Cutting-edge cinema with a purpose raises funds for young South Africans.
The South African Film Festival (SAFF) is back with a powerful punch this May, delivering a knockout lineup of boundary-pushing films that’ll shake your perspective and feed your soul.
The month-long cultural feast kicks off May 4, serving up a smorgasbord of award-winning flicks, provocative docos and shorts that capture the beating heart of South Africa’s diverse creative scene.
South African Film Festival 2025
- Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 31
- Online at saff.org.au
- In-cinema screenings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland
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This year’s program is stacked with serious cinematic heat, including South Africa’s official Oscar selection Old Righteous Blues and the Oscar-nominated short The Last Ranger.
But SAFF isn’t just about watching sick films – every ticket helps fund education programs for young South Africans through charity Education Without Borders.
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Festival Director Collins Rex is properly amped about this seventh edition, promising “a larger lineup of stellar films than ever before” with bonus content to boot. Fellow director Ricky Human teases some extra surprises including filmmaker visits that’ll take the experience to another level.
Opening night on May 4 is ready to pop off with a banging double bill featuring the Oscar-selected Old Righteous Blues and Academy Award-nominated short The Last Ranger. Catch these gems plus opening night vibes in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
The 2025 program is absolutely heaving with content – nine feature films, 11 docos and 13 shorts that capture everything from environmental justice to mental health innovations.
One festival highlight, The Showerhead, examines cartoonist Zapiro’s journey from antiapartheid activist to freedom-of-expression champion, with the man himself (Jonathan Shapiro) appearing at select screenings.
For those seeking laughs, Spud brings the teenage awkwardness with Troye Sivan and comedy legend John Cleese navigating adolescence in a changing South Africa. Meanwhile, The Friendship Bench tracks an innovative mental health program where grandmothers counsel those in need of support.
SAFF 2025 is also backing emerging talent, supporting South African-born Australian filmmaker Kgomotso Sekhu’s Shap Shap – the tale of 13-year-old Mmusi searching for his father in the township.
Grab your tickets to the South African Film Festival here.
