South Africa
The Station Strangler documentary revisits the serial murders that terrorised Cape Town’s Cape Flats between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, when 21 boys and one adult were killed. As South Africa approached democracy, Mitchells Plain lived in fear while justice remained elusive. The film examines the 2023 parole release of Norman Simons, convicted of only one murder, and the anger it reignited. Through interviews with victims’ families, detectives and profiler Micki Pistorius, the documentary explores trauma, memory and unresolved justice.
The public music project centres on the uhadi bow, engaging participants in its construction and performance while exploring its cultural and historical significance. Drawing on indigenous music therapies and ancestral knowledge, Koela facilitates an interdisciplinary process in which sound serves both as a creative and a restorative force. Participants learn to make and play the instrument while exploring contemporary practices such as beat-making and cross-genre composition. Focused on youth engagement, the project empowers participants as cultural contributors and culminates in a public festival performance that bridges tradition and modern expression.
Presented by The International Institute of the Arts at the University of the Free State
Developed by acclaimed actress Karin Retief, Act Out Workshops is a creative training space that uses drama, storytelling, and performance techniques to build confidence, communication, and self-expression. Through practical, engaging sessions, participants explore creativity, strengthen their voice, and connect with others in a supportive environment. Designed for aspiring performers and professionals alike, the workshops combine acting, improvisation, and storytelling with life-skills development. Act Out Workshops aims to nurture artistic talent while empowering individuals to think boldly, collaborate effectively, and realise their full potential.
Vryfees Quiz Night invites you to put your knowledge to the test during an evening filled with fun and surprises. Team up with friends and family and take part in a dynamic quiz covering current events, literature, and all things festival-related. Teams of 4 to 6 participants can enter for a chance to win exciting prizes while enjoying a lively and social atmosphere. Whether you are a quiz enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, Vryfees Quiz Night offers something for everyone. Bring your team, your knowledge, and your competitive spirit – and see who comes out on top.
MME WE! is a searing and intimate theatrical work that delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship shaped by silence, resilience, and generational longing. Set within the intimate confines of a family home, the production unfolds through a rich interplay of dialogue, movement, and song, revealing the emotional landscapes, tensions, and unspoken connections that define the lives of Black women.
Dive deeper into the world of tea with this insightful panel discussion presented by CoffeeTalks. Discover the stories, processes and unique characteristics behind different typesof tea, as experts share their knowledge on everything from origin and flavour profiles to brewing methods. The conversation also offers a closer look at CoffeeTalks’ own tea ranges and what sets them apart. Whether you’re a dedicated tea lover or simply curious to learn more, this session invites you to slow down, explore and experience tea in a whole new way.
The creators of Tussen Hemel en Aarde and numerous other popular M-Net hits, Reckless Haven and Dear Heart Productions, offer an intimate look at the art of documentary filmmaking. Join the team as they discuss the delicate process of discovering stories, earning participants’ trust, and the emotional journey of transforming real experiences into cinematic truths.
Five decades ago, in January 1976, South Africa’s first television broadcast changed the course of entertainment. To celebrate this milestone, your favourite stars and creators come together to share untold stories from behind the camera, from the early days of the SABC to the issues surrounding television jobs today, and speculate on what the next 50 years will hold.
South Africa
KOMBI (Taxi), A Father’s Sacrifice, shot in less than two days by Prosper Chikwasa, follows a devoted taxi driver navigating South Africa’s dangerous industry during the excitement of the Rugby World Cup. While the nation rallies behind the South African national rugby team, he quietly challenges the stereotypes of taxi drivers – revealing a thoughtful, committed father whose deep love for his children drives the sacrifices he makes every day to secure their future.
South Africa
Centred around the transformative power of para surfing, a sport that not only facilitates physical healing but also fosters a deep sense of pride and agency, Facing Forward follows the build-up to the Para Surf 2024 competition. Following the stories of athletes who have found support, training and community through dedicated surf programmes, the film demonstrates how sport can serve as a vehicle for confidence, connection, and personal growth.
