South African (SA) audiences are once again invited to experience the European Film Festival, now in its 12th edition in the country.

Running now to October 19, the festival brings ten acclaimed films from across Europe to screens in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with an online programme available to other Southern African countries including Malawi, eSwatini, and Lesotho.

Mandisa Zitha, Director of the European Film Festival in SA, said the event provides a platform for cross-cultural exchange through cinema. The festival features films from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the United Kingdom (UK), exploring themes of love, identity, family, migration, and personal transformation. Several films also tackle contemporary social issues, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and intersex experiences and shifting family dynamics.

Zitha explained that curating the festival involved selecting one film per country to ensure the stories resonate with SA audiences while reflecting Europe’s evolving social and political landscape. A highlight is the Portuguese-UK co-production The Great Yamas, which examines migration and labour conditions in the UK, offering universal themes of ambition and perseverance.

The festival aims to contribute to the growth of SA’s film culture by engaging young audiences and expanding cinematic literacy. Screenings are hosted in cinemas, arts spaces, academic institutions, and film clubs, with both in-person and online options ensuring accessibility.

Tickets for online streaming are free but require prior reservation due to limited screenings.

–ChannelAfrica–