Joburg Film Festival 2024

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

The much-anticipated Joburg Film Festival in partnership with MultiChoice, is set to return in the first quarter of 2024, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts for a celebration of storytelling through the art of film.

With a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and narratives, the festival promises to captivate audiences not just in Joburg, but across the African diaspora and beyond. Born out of the desire to create an exciting, independent platform that not only tells Africa’s stories, but also rewards local and international excellence in film, the premiere festival will take place from the 27^th February to the 3^rd March 2024.

The festival is renowned as a prominent platform for showcasing local and international talent and is gearing up for a sixth edition of an extraordinary presentation of cinematic excellence. Scheduled to take place in Sandton, the heart of South Africa’s vibrant business scene, the event will feature a captivating lineup of screenings, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The Joburg Film Festival stands as a grand celebration honouring the art of storytelling while embracing the legacy of cinematic legends. With its central theme focused on inspiring storytellers who captivate audiences across the globe, the festival will further celebrate these legends in film. It serves as a platform that not only showcases groundbreaking narratives from emerging voices but also pays homage to the trailblazers and luminaries whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. From thought-provoking panel discussions to mesmerizing screenings, the festival reverberates with the energy of passionate storytellers, eager to inspire and be inspired. It’s a harmonious blend where the past meets the present, fostering an environment that honors the established whilst propelling the next generation of filmmakers toward greatness.

“In the dynamic landscape of ‘Glocalisation’ of media & entertainment, the Joburg Film Festival is a pivotal platform at the heart of Africa’s cultural and creative revolution. This sub Saharan African premier film festival & content market trade fair is set against the back drop of the continent’s rich stories and talent. It embodies the spirit of new Africa, one that is eager to showcase its creative prowess and engage in dialogue with the global community” stated Joburg Film Festival Executive Director Tim Mangwedi. ” Now in its 6th year, the Joburg Film Festival continues to celebrate the art of filmmaking. It brings together the best of African cinema, offering a window into the soul of a continent bursting with inspiring stories waiting to be told and heard on the international stage by Africans”.

Building on its legacy of promoting diverse perspectives and voices, the festival also aims to spotlight emerging talent alongside established filmmakers, offering a platform for creative expression and storytelling that reflects the richness of Africa’s cinematic landscape.

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Gimme, Gimme, Gimme “Mamma Mia”

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

“Honey, honey!” It’s time to party! Island style! The new look production of MAMMA MIA! opens at Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre Centre on Wednesday, 06 March 2024 for a limited season ending on Sunday, 07 April 2024. Thereafter the show moves to Montecasino’s Teatro, Johannesburg opening on Friday, 12 April 2024. Tickets are on sale at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za

Featuring a full South African cast, crew and band headed by the Award-winning South African creative team MAMMA MIA! combines the finest talent this country has to offer both on and off stage. “It’s the name of the game”. Produced by leading SA promoter Showtime Management, this major international “guaranteed feel-good musical” features the timeless ABBA songs composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, including Knowing me, Knowing You; Dancing Queen; I have a Dream; Voulez Vous and many more.

Written by Catherine Johnson, MAMMA MIA! is the enchanting tale of family and friendship that unfolds on a Greek island paradise. “Lay All Your Love on Me!” On the evening of her wedding, daughter and bride-to-be Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past back to the island they visited 20 years ago in the hope of discovering which one is her father. “Does Your Mother Know?” MAMMA MIA! is a story of love laughter and friendship – it’s a wedding, it’s a party. Come celebrate with the ultimate guaranteed feel-good musical. “I Do, I Do, I Do!”

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‘Aunty Merle – Things Get Real’ Comes To Johannesburg

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

Following hot on the stiletto heels of the smash hit musical comedy, Aunty Merle It’s A Girl, Marc Lottering and a dynamic cast return to the stage with the hit sequel Aunty Merle Things Get Real from 16 February to 3 March 2024 at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

Two years have gone by since we last visited Aunty Merle on Belgravia Road and things are about to get real…really real! Aunty Merle Abrahams has survived Covid-19 and lockdown and is navigating her way through the darkness of loadshedding. But now her loving husband, Dennis, is keeping a secret from her. One which is about to turn Merle’s world upside down. Her spirits may sink even lower than her sunken lounge.

“When I started creating this story, the world found itself in a delicate space post-Covid, along with South Africa facing its own burning issues. The challenge was to acknowledge the realities of the world Aunty Merle was living in but to also keep the audience laughing,” shares Lottering on where he drew inspiration for the new offering.

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Michael Jackson HIStory Tribute Concert

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

Start 2024 at the Joburg Theatre with the Michael Jackson HIStory tribute concert on stage at the iconic Mandela Theatre from 18 January to 04 February for ten performances only at 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with 2pm performances on Sundays. This spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honours the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Tickets are on sale at www.joburgtheatre.com

Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances evoking his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his ground-breaking theatrics in the 80’s and his continued domination of Pop culture into the 21st century.

Songs include Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat It, ABC, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Human Nature, PYT, They Don’t Really Care About Us and many more.

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Reebok Celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop with an Exclusive Track by DJ Ready D and YoungstaCPT

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

Reebok made a resounding return to the world of hip hop with its highly anticipated event, Back Like We Never Left, which went down on 7 December 2023. To mark the occasion and celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the brand collaborated with hip hop heavyweights, DJ Ready D and YoungstaCPT, on the release of a new track, Back Like I Never Left, available on select streaming platforms from 8 December 2023.

The Back Like We Never Left event was a tribute to the golden days of hip hop while also celebrating its present and future. Paying homage to the genre’s 50-year history, the event invited attendees to explore the eras that shaped the culture in real-time. A massive highlight was the debut of Back Like I Never Left, by DJ Ready D and YoungstaCPT.