The South African Film Festival (SAFF) is set to return this May, running from the 4th to the 31st across Australia and New Zealand. Celebrating the vibrancy of South Africa’s storytelling tradition, this year’s edition features both in-cinema and online screenings, offering a dynamic program of films and interactive discussions.
The festival supports Education without Borders, a charitable initiative focused on empowering South African youth through educational programs in literacy, mathematics, leadership, and mentorship.
SAFF 2025 showcases an impressive lineup of acclaimed works, including Old Righteous Blues, South Africa’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, and The Last Ranger, a short film nominated for an Oscar.
These and other films in the lineup explore the depth and variety of South African society, from its complex history to contemporary social and cultural themes. With a total of nine feature films, eleven documentaries, and thirteen short films, the festival promises a rich and varied cinematic experience.
The festival opens with a special double screening of Old Righteous Blues and The Last Ranger in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland, complete with celebratory opening night events.
Notable entries include The Showerhead, which delves into the legacy of renowned cartoonist Zapiro, and Spud, a nostalgic coming-of-age comedy featuring Troye Sivan and John Cleese. Meanwhile, The Friendship Bench offers an inspiring look at community-based mental health care and will be accompanied by a live Q&A session at its Sydney screening.
Adding a fresh voice to the festival, this year also includes Shap Shap, a touching narrative by South African-Australian filmmaker Kgomotso Sekhur. The film follows a young boy’s search for his father and the lessons he learns along the way. Also on the lineup is Kwiksilwers, a comedic yet heartfelt story about four older friends chasing the wonder of a meteor shower.
As SAFF enters its seventh year, festival directors Collins Rex and Ricky Human emphasize the continued importance of showcasing both established and emerging voices from South Africa’s cinematic landscape.