In 2023, in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Showmax shared an open call for a slate of movies from first-time film directors from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Two years and 296 submissions later, audiences at this year’s Joburg Film Festival will have their first chance to see what happens when you open up the industry to new voices.
Seven films from the first-time director slate will have their world premieres at this year’s festival, running from 11-16 March 2025, before streaming on Showmax in April.
Catch these features during the Joburg Film Festival next week:
Adam, directed by Liyema Speelman
Premiere: 2:15 pm, Sunday, 16 March at Nu Metro Hyde Park Stream on Showmax from 4 April
Screening in competition at the Joburg Film Festival, Adam follows a headstrong teenager who clashes with his idealistic teacher at a militaristic farm school.
Bet I Love You, directed by Nigeria’s Joseph Duke
Premiere: 7 pm, Wednesday, 12 March at Nu Metro Hyde Park Stream on Showmax from 23 May
Rex, a compulsive gambler, lands himself in hot water when he loses the lobola money meant for his sister’s wedding. Realising that his addiction is jeopardising both his family’s reputation and his relationship, he scrambles to make things right.
Bobo, directed by Kenya’s Maurice Muendo Premiere: 3 pm, Friday, 14 March at The Forge Streamon Showmax from 23 MayBobo’s dreams are dashed when she misses a chance to secure a bursary and discovers her family is on the brink of losing their land to a loan shark.
Kites, directed by Menzi Mzimela
Premiere: 12 noon, Tuesday, 11 March at Theatre on the Square Stream on Showmax from 25 AprilScreening in competition at Joburg Film Festival, Kites follows Sihle, who reluctantly agrees to chauffeur his DJ friends around Joburg for their big audition at the city's hottest club. Their night takes a wild turn when they end up having to get rid of a dead body.
Ndingowakho, directed by Siphokazi Mtila
Premiere: 7 pm, Friday, 14 March at Nu Metro Hyde Park Stream on Showmax from 11 April.
After growing up with her aunt in the suburbs, Thandi is forced to move back to the township and in with her estranged mother, Phindi, due to her poor academic performance at school.
Pamela Pheletso, directed by Zack Mtombeni
Premiere: 7:30 pm, Thursday, 13 March at Nu Metro Hyde Park Stream on Showmax from 18 April.
Mpho Sibeko (Blood & Water, Gauteng Maboneng) stars as KB, a charming, ambitious young man who seems to have it all - until one wild night lands him in hospital with almost no recollection of how he ended up there.
Perfect Match, directed by Mphomotseng Hoelejane
Premiere: 4 pm, Saturday, 15 March at Nu Metro Hyde Park Stream on Showmax from 12 April.
Pressured by his father, Muzi Nyathi seeks to secure his future as CEO by hastily proposing to his girlfriend, Dudu. However, a comical mix-up caused by his merry uncles during lobola negotiations leads to the uptight Muzi ending up engaged to outspoken Anele instead.
“Showmax is committed to opening up the industry. Incredible work is continually underway to support new talent and foster fresh perspectives in storytelling,” says Tracy Ann van Rooyen, Showmax’s new executive head of content. “We have helped filmmakers like Mandla N and Kelsey Egan produce their first movies, which both went on to win SAFTAs and achieve incredible success. So, we’re delighted to showcase a new wave of filmmakers at this year’s Joburg Film Festival.”
The Star