Arts and Creative Industries / Film and Animation / IFAS supports Soweto Blues screening at Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival

IFAS supports Soweto Blues screening at Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival

Arts and Creative Industries
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10 July

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) was proud to support a special screening of Soweto Blues during the 8th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, held from 13 to 18 June 2026 in Johannesburg and the Vaal Region. The festival brought together children, filmmakers, educators and international guests around the theme Storytelling, Memory and Care, reaffirming the role of film as a tool for education, dialogue and social transformation.

Screened at CineCentre Killarney, Soweto Blues formed one of the festival’s central cultural moments. The documentary explores memory, music, identity and resistance, demonstrating how artistic expression preserves collective histories and creates opportunities for reflection across generations.

Beyond the screening, the festival offered heritage visits, masterclasses and discussions that encouraged children and young people to engage with South Africa’s history while exploring the possibilities of film and storytelling. Professional development sessions also connected local and international practitioners around topics including film production, international partnerships and co-production.

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