Three
Director: Nayla Al Khaja
Filmmaker in Attendance + Live Q&A
Time 11:30 - 13:30
Venue: Labia Theatre, Cinema 3
Director in attendance + Q&A

From acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja comes Three: a haunting and emotionally resonant exploration of motherhood, trauma, and resilience.

Three follows a mother’s desperate search for answers as her young son begins to exhibit disturbing behaviour, blurring the line between real and the supernatural. Al Khaja’s powerful direction and visual precision make Three both a deeply human story and a gripping psychological experience.

Location: Labia Cinema 1
Time: 11:30 - 12:25
Speakers: Grant Powell, De Ville van Niekerk, Christy Morcos, Diana Mills Smith - Moderated by Suraya Rose Santos
Presented by The South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF)

Scaling Stories with Spectacular Stunts
Have you ever wondered what it takes to pull off jaw-dropping action on screen? Join some of South Africa’s leading stunt professionals: De Ville Niekerk, Christy Morcos, and director Diana Mills Smith for an exclusive look into the world of stunt coordination and safety in film.

This session includes short stunt-focused films followed by a discussion.

Location: Cinema 1, Labia Theatre
Time: 12:30 - 13:45
Speakers: Alastair Orr, Khosie Dali, Ian Gabriel, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi - Moderated By David Franciscus
Presnted by The South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF)

Join leading South African genre filmmakers, including Alastair Orr, Khosie Dali, Ian Gabriel, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi as they explore the creative and logistical journey of making genre films in Africa with international appeal from concept to completion.

Expect candid insights on screenwriting, directing, financing, and the challenges of local production, plus stories from behind the scenes of some of South Africa’s most daring films.

Location: Cinema 1, Labia Theatre
Time: 14:00 - 16:15
Director: Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi
Filmmaker in Attendance + Q&A

Experience the gripping Nigerian revenge thriller 3 Cold Dishes from award-winning director Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi. A tale of trauma, resilience, and justice, the film explores the scars of violence and the human drive for redemption.

Join us for a special African spotlight screening, followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaker, delving into his vision and the growth of West African cinema.

Location: Cinema 3, Labia Theatre
Time: 14:00 - 15:15
Filmmakers in Attendance + Live Q&As

This thoughtful collection of documentaries and human stories celebrates connection in all its forms, across cultures, generations, and experiences.

From intimate portraits to issue-driven narratives, these short films capture real lives and authentic voices from around the world. Stay for a Q&A session with the filmmakers after the screening.

- RED (IRAN)
- ADJUSTMENTS (UK)
- WORMWOOD (SA)
- CARACAL (SA)
- BRIDGE - MY LITTLE FRIENDS (JAPAN)
- THE CHICK (LIBYA)
- CORNELLSKOP: FREEDOM
FROM FEAR (DOCCIE) (SA)

Location: Cinema 3, Labia Theatre
Time: 15:30 - 17:15
Director: Marc Schölermann

Bark is a dark psychological thriller that delves into the tension between human instinct and modern morality.

Stylishly shot and emotionally gripping, the film unravels a disturbing mystery that forces its characters, and viewers, to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Location: Cinema 3, Labia Theatre
Time: 17:30 - 19:15
Filmmakers in Attendance + Live Q&As

Adrenaline, suspense, and cinematic precision: this sums up the Action & Thriller Shorts Package that brings together heart-pounding stories and bold visual storytelling from some of South Africa’s most dynamic filmmakers.

Featuring high-stakes sequences, gritty performances, and edge-of-your-seat moments!

- VOYEUR (IRAN)
- TWAIN (UK)
- STAY CALM (UK)
- GANGSTERS TEA (SA)
- NONAMEBLADE (TAIWAN)

Hunting Jessica Brok
Director: Alastair Orr
Filmmaker in Attendance + Live Q&A
Time: 19:30 - 22:00
Venue: Labia Theatre, Cinema 3

From acclaimed South African filmmaker Alastair Orr (Triggered, House on Willow Street) comes Hunting Jessica Brok, a relentless and visually striking thriller.

A retired special forces agent must battle a group of vengeful psychopaths and the African wilderness to get back to her daughter.

Stay after the screening for an in-person Q&A with director Allistair Orr.

IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED A TICKET FOR ANY SCREENING, ENTRY TO THE OPENING NIGHT PARTY IS FREE. OTHERWISE, TICKETS ARE FREE REGARDLESS.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Location: Tiger's Milk, Kloof Street
Time: 22:00 - 00:45

After a full day of screenings, panels, and red-carpet moments, unwind with the SAIFF Saturday Festival Party, an open celebration for filmmakers, film lovers, and festival guests.

Join us for an evening of music, dancing, and networking as Cape Town’s creative community comes together to celebrate the spirit of independent cinema.