festival programme
festival programme
Our inaugural festival promises an unforgettable programme, unfolding over three inspiring days 5–7 June 2025.
film screenings
Independent films, documentaries, shorts, and retrospectives illuminating freedom movements and contemporary voices of change.
panel discussions
Dynamic conversations with filmmakers, historians, activists, and cultural thought leaders.
workshops & masterclasses
Empowering new storytellers and cultural practitioners to claim their narrative power.
special tributes
Commemorations of Robert Sobukwe’s centenary and the enduring legacy of Bhut’ Dini Sobukwe through the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust.
marketplace & bookstore
Discover exclusive festival merchandise, Sobukwe literature, and a curated collection of texts on resistance and liberation.
festival programme
Stay connected for updates and make plans to join us in Graaff-Reinet, 5–7 June 2025.
DAY 1 – Thursday, 5 June 2025
08:00 – 08:45
Registration & Morning Coffee
Rupert Theatre Foyer - Festival check-in and welcome refreshments.
09:00 – 09:30
Official Welcome & Opening Remarks
Rupert Theatre - With Festival Director Mariza Matshaya and Mayor Willem Safers. Hosted by MC Andile Nebulane.
09:30 – 13:00
Skills Development Programme – Day 1
Various Venues - Launch of cinema, music, and printmaking labs with professional mentors.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
Festival Courtyard - Featuring local cuisine and community stalls.
14:00 – 15:30
Skills Sessions Continue
Workshop Spaces - Practical development and group work sessions.
15:30 – 16:30
Skills Recap & Reflection
Rupert Theatre - Participants share insights and plan Day 2 activities.
17:00 – 18:15
Welcome Drinks & Networking Mixer
Rupert Theatre Courtyard - With live acoustic set and opening remarks from partners.
18:30 – 20:30
Opening Film: Mother City
Rupert Theatre - Directed by Miki Redelinghuys & Pearlie Joubert. A poetic exploration of land and justice.
20:30 – 20:45
Director Q&A
Rupert Theatre - With Miki Redelinghuys and Face Swartbooi and cast
Moderator: Sandz Tshefu.
DAY 2 – Friday, 6 June 2025
09:00 – 10:00
Keynote Conversation
Rupert Theatre - With NFVF's Nadine Cloete and Tsepo Mangaliso Sobukwe. Moderated by Andile Nebulane.
10:15 – 11:00
Panel: Emerging Voices
Outdoor Stage - Featuring Leron Adonis (NFVF), Vuyo Giba, Sandiswa Tshefu, and young filmmakers.
11:00 – 12:45
Screening: Intellectual Giants of Eastern Cape
Rupert Theatre - Followed by Q&A with Dr Hleze (virtual)
12:30 - 13:00
Lunch Break
Festival Courtyard
13:00 – 15:00
Double Feature: Onse Land + Uprize!
Rupert Theatre - Followed by Q&A with Sifiso Khanyile, and land justice activists.
15:15 – 16:30
NFVF Roundtable: Vision for Storytelling
Rupert Theatre - A strategic session hosted by NFVF on the future of inclusive storytelling.
16:30 – 17:30
Skills Lab Recap
Various Venues - Project development for Day 3 showcase.
18:00 – 18:20
Screening: Liberation Machine
Rupert Theatre - Directed by Mariza Matshaya.
18:30 – 19:00
Performance: Isikhalo se Ndoda
Rupert Theatre - Live solo dance by Andile Vellem.
19:00 - 20:00
Evening Mixer & Reflections
Theatre Courtyard - Thabiso DJ Set at Frontiers
DAY 3 – Saturday, 7 June 2025
08:30 – 09:30
Reflection Circle
Festival Courtyard - Morning gathering for Skills Lab and mentors.
09:30 – 11:00
Panel: Archives and Memory
Rupert Theatre - With Enver Samuels, Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe, Neco Bokwe. Moderated by Vuyo Giba.
11:15 - 12:30
Double Feature: Screening: Sobukwe: A Tribute to Integrity
Rupert Theatre - Virtual Q&A with Kevin Harris
12:30 - 13:15
Truth Be Told: The Breastfeeding Warrior Screening Q&A with Enver Samuels
Rupert Theatre - Moderator: Tsepo Sobukwe
13:15 - 14:15
Lunch Break
Festival Courtyard
14:15 - 16:00
The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp
Rupert Theatre - Dennis Harvey Virtual Q&A
Short Film Showcase
Featuring works from the Skills Lab programme.
16:15 - 16:45
Tribute: Bhut’ Dini Sobukwe
Robert Sobukwe Museum (TBC) - Honouring his legacy through reflection and artistic tributes.
17:00 - 18:00
48-Hour Film Challenge Showcase
Rupert Theatre - Celebrating community co-creation and emerging voices.
18:00 – 19:00
Closing Ceremony & Awards
Rupert Theatre - With Festival Director Mariza Matshaya and NFVF.
19:00 - 20:00
Farewell Reception: Our Fire Still Burns with IPhupho L’ka Biko
Outdoor Stage - Live music and community celebration.