South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF) | JHB

The South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF) returns this December, celebrating independent and genre cinema at The Bioscope.

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:

• Feature and short film screenings with Q&As

• Short Pitching Competition with guaranteed 2026 festival inclusion

• Workshops and masterclasses with industry experts, in partnership with NFVF and WGSA

• 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:

• 3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria) – Revenge thriller on human trafficking

• Thus Spake Zolani (South Africa) – Experimental thriller of a man’s spiritual delusion

• Hunting Jessica Brok (South Africa) – Action thriller of a rescue mission

• Death of a Whistleblower (South Africa) – Political thriller exposing chemical warfare

• Santa Zeta (Spain) – Social media influencer hunts predators

• Ebony & Ivory (UK) – Surreal comedy of clashing musicians

• Three (UAE) – Psychological thriller with ancient rituals

• Bark (Germany) – Horror thriller

Tickets are available at Webtickets.

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