The Joburg Film Festival, also known as the Johannesburg International Film Festival, is an annual event that celebrates the power of storytelling through the medium of film.

The festival, which has been running for over a decade, provides a platform for young and emerging filmmakers to showcase their talents and share their stories with the world.

The arts and film are incredibly crucial in shaping the thoughts and aspirations of young people in South Africa. Through the medium of film, young people can express themselves, share their perspectives, and connect with others in ways that can be truly transformative. 

Film can also be a powerful tool for education and social change, helping to raise awareness and inspire action on important issues.

One of the key features of the Joburg Film Festival is the "Young Voices" competition, which invites young filmmakers to create short films that explore the theme of "What Inspires you about your township/neighbourhood." 

This competition is a great opportunity for young people to share their stories and perspectives on the world around them, and to have their work recognised and celebrated on a national stage.

Many of the festival's past participants have gone on to do bigger things after the competition. Some have gone on to study film at universities and colleges, while others have found success in the film industry. Some have even had their films screened at international festivals around the world.

As African people, it's important to remember our past when it comes to censorship. One famous quote on the importance of storytelling is by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who said,

"The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story."

This quote reminds us that everyone has a story to tell, and that it's important to hear a diversity of voices and perspectives in order to fully understand the world around us.

The Joburg Film Festival is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the power of storytelling and the importance of hearing a diversity of voices. With the final call for the Young Voices competition and the last Youth & Audience workshop on 14-15 JANUARY 2023 at 09:00 Braamfontein 163 Civic Blud.

This is an excellent opportunity for young people to share their stories and perspectives on the world around them. So don't miss out and submit your short film today!

Register and submit your film with your contact details before Wednesday

25 January and upload it via this link: https://forms.gle/jmDemw3T6N7rp3JE6