Program schedule activities
| Date | Venue | Time | Industry Topic | Objectives |
| 6 Aug 2025 | Ilanga Mall- Mercure Hotel | 12:00pm–6:00pm | Festival Opening & MIFF Mandate Defining the Role of the Film Industry – Panel with education institutions, film studios and public stakeholders FPB | Introducing MIFF’s goals, showcase successful case studies, outline week-long objectives and celebrate selected filmmakers 12-15 pmDescription: This session will provide attendees with information relating to the funding opportunities, provide practical guides and tools for accessing national and international film funding. Other panelists will include the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and Private Investors.Delegation: Refiloe Hlabioa – Production and Development Manager / Tsietsi Themane Production and Development Officer Clarify the economic and cultural role of film, and how industries outside film can collaborate |
| 7 Aug 2025 | Ilanga Mall- Mercure Hotel | 1:00pm–6:00pm | Understanding Insurance in Film Production – Panel with insurance companies, financial advisors and legal experts Government in Film – Policy, Incentives & Regulation – DSAC, DCSR, Treasury, FPB | Educate on types of film insurance, how to access them, importance of legal protection for crew & gear 12-15 Government in Film – Policy, Incentives & Regulation – DSAC, DCSR, Treasury, FPB Evaluate current government support, advocate for a Mpumalanga Film Office, discuss policy reform |
| 8 Aug 2025 | Ilanga Mall & Manyeleti | Game Drive 8-12:00pm Lunch break 1-6:00pm | How to Fund Your Film – Panel with NFVF, IDC, DSAC, SEDA and Private Investors FPB Wildlife Storytelling – Game Drive, Filming in Nature Reserves – SANParks, Wildlife Filmmakers | Game Drive 5am Provide practical guides and tools for accessing national and international film funding for wildlife. Wisani can be a guest speaks. Showcase potential of eco-filmmaking, VR wildlife stories and job creation through nature content NFVF Stuff for a game drive in the morning DCSR Game Drive |
| 9 Aug 2025 | Ilanga Mall- Mercure Hotel | 1:00pm–6:00pm | Women in Film – Gender Representation & Empowerment – Panel with Women Filmmakers, Legal Experts, DCSR, FPB | Celebrate women filmmakers, introduce mentorship opportunities and promote women-driven projects 12-15pm A panel session on wildlife documentary storytelling by women, in creating opportunities and platforms for female filmmakers in the wildlife genre. The panel will further Celebrate women filmmakers, introduce mentorship opportunities and promote women-driven projects. The panel will include female filmmakers, legal experts, representative from the Department of Culture, Sport, and Recreation (DCSR). Delegation: Pragna Parsotam-Kok (Producer, Director) and Lerato Moloi (Director, Editor, Producer and Lawyer) |
| 10 Aug 2025 | Ilanga Mall- Mercure Hotel | 12:00pm–6:00pm | Closing Night Reflections & Awards – Building a Future for Filmmaking in Mpumalanga | Discuss outcomes of the festival, announce next year’s theme, and formalize partnerships |