Africa's Home of Storytelling
Celebrating authentic African cinema and powerful narratives
Festival Dates
19 - 22 November 2025
Location
Soweto, Johannesburg
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Africa's Home of Storytelling
Celebrating authentic African cinema and powerful narratives
Festival Dates
19 - 22 November 2025
Location
Soweto, Johannesburg
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
00
A big thank you to the organisations that power SIFF.
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The Soweto International Film Festival is a platform for authentic African voices and stories, providing a global stage for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect meaningfully with audiences.
To provide a platform for African filmmakers to screen their work, engage directly with audiences, and inspire the next wave of storytellers through authentic storytelling.
To be Africa's leading screening-focused film festival where filmmakers and film lovers connect meaningfully through storytelling and conversation.
Every screening is followed by a live Q&A session, creating space for intimate dialogue between creators and audiences.
Celebrating stories that reflect the soul, struggles, joy, and beauty of Africa through powerful cinema.
Live Q&A sessions after every screening foster intimate dialogue between creators and audiences.
A global stage for African and diaspora filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
An atmosphere that celebrates authentic storytelling without distractions, focusing purely on the craft of cinema.
A carefully curated selection of short films, documentaries, and features from across Africa
Experience cinema at Blue Theatre (Soweto Theatre) and Eyethu Lifestyle Centre
A space for audience engagement, reflection, and appreciation of African storytelling
Join us in celebrating authentic African storytelling. Submit your film via FilmFreeway and be part of SIFF 2025.
Films under 60 minutes in length
Films over 60 minutes in length
Over 30 Minutes.
16 June 2025
16 July 2025
5 August 2025
20 September 2025
Final DeadlineAll fees are non-refundable and payable upon submission.
Four days of immersive storytelling, featuring screenings, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities across two iconic Soweto venues.
Tuesday, 19 November 2025
Wednesday, 20 November 2025
Every film screening includes a live Q&A session with filmmakers, creating intimate dialogue between creators and audiences.
Experience films at the Blue Theatre (Soweto Theatre) and Eyethu Lifestyle Centre, both cultural landmarks in Soweto.
This year's festival celebrates pure storytelling without distractions, creating space for deep appreciation of African cinema.
Explore moments from past festivals and stay updated with the latest SIFF news and announcements.
Audience enjoying a powerful documentary screening at SIFF
Director engaging with audience during post-screening Q&A
The iconic Blue Theatre at Soweto Theatre - SIFF's main venue
Filmmakers networking at the evening reception in Soweto
Celebrating outstanding African cinema at SIFF awards ceremony
SIFF bringing authentic African stories to the heart of Soweto
Behind the scenes of African film production showcased at SIFF
Celebrating African culture through powerful visual storytelling
We're excited to announce that submissions for the Soweto International Film Festival 2025 will open on June 16th. Filmmakers from across Africa and the diaspora are invited to share their stories...
This year's festival will take place across two iconic Soweto venues - the Blue Theatre at Soweto Theatre and Eyethu Lifestyle Centre, each offering a unique cinematic experience...
Learn more about our commitment to showcasing authentic African voices and fostering meaningful connections between filmmakers and audiences through the power of cinema...
We're preparing exciting gallery content and news updates for SIFF 2025. Stay tuned for festival highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and filmmaker spotlights.
Have questions about submissions, media inquiries, or want to learn more about SIFF 2025? We'd love to hear from you.
Join us in celebrating authentic African cinema. Submit your film and be part of SIFF 2025.