Joburg Film Festival's Breathtaking Opening Film

Joburg Film Festival To Open With Powerful World Premiere of Ernest Cole – Lost & Found

The 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival in partnership with MultiChoice Group, is set to kick off next month, featuring the world premiere of the highly-anticipated documentary Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.

This breathtaking film, which had its World Premiere at the renowned Cannes Film Festival in France and won the award for Best Documentary, highlights the life and work of one of South Africa’s most prominent and pioneering photographers, Ernest Cole. It promises to leave audiences captivated and inspired. Don’t miss your chance to witness the profound story of a man whose work transcended borders and whose spirit is now being honoured in his own homeland.

From March 11-16, 2025, Johannesburg will be transformed into a buzzing cinematic playground, from dazzling red-carpet premieres to exclusive industry networking. The festival is set to deliver an unforgettable immersive experience for film lovers and professionals alike, showcasing over 100 films from across the globe. Whether you’re into thought-provoking storytelling or heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat narratives, JFF 2025 is the place to be.

More about Ernest Cole: Lost and Found

In a world where photography was not yet recognised as a tool for social change, Ernest Cole took it upon himself to document the stark realities of the apartheid era. Despite facing numerous challenges, Cole’s groundbreaking images revealed the often-unseen struggles of ordinary people under the oppressive regime. Today, his photographs are considered some of the most important and poignant visual records of the time.

A vast collection of his work was found hidden in a bank vault in Sweden, completely unknown to the world. To this day, no one knows who’s been footing the bill for its storage all these years. The collection has since been returned to his family, and a selection of these extraordinary images is currently on display at the Goodman Gallery in Cape Town, showcasing the remarkable depth of Cole’s vision.

Directed by internationally acclaimed, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck — known for Lumumba, which explores the life of Patrice Emery Lumumba, and I Am Not Your Negro, chronicling the legacy of James Baldwin — this compelling film will open the festival, with Peck in attendance. The evening will be a tribute to both the remarkable life of Ernest Cole and the profound impact of storytelling, as seen through the lens of one of cinema’s most renowned directors.

Nhlanhla Ndaba, the festival curator, reflects,

“This feature explores not only Cole’s incredible body of work but also his tragic and untimely death whilst in exile at the age of 49. With exclusive access to his photos and a profound exploration of his legacy, this documentary serves as a long-awaited homecoming for a man whose dream was always to return to South Africa.”

This year’s edition of the Joburg Film Festival will feature 28 African premieres — spanning both fiction and eye-opening non-fiction films—and 12 world premieres, including two must-see South African features; the excitement is off the charts! But that’s not all — JFF 2025 is doubling down on emerging talent by spotlighting student films from top institutions like AFDA, TUT, UCT, and WITS.

The festival invites you to follow The Golden Thread — our 2025 theme — celebrating the shared experiences and emotions that unite us through the art of storytelling. Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey where creativity and culture intertwine on the big screen. Be part of the magic — get your tickets now!

To find out more about the Joburg Film Festival visit the website. View the full list of films here.

About Joburg Film Festival
The Joburg Film Festival is Africa’s premier film event, dedicated to showcasing exceptional cinematic works while nurturing the growth of the African film industry. With a focus on diverse storytelling and fostering dialogue, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences for an enriching cultural experience.