The Joburg Film Festival rolled out the red carpet in spectacular style, opening its latest edition with the South African premiere of Laundry (Uhlanjululo), the powerful debut feature from filmmaker Zamo Mkhwanazi.
The evening unfolded at Theatre on the Square where the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as film lovers, industry leaders and cultural icons gathered to celebrate the start of one of the continent’s most anticipated cinematic events. Among the familiar faces gracing the red carpet were acclaimed actors Bonko Khoza, Sisa Hewana, Eddie Hamilton and Noluthando Ngema, who joined the film’s cast and creative team for a glamorous evening that set the tone for an unforgettable festival.
Set against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa in 1968, Laundry (Uhlanjululo) brings together a compelling cast including Ntobeko Sishi, Tracy September, Zekhethelo Zondi, Siyabonga Shibe and Bukamina Cebekhulu. The film tells the intimate story of a Black family running a laundromat in a whites-only area, navigating the quiet yet profound pressures of life under apartheid.
As the credits rolled, the audience responded with sustained applause — a testament to the film’s emotional depth and its resonance with viewers.
For Mkhwanazi, the story is deeply personal.
“This story was inspired by real events in my family,” she shared. “I wanted to tell apartheid history through the lives of ordinary people because the destruction of a people happens in individual increments.”
According to festival founder and executive director Tim Mangwedi, the film was the perfect choice to launch the festival.
“Laundry captures exactly what cinema should do — make you feel. The response on opening night showed just how deeply this story connected with audiences.”
The glamorous evening also marked the celebration of the festival’s 2026 theme, “Feel the Frame.” Guests mingled along the red carpet before settling in for the screening with the festivities continuing well into the night thanks to an energetic set by DJ Lelowhatsgood.
Running until 8 March, the Joburg Film Festival promises an expansive programme of storytelling from across the globe. This year’s lineup features more than 60 feature films, 18 documentaries, 65 short films and nine student productions, alongside industry panels, filmmaker Q&As and masterclasses designed to nurture the next generation of storytellers.
The festival is presented in partnership with the MultiChoice Group, a CANAL+ company, continuing its mission to champion African cinema and connect audiences with powerful stories from around the world.