A free Freedom Day weekend film festival in the Free State
The 2025 Festival Theme, Freegitives , explores South African political renegades: fugitives within a period of freedom.
Siyavuta (dir. Mpendulo Myeni) is about activist-turned-artist Moses Lechuti (accused of being an apartheid informant) while Whispering Truth to Power (dir. Shameela Seedat) depicts the former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela (accused of serving White Monopoly Capital). Showing for the first time is Behind the Mic (dir. Mpho Tau) and Whose Democracy? (dir. Jordan Pieters), which explore disability and youth respectively as categories of exile and exclusion, while Dijana Maro (dir. Madinny Lebeko) will have its festival premiere.
Wrapping up the selection is Stillborn (dir. Jahmil X.T. Qubeka) and Amanzi (dir. Mpendulo Myeni) which explore afrofuturist or surrealist narratives of 'freegitivism'. Including talks, workshops and an exhibition, CINEBA 2025 promises to be the biggest film event in the Free State.
Venue: 56 Tambo
16:30
CAPSULE: Festival Opening Event
17:00
Film Screening: "Siyavuta: Theatre of the Past"
17:30
Film Screening: "Whose Democracy?"
18:00
Director's Talk: Jordan Pieters
Venue: 56 Tambo
12:00
RENEGADE: Skateboarding Exhibition
14:00
Film Screening: "Behind the Mic"
14:30
Film Screening: "Amanzi"
15:30
Film Screening: "Whispering Truth to Power"
17:00
Panel Discussion: "The Future of Free State Film"
Venue: 56 Tambo
14:00
Film Screening: "Dijana Maro"
15:00
Producer's Talk: Vincent Tsoametsi
Venue: 56 Tambo
12:00
AFROFUTURE: A celebration of film, technology and the continent.
14:00
QUEER FUTURES: A discussion of queer identity and film.
16:00
Film Screening: "Stillborn"
16:30
Closing: "Afroma Launch"
Supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
The CineBa! Film Festival (CINEBA) is a vibrant celebration of storytelling, culture, and freedom, held annually over South Africa's Freedom Day weekend in the heart of the Free State province.
This community festival is dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of thought-provoking local films, with a focus on narratives that challenge perspectives, celebrate diversity, and explore themes of social justice, identity, and resilience. By bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences, CINEBA fosters meaningful dialogue and critical engagement with the power of cinema.
Set against the backdrop of South Africa's rich history and diverse people, the festival is not only a tribute to artistic expression but also a profound reflection on the enduring significance of freedom and human connection. Join us for an inspiring weekend where film becomes a catalyst for change and understanding.