa’s Western Cape.
In Cinema Screenings:
Ritz Cinema
43 St Pauls Street, Randwick
Classic Cinemas
9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick
Find out more:
Website: https://saff.org.au/
