At the heart of the Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) are its vibrant special events, curated to celebrate culture, build community, and deepen the impact of the cinematic experience. These signature gatherings go beyond the screen, from red carpet premieres and opening night galas to filmmaker meet-and-greets, heritage tours, and live performances that showcase the province’s rich artistic and musical talent. MIFF’s special events create immersive moments where guests, creatives, and industry leaders connect in meaningful, memorable ways.
One of MIFF’s most anticipated highlights is this year’s Festival, where 56 films will be screening across the province of Mpumalanga, a week-long music, dance, and storytelling event to honour the spirit of the province of the rising sun. Other standout events include community film nights in rural areas, youth engagement days, and collaborations with tourism partners that link filmmaking to heritage and economic development. These experiences strengthen MIFF’s vision of using film not only as entertainment but as a tool for education, empowerment, and cultural exchange, making every event a celebration of who we are and what we can become through the power of storytelling.
MIFF PROGRAMMES THAT TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
1. Mpumalanga International Film Festival (Flagship Program)
The only business-centric, educational film event in Mpumalanga. It is a 7-day celebration of film, storytelling, investment, education, and distribution. Films like Fractured that participated in MIFF workshops have successfully secured funding through the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). MIFF is where deals are made and careers are launched.
2. CoCinema
A community-focused cinema program bringing the big screen to rural and township audiences, educating them about film production and compliance. In partnership with the Film Publication Board (FPB), we ensure that all films screened are legally classified. In one year, CoCinema has reached over 18 communities and 900 young people.
3. Theatre Friday
A dynamic weekly program using theatre to address social issues such as drug abuse, GBV, and youth mental health. This program includes poetry, spelling bees, disability-focused performances, and public sector engagement. Theatre Friday has created over 27 jobs and inspired dozens of youth-driven narratives.
4. Heritage Quest (Virtual Reality Preservation)
Funded by the National Heritage Council and supported by the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, this initiative transforms heritage sites into immersive virtual experiences. From Pilgrim’s Rest to Barberton, we have already created 50 jobs and plan to scale this to 100 by Heritage Month 2025.