Last updated on November 15th, 2023 at 07:18 pm
The highly anticipated 6th edition of the Africa Rising International Film Festival (ARIFF) has officially announced its dates. This year, under the captivating theme “Africa In Frame: Shaping the Future of African Cinema,” ARIFF 6 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of African storytelling. Established as a premier, world-class social impact film festival that amplifies the African voice, ARIFF is set to take place from the 24th to the 26th of November 2023, spanning various locations across the country.
In an exciting development, this year’s edition of ARIFF takes center stage by showcasing both Pan African and International Films on the big screens. While maintaining its presence at ‘The Ster-Kinekor Cinemas’ at Rosebank Mall and the Bioscope Independent Cinema, ARIFF is expanding its reach. The festival is spreading cinematic magic to new provinces, with screenings at The North West Matlosane Cinema and Limpopo Mbombela Ster Kinekor. But the excitement doesn’t stop there—brace yourselves for ARIFF’s bold leap into Namibia, marking a new chapter in the festival’s journey.
Lala Tuku, ARIFF President, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The 6th Africa Rising International Film Festival (ARIFF) is poised to redefine the landscape of African cinema with the theme ‘Africa In Frame. This year’s ARIFF is set to be an exceptional celebration of African storytelling, one that captures the very essence of our rich culture and the spirit of innovation.”
A significant focus of this year’s ARIFF is to celebrate and document the journey of young emerging filmmakers alongside established industry veterans. These voices not only reflect the present but are charting the course for the future of African cinema. ARIFF acknowledges the vital role these talented individuals play in shaping Africa’s cinematic heritage and is dedicated to honoring their creativity and vision.
The festival offers an inclusive experience for a diverse audience, catering to film enthusiasts, youth, and women working in the film industry. ARIFF’s curated programs encompass various aspects of film production, including Film Screenings, The ARIFF Film Child, the Digital hub, ARIFF Talk Series, and Film for change. Through these initiatives, ARIFF serves as a vehicle for knowledge transfer to emerging filmmakers and addresses critical issues within the industry.
ARIFF’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and audiences is evident through the ARIFF Film Child program. This initiative introduces cinema to children at a young age, aiming to build a new generation of filmmakers and film lovers. Since its inception, ARIFF has exposed over 3000 children to the magic of cinema.
The ARIFF Talks program will delve into the substantial contribution of the film sector to South Africa’s economy, offering employment opportunities and supporting numerous households. Through a dynamic program featuring power panels, one-on-one sessions, and masterclasses led by prominent industry figures, ARIFF Talks will explore the value chain of storytelling, its various elements and impacts, and strategies to enhance the economic sustainability of the African film industry.
The festival’s film curation process is meticulous, focusing on the selection of films that showcase an evolution in filmmaking and storytelling tools. ARIFF aims to present a fresh perspective on African Cinema, challenging existing norms, igniting thought-provoking conversations, and ultimately reshaping the industry in innovative and groundbreaking ways.
As ARIFF invites you to be part of this remarkable celebration of African cinema, together, we will explore the innovative stories that are redefining the industry and shaping the future of African Cinema.