THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH AWARD-WINNING STORIES, BOLD PERSPECTIVES, AND A MISSION TO EMPOWER

by FilmInk Staff

The South African Film Festival (SAFF) returns from May 4 to May 31, with an action-packed program of compelling films, engaging discussions, and – through its support of Education without Borders – the ability to change lives. With both in-cinema and online screenings, SAFF brings South Africa’s rich storytelling tradition to audiences across Australia and New Zealand.

This year’s program includes some of South Africa’s most acclaimed and talked-about films, including South Africa’s official Oscar selection, Old Righteous Blues, and the Oscar-nominated short film, The Last Ranger. Each SAFF 2025 film sheds light on the nation’s cultural diversity, social complexity, and creative brilliance.

SAFF is more than entertainment — every film watched helps fund programs in literacy, mathematics, leadership, and mentorship for young South Africans through the South African charity, Education without Borders.

Festival Director, Collins Rex said, “SAFF truly represents the soul of a nation. And in our 7^th year we’re doing it with a larger lineup of stellar films than ever before. We can’t wait to share the gems – and a selection of accompanying bonus content – with you!”

These sentiments were echoed by Festival Director, Ricky Human, who said, “Every year, we take great pride in celebrating the inspiring stories of some of the most prestigious South African filmmakers, as well as the fresh and exciting new voices that emerge. We also have some surprises in store, including visits by filmmakers and film subjects, and more.”

The South African Film Festival opens with Oscar buzz on 04 May with an in-cinema double bill featuring the highly entertaining Old Righteous Blues (South Africa’s official selection for the Oscars) and the Oscar-nominated for Best Short Film, The Last Ranger in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. Add opening night festivities, and you have a night to remember!

SAFF this year includes a total of nine feature films, 11 documentaries, and 13 short films. Festival highlights include:

Old Righteous Blues, directed by Muneera Sallies, is a soulful drama that follows a young man’s efforts to reunite his town’s estranged Christmas Choir Band, confronting two decades of pain and division. The film has received 11 awards, including Best Director and Best Actor, and was South Africa’s official submission for the 97^th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

When young Litha is introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the Last Ranger of the title, they are ambushed by poachers. This film is a call to arms for environmental justice and conservation. It was nominated for Best Short Film in the 97^th Academy Awards.

The Showerhead examines the work of cartoonist, Zapiro, from his period as an anti-apartheid struggle-artist to his enduring role as a progressive commentator and freedom-of-expression champion. SAFF is delighted that Zapiro, aka Jonathan Shapiro, will be in Australia to support the film at select cinema screenings.

A heartwarming and hilarious coming-of-age story, Spud is based on the bestselling novel by John van de Ruit. Set in a boys’ boarding school in the early 1990s, and starring a young Troye Sivan and comedy genius, John Cleese, the film has become a cult favourite, celebrated for its charm and poignant look at adolescence in a changing South Africa.

The heartwarming and insightful documentary, The Friendship Bench, tracks the implementation of a unique mental health program: the deployment of gogos (grandmothers) to counsel those in need of support. The Sydney in-cinema screening of this film will be followed by a Q & A organised by Corrective Services NSW, who are implementing the program.

For the first time, SAFF is this year supporting the work of a young South African-born Australian filmmaker, Kgomotso Sekhur. Shap Shap tells the story of 13-year-old Mmusi who sets off to the township in search of his father. Along the way, unexpected friendships teach him resilience and hope.

In Kwiksilwers, four elderly friends head off on a road trip to experience a meteor shower in Sutherland, with hilarious consequences and no small measure of pathos.

SAFF 2025 runs from 04 to 31 May, in select cinemas and online. Tickets are now on sale.

For the full Festival program and tickets visit https://saff.org.au/.

THE DETAILS

What: South African Film Festival (SAFF) 2025
When: Sunday 04 May to Saturday 31 May 2025
Where: online at https://saff.org.au/. In-cinema screenings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland (visit https://saff.org.au/ for the full schedule)

TICKETS

Online ticket prices:

Full Festival pass: $90 including ALL features, ALL documentaries, ALL shorts and ALL bonus content
Short Film pass: $50, including ALL short films and ALL short’s bonus content
Single Film: $12
Single Short: $6

In-cinema ticket prices: