The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) returns for its 8th edition in partnership with MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company with a firm eye on the future of South African cinema. Central to this vision is the Young Voices Programme, which will present a dynamic lineup of Workshops, a film Competition and JBX Youth talks as part of this year’s festival.
Aimed at uplifting aspiring filmmakers, the Young Voices Programme is an initiative dedicated to equipping the next generation of South Africa’s film industry with vital information, access and skills. Supporting emerging professionals and rising talent between the ages of 18 and 35, this year’s programme adopts the theme ‘Frames of the Future’. The carefully curated offering will include exclusive screenings, director masterclasses, seminars, mentorship opportunities, skills-building sessions and networking events.
Encouraging creative development through the acquisition of both practical and theoretical toolsets, the Young Voices Programme provides participants with hands-on experience to navigate South Africa’s dynamic film landscape.
“The Young Voices Programme is about empowering young creatives with the confidence, skills and access they need to find their place in the film industry,” says Fanney Tsimong, Young Voices Programme Manager. “By creating a platform that connects emerging filmmakers with industry professionals, real-world training opportunities and meaningful exposure, we are opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. Our goal is to ensure that young people are not only inspired by cinema but are also equipped to actively participate in shaping its future.”
With this in mind, the Young Voices Competition offers emerging filmmakers the opportunity to put their talent into practice by crafting and submitting five-minute films on any device, while adhering to the ‘Frames of the Future’ concept. Entries are open until 13 February 2026 and winners will gain entry into the JFF Film Society, receive bursaries, exciting prizes and a trophy.
To kick things off, the Young Voices Programme presents their Young Voices Workshop on 7 and 8 February 2026 at Joburg Theatre. Featuring contributions from professionals with credits across acclaimed productions such as Shaka iLembe, Queen Modjadji, Muvhango and Beauty and the Beast, these workshops will focus on skills development and transforming South Africa’s film ecosystem.
Saturday’s workshops will open with remarks by Young Voices Programme Manager Fanney Tsimong, followed by presentations including:
- Rangwetsane Maphike – Cinematography: The Art of Visual Storytelling
- Hope Rasekele – From Research to Screenwriting: Developing Strong Narratives
- Nthabeleng Phora – The Gauteng Film Commission’s Funding Criteria
- Phenius Bullets (Mafeshion) – The Art of Acting Masterclass
Sunday’s programme will see Manqoba Shongwe present Podcasting: A New Wave of Storytelling, Thato “Maluks” Maluleke explore The Importance of Documentaries, Nomvuselelo Dlamini deliver a MultiChoice Talent Factory presentation and the directors of the short film The Passage conclude proceedings with a Q&A session.
In addition to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the Young Voices Programme champions learning, collaboration and engagement through the JBX Youth talks during the festival. These talks offer invaluable access to seasoned industry leaders with expertise in storytelling, directing, performance, cinematography, digital media, entrepreneurship, production, social impact and more.
The JBX Youth talks take place during the festival on 3, 4 and 5 March 2026 and will feature contributions from established practitioners. Highlights include music composition and director’s masterclasses by renowned local and international professionals as well as a JFF Success Story session with former Young Voices Competition winners George Temba and Ntokozo Mlaba. To access JBX Youth, purchase a Student Pass for R 500 which also gives you access to the films being screened.
Through these educational initiatives and cross-generational exchanges, the Young Voices Programme serves as an interactive space designed to nurture budding creative pursuits into sustainable careers. With a strong focus on celebrating fresh perspectives and developing future talent, the Joburg Film Festival, GFC and NFVF reinforce their commitment shaping the future of South Africa’s film industry.
Submit your film entry into the Young Voices Competition by 13 February 2026.
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