By Darren Gilbert
In 2012, Lisa Henry, together with Shareen Anderson and Brendon Burmester decided to fulfil their dream. “It was just an idea,” says Henry. But it was an ambitious one: the trio wanted to establish a film festival that showcased not only the rich talent in Johannesburg but also acted as a platform to promote a love for the City. On top of this, they began it with no money or budget.
Just reading that may make you wonder about the rationality of such a dream. However, Johannesburg needed such a film festival. Fortunately, the independent cinema, Bioscope agreed too, helping to sponsor what is now known as the
Jozi Film Festival*. Three years later and the festival is stronger than ever, having secured sponsorship from a range of businesses and organisations including Etana Insurance, Audio Network and Business and Arts South Africa.
It has also opened the door to international films following a strict submission policy for the first two years. “The initial idea was to showcase films from Johannesburg or at least films that were directly linked to the City,” said Henry. However, as Henry points out, there are no borders when it comes to film. Now, while critics may view this as a watering down of the overall idea behind the
Jozi Film Festival, it is by no means a negative thing. In fact, it should rather be seen as a step towards an even better festival.
2014 includes a varied collection of international and local films across five categories. “The balance [between local and international films] is always going to be a challenge,” admits Henry. “However, we have created new award categories specifically for the international entries so there is no need to worry about local films competing against the foreign ones.” Despite the allowance of international films, Henry is quick to point out that the Jozi Film Festival remains committed to showcasing and promoting local talent first and foremost.
One only needs to take a look at the choice of opening film, iNumber Number to know that they are committed. “[It’s a South African film] which we feel will offer inspiration to our filmmakers ... and engage a Jozi audience,” says Henry. It goes without saying that it will, considering it’s directed by Donovan Marsh (of
Spud-fame) and stars Presley Chweneyagae (of
Tsotsi-fame). However, if that is not enough motivation to seek out the
Jozi Film Festival this year, perhaps Wes Anderson’s latest feature film,
The Grand Budapest Hotel will.
These are of course only two of the 40-odd films that are set to be featured at this year’s
Jozi Film Festival. “Two years ago, you couldn’t spend three days watching film [in Johannesburg],” says Henry. Now you can, thanks to the belief that Henry, Anderson and Burmester had in their idea. It’s a step that film lovers (and -makers) are no doubt thankful they took.
*The 2014 Jozi Film Festival takes place across Johannesburg from Friday, 21 February to Sunday, 23 February. Films will be screened at Killarney Mall’s Cine Centre, The Rand Club and The Bioscope Theatre while Goethe on Main will host a number of master classes. For more information, visit www.jozifilmfestival.co.za.