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Mbombela, Mpumalanga — Mpumalanga is preparing to host filmmakers, creatives and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and abroad as the Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) returns from 3 to 10 August 2025.
The festival, which has become one of the province’s growing creative platforms, aims to showcase African storytelling while creating opportunities for local filmmakers to engage with the international film industry.
This year’s edition will take place across multiple venues, including Mbombela, Secunda, eMalahleni and the Kruger National Park. Organisers say the approach is intended to make film more accessible to communities across the province while also highlighting Mpumalanga’s cultural and tourism attractions.
A total of 56 films have been selected for screening from 184 submissions received by the festival. The programme includes documentaries, feature films and short productions from both emerging and established filmmakers.
Festival director Wiseman Nkosi said MIFF continues to focus on developing local talent and creating platforms for underrepresented voices in the film industry.
“The festival is not only about entertainment. It is about creating opportunities for filmmakers, developing skills and ensuring stories from Mpumalanga and Africa reach wider audiences,” Nkosi said.
In addition to screenings, the festival will host workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions aimed at equipping aspiring filmmakers with industry knowledge and access to potential funders, distributors and producers.
Organisers believe the festival will also contribute to the province’s economy, with visitors expected to support local accommodation establishments, restaurants and transport services during the week-long event.
The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony in Mbombela on 10 August, where filmmakers will be recognised in several categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Documentary and Best Emerging Filmmaker.
As the festival expands its footprint across the province, MIFF is positioning itself as both a celebration of African cinema and a growing platform for creative development in Mpumalanga.
