The South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF) returns this December, celebrating independent and genre cinema at The Labia Theatre.
Now in its eighth year, SAIFF showcases horror, sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, and socially conscious films, connecting African filmmakers with international audiences and collaborators.
Highlights include:
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Feature and short film screenings with Q&As
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Short Pitching Competition with guaranteed 2026 festival inclusion
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Workshops and masterclasses with industry experts, in partnership with NFVF and WGSA
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Networking opportunities and an awards ceremony celebrating directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and genre innovation
Jury and guests feature global talent such as Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Siv Ngesi, Emma E. Hickox, Toya Delazy, Miguel Llansó, and more. Almost all 2025 directors will attend, including films like:
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3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria) – Revenge thriller on human trafficking
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Thus Spake Zolani (South Africa) – Experimental thriller of a man’s spiritual delusion
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Hunting Jessica Brok (South Africa) – Action thriller of a rescue mission
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Death of a Whistleblower (South Africa) – Political thriller exposing chemical warfare
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Santa Zeta (Spain) – Social media influencer hunts predators
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Ebony & Ivory (UK) – Surreal comedy of clashing musicians
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Three (UAE) – Psychological thriller with ancient rituals
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Bark (Germany) – Horror thriller
Tickets are available at Webtickets.
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