Africa Rising International Film Festival

Africa Rising International Film Festival (ARIFF) is an African premier film festival which gives rise to the African voice.

The social impact inspired film Festival centers marginalized and previously disadvantaged members of society. This Pan African world class film festival formed in 2018, is consciously inclusive with an intentional focus on women, youth, people with disabilities and the LGTBQIA filmmaker community.

ARIFF is produced by leading women and youth in the South African creative industry.

ARIFF co-founders Ms. Lala Tuku and Ayanda Sithebe, Ms. Tuku who serves as the festival chairperson is a seasoned Film/TV Executive Producer and Entrepreneur. Mr. Sithebe in his capacity as Festival Director is the Founder/CEO of Actors Spaces and Casting Director.

At the heart of the festival is the exhibition of African Cinema, with a particular skew on programs curated to address the long-standing issues of transformation within the Film and Television industry. Through our core film program, we give space to the participation of women, young people, the LGBTQ+ community and people living with disabilities as urgent storytellers of our time. To not only showcase their work but also be seen as equal participants of the Film and Television industry.

The programme kicks off with the highly anticipated Opening Film (to be announced), hosted at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau, Rosebank, setting the tone for a weekend of powerful storytelling and creative exchange. Throughout the festival, audiences will experience a full slate of shorts, features and documentaries, alongside the launch of the Digital Hub, a space exploring the intersection of film, creativity and technology.

Audiences can also look forward to an exciting new segment titled “Buzz in the Creative Streets”, highlighting storytellers who use creative expression across diverse mediums such as advertising, digital design and new media. Special screenings include ‘Black Women and Sex’ directed by Godisamang Khunou, at Atlas Studios; ‘I Think I Should Say Something’ directed by Mbali Mashaba premiering at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau , 'Ubani Lore' directed by Nqanawe Shangase premiering at Atlas Studios and Carissa, directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delma screening at Atlas Studios, continuing ARIFF’s tradition of amplifying emerging voices in African cinema.

This year’s ARIFF Talks promise to spark meaningful conversations that shape cinema and creative thinking. Presentations from rising voices in the industry incl

ude Lehlohonolo Masipa (Director & Cinematographer) with Breaking Down the Path, and Gcobisa Yako (Creative Director) exploring Between Story and Strategy. The programme also features a Stunt Masterclass with Kabelo Chalatsane, unpacking the art of physical storytelling, and a Masterclass with Nicolette Scheepers, Chief of Content at Ster-Kinekor, titled What Makes for a Successful Theatrical Release.