The Joburg Film Festival 2025 is set to captivate audiences with its diverse lineup of films, including the powerful documentary Night Train and Capturing Water, a film that sheds light on the pressing issue of water justice in South Africa.

Night Train explores the dark history of the railway line built from Johannesburg to Lorenzo Marques in 1894 and the night trains that transported millions of Mozambican migrant workers to labor in the coal and gold fields of the Witwatersrand.

As the festival showcases the best of African storytelling, Night Train stands out, highlighting the enduring legacy of the continent’s complex history. The documentary, inspired by the academic research of Professor Charles van Onselen, features the haunting composition Stimela by the late South African musician Hugh Masekela. Through intimate reflections from retired migrant workers Fernando Nyabola and Alfred Wachane, the film sheds light on the traumatic experiences of those who rode the Night Train and toiled in the gold mines. Their stories, long buried in the mists of national amnesia, reminds us of the human cost of South Africa’s industrialization. The film is a powerful tribute to the determination of the migrant workers who built the country’s economy and a reflection to the enduring power of African storytelling.

In addition to Night Train, the festival will also feature Capturing Water, a compelling documentary that reveals the fight for water justice in South Africa. Directed by Rehad Desai, the film highlights the critical importance of access to clean water and the struggles of communities denied this basic human right. With a second screening announced for 16 March 2025 at 15:30 at Artistry JHB, audiences will have another chance to experience this thought-provoking film.

The festival’s lineup is a celebration of African storytelling, with over 60 African films showcasing the diversity and complexity of the continent’s experiences. From the gripping tale of ambition and self-discovery in Cotton Dreams to the heartfelt exploration of love and commitment in Dear Future Wife, each film offers a unique perspective on the African condition.

The Joburg Film Festival serves as a premier platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with global stakeholders, and share their stories with a wider audience. As KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film drives the province’s position as a leading destination for film production and investment, the festival presents an opportunity to elevate the local film industry and promote African narratives on a global stage.

Tim Mangwedi, the founder of the Joburg Film Festival, said: “The world is very hungry for new stories, African stories are actually going to explode in the next three to four years. Watch this space. We are going to get Africa in the ‘Best Film’ at the Oscars.” His prediction highlights the growing recognition of African cinema and the importance of platforms like the Joburg Film Festival in amplifying African storytelling.

As the lights dim and the screens come alive, the Joburg Film Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience, one that will leave audiences inspired, moved, and eager to return again and again. With Night Train, Capturing Water, and other powerful films leading the charge, this festival is a celebration of African storytelling that will continue connecting with audiences long after the credits roll.

Whether you are a film enthusiast, a cultural aficionado, or simply someone who loves a great story, the Joburg Film Festival 2025 is an event not to be missed. Running from 11 to 16 March, the festival offers a diverse lineup of films, workshops, and networking opportunities, promising an enriching and unforgettable experience for all who attend.