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.

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!

There will be a variety of awards on offer at the festival:
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Design
Best Editing
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Short Script
Best Feature script
Best Costume Design
Best Production Design
Best Production

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Films may be withdrawn from the competition anytime prior to 24 hours before the film festival begins.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Caroline Baggaley

    My film, LAILA NADENE, was selected for Feature Film (November). Even though we didn’t progress any further in this festival, I just want to say congratulations to all the winners! Making a movie is hard work, lots of fun, but still, lots of work. Your awards are well-deserved! On behalf of myself, my cast and crew, Thank You, East London. We are very grateful!

    December 2023
  • Arca Lui Scora

    Lovely and very emotional experience! Thank you, East Lodon Film festival for the selection and for the beautiful, encouraging words.

    November 2023
  • Passionate and professional crew, cool fest, thank you!

    November 2023
  • we are really glad to be selected with "the other land" in your amazing festival! Thank you so much!

    November 2023
  • Sean O Deadaigh

    One of the best film festivals we have screened in . Full stop.

    November 2023