A distinguished group of AFDA alumni have been acknowledged by the Joburg Film Festival for their expertise in various sectors of the film industry. These accomplished professionals will be participating in the JBX Talks programme, which offers a diverse range of film and television-related panels, masterclasses, workshops, in-depth conversations, and script reading sessions. These sessions delve into current industry trends and innovations, fostering valuable industry connections and knowledge-sharing.
Additionally, AFDA alumni Muneera Sallies and Melissa Parry have been selected as judges for the festival’s film competition.
AFDA Alumni Participating in the Joburg Film Festival:
Luke Rous
A highly regarded creative industry executive, Luke Rous has produced over 300 hours of prime-time scripted drama and comedy, along with four feature films, in a career spanning two decades. His impressive body of work has earned over 50 SAFTA nominations and 20 SAFTA wins, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the industry.
Helen Kuun
Helen Kuun is the founder of Indigenous Film Distribution, the first independent film distribution company dedicated to South African and African-produced feature films. With over 25 years of experience, she has been involved in all aspects of film distribution across multiple platforms, including publicity, marketing, acquisitions, development, and sales.
Melissa Parry
A seasoned freelance editor since 2005, Melissa Parry has worked on a variety of projects, including feature films, documentaries, wildlife films, artist’s films, and series. Notable works include Netflix’s first African original Queen Sono (2020), Classified (2023) for Amazon USA, and documentary series Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star (2022) and Tracking Thabo Bester (2024).
Alastair Orr
From independent filmmaking to entrepreneurship, Alastair Orr is now at the helm of The Refinery in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. His deep passion for storytelling and innovation has helped reshape the entertainment industry through his leadership at The Refinery.
Mmamitse Thibedi
Founder and Executive Producer of ORIGINS PICTURES, Mmamitse Thibedi is a visionary leader shaping the South African television landscape. Since graduating from AFDA, she has consistently delivered groundbreaking content, merging creative vision with strategic execution.
Jordy Sank
A two-time South African Film and TV Award-winning director, screenwriter, and producer, Jordy Sank is best known for his feature documentary I Am Here (2021), which won Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival. He was also honored with the Emerging Filmmaker Award at the SAFTAs (2022) for his exceptional contributions to the industry.
Vusi Africa
An award-winning director, Vusi Africa made a significant impact with his debut feature film Letters of Hope (2019), which premiered at the 40th Durban International Film Festival in competition. The film earned him the DIFF Award for Artistic Bravery and later, the inaugural honorary SAFTA for Best Emerging Filmmaker.
Muneera Sallies
A multi-award-winning filmmaker with two decades of experience, Muneera Sallies has contributed extensively to the film and television industry. She has written, produced, and directed a diverse range of content. Her feature film Old Righteous Blues has received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards at the Silwerskerm Film Festival and becoming South Africa’s official selection for the 97th Academy Awards.
The Joburg Film Festival is a premier cultural event dedicated to nurturing African storytelling, fostering innovation, and supporting industry growth. Now in its seventh edition, the festival curates an engaging selection of African and international films while promoting youth development and professional opportunities through its integrated industry platform.