The Joburg Film Festival has kick-started at Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg after a two-year-long hiatus. The first evening showcased the Senegalese film, Xalé, a story about 15-year-old twins Awa (girl) and Adama (boy) who live in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. A story of childhood wounds. Directed by Moussa Sène Absa, the crew and cast narrate how the twins move in with their uncle Atoumane who rapes Awa and impregnates her. Later he is abolished from the village.

OPENING NIGHT

The glamorous evening was attended by local and international filmmakers, A-listers, government officials, and celebrities such as Connie Chiume, Tarina Partel, Jerry Mofokeng, Phumzile Sitole, Fana Mokoena Sipho Ngwenya, Kwenzo Ngcobo, and Gaisang Noge. Performances Thandiswa Mazwai, opera singer Zandile Mzazi and Ibokwe saw guests look forward to a five-day long festival from Tuesday, 31st January 2023 to Sunday, until 5th February 2023 at various locations across the city. The festival is set to showcase some of the finest films from over 35 countries across the globe, including 20 African premieres and 27 South African premieres. The line-up includes films from South Africa, Tunisia, Brazil, Seoul, Brazil, USA, Japan, Morocco, and more, with a mix of feature films and documentaries showcasing stories that cross cultural boundaries.

BACK FROM A HIATUS

The festival will also host several stars, producers, and directors, who will participate In masterclasses, and question and answer sessions after select screenings across the programme, and with daily red carpet premieres. Following a two-year hiatus, festival organizers earlier this year confirmed the return of this leading film festival to take place in 2023. Joburg Film Festival Executive Director Timothy Mangwedi says, "The Joburg Film Festival offers a multicultural international standard cinema experience for film lovers young and old, right in the heart of Joburg,' Timothy says. "Not only does the festival showcase thought-provoking and debate-stoking films from around the world, but also brings back the nostalgic storytelling from yesteryear via this selection of films being a screen. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration.'