The East London Film Festival is an annual event held in East London, a city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The festival showcases a diverse range of films from both local and international filmmakers. With a focus on independent cinema, the festival provides a platform for emerging talent and promotes cultural exchange through the medium of film.

The festival features a wide variety of film genres, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, and experimental films. It aims to engage and entertain audiences while also stimulating discussions on social issues and artistic expression. The curated selection of films reflects the cultural diversity and creative spirit of the region.

In addition to film screenings, the festival offers workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. These events provide valuable insights into the craft of filmmaking and offer a platform for filmmakers to connect and collaborate.

The East London Film Festival contributes to the growth of the local film industry by providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition. It also promotes East London as a vibrant cultural destination, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

Overall, the East London Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange. It brings together filmmakers and audiences in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and encouraging dialogue on important societal issues.

The East London Film Festival is a competition for films and screenplays alike. Feel free to submit your films and your screenplays!

The festival will take place at the Thistlewoods Conference Centre in 2024! We look forward to seeing everybody there!

Best Film: This award recognizes the overall best film in terms of storytelling, direction, and overall quality.

Best Director: This award honours the director who demonstrates exceptional artistic vision, storytelling, and technical proficiency.

Best Actor/Actress: These awards acknowledge outstanding performances by actors or actresses in leading roles.

Best Supporting Actor/Actress: These awards recognize exceptional performances by actors or actresses in supporting roles.

Best Screenplay: This award highlights outstanding writing and storytelling in a film.

Best Cinematography: This award recognizes exceptional visual storytelling through cinematography and camera work.

Best Editing: This award honours the film's editing and post-production work, highlighting seamless storytelling and pacing.

Best Documentary: This award acknowledges the best non-fiction film that explores real-life subjects, events, or issues.

Best Short Film: This award is specifically for films with a shorter duration, often highlighting outstanding storytelling in a condensed format.

Audience Choice Award: This award is determined by the festival attendees, allowing them to vote for their favourite film from the selection.

Special Jury Prize: This award is presented to a film or individual recognized by the festival's jury for a unique accomplishment or contribution.

The festival is a family-friendly event, as a result, films with excessive violence or other mature subjects may be asked to remove certain scenes or not included.

Films may be withdrawn from the competition anytime prior to 24 hours before the film festival begins.

All films will be given 10 complimentary tickets to the film festival, if your film is premiering we will provide 15 free tickets to attend the festival.