by Thinus Ferreira
Next year's 9th Joburg Film Festival has opened entries for its short film competition, which forms part of its Young Voices youth development programme, with the festival that is adding the MultiChoice Emerging Filmmaker Award.
The theme of 2027's short film competition is "The next vision", with the festival that says the theme wants filmmakers to "challenge perspectives, question assumptions and imagine new possibilities. Explore identity, community, culture or the future you want to see. Experiment with form, reimagine a familiar story or bring an untold experience to the screen".
Fanney Tsimong, the JFF's film traffic and youth development manager, says "Young Voices is more than a film competition. It is a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent, share their perspectives and take the next step in their filmmaking journey".
"Whether you are using a smartphone or professional equipment, this is your opportunity to bring your vision to life. Your story matters, and your perspective has a place in African cinema."
The Young Voices Award, given by the Joburg Film Festival jurors to the overall competition winner in recognition of creative merit and artistic achievement, includes a range of prizes, including a camera, a mentorship opportunity and a study bursary at an accredited institution of the winner's choice for a film-related course or programme.
The film festival and Young Voices is also adding the new MultiChoice Emerging Filmmaker Award.
This new award, sponsored by MultiChoice, has a study bursary as the prize.
Entrants must opt in to be considered for this award, and the JFF says that to qualify, a submission must meet the creative and artistic requirements of the Young Voices Competition, as well as MultiChoice's additional eligibility criteria, and that of a study bursary.
Entries close on 19 February 2028 and young filmmakers must create an original short film of up to 5 minutes, including credits to "show us the world through your lens", It can be shot on a phone or camera, and can be in the genres of drama, documentary, animation, experimental cinema or essay film.
Work should be submitted in HD, in MP4 or MOV format through the festival's official channels.
