Cape Town Squad International Film Festival Rolls Out the Red Carpet for its 3rd Annual Celebration: The Future of Film
Cape Town, South Africa – August 26th, 2024 – South Africa’s boutique international film festival, the Cape Town Squad International Film Festival (CTSIFF), is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for its 3rd edition, taking place on September 14th and 15th at the stunning rooftop cinema of the Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel. Founded by established actors and filmmakers Natasha Mayet and Jacques Adriaanse, CTSIFF is an IMDb-qualifying festival dedicated to showcasing high-quality independent short films. With a focus on the future of film and diversity, CTSIFF stands out in South Africa and aims to inspire and support the global film community through curated screenings, thought-provoking discussions, and networking opportunities.
This year’s festival, themed “The Future of Film,” promises to showcase cutting-edge storytelling and provide a diverse platform for filmmakers from Africa and around the world to present their work and gain opportunities. “We felt a need for a festival community in South Africa that was diverse and inclusive, and that puts a strong focus on story and strong performances, as we are both actors ourselves. We are incredibly excited as several of the films this year are from female filmmakers and we also have a large number of AI films as we are the only festival in Africa to have a special category and awards for AI filmmakers, along with international AI tech sponsors,” says Natasha Mayet, co-founder of the festival. “We believe in embracing the future of filmmaking and making storytelling accessible to all and AI does that.”
Jacques Adriaanse, co-founder, adds, “It’s an absolute joy to watch filmmakers' artwork come to life in front of well-deserving audiences, and being able to embrace the future of film with more certainty than fear, we hope that this is a festival that feels like a collaboration to those who submit films and to those who attend. Our aim is to equip and inspire indie-filmmakers with all the various opportunities there are in Cape Town and beyond to grow as a global filmmaker. We hope this puts a ding in the Cape Town Filmmaking Universe. A moment of connection, celebration and mind-bending stories like no other.”
In an unprecedented move, CTSIFF 2024 introduced a dedicated AI-generated film category last year, marking it as the first African festival to embrace this technology. The festival’s program includes an AI-generated film by SAFTA winning director Donovan Marsh (Spud, I Am All Girls), exploring the confluence of technology and storytelling. “I wanted to use AI to conjure images beyond my imagination. To charge my expression as a filmmaker. To surprise and enchant me,” says Donovan. Additionally, the festival will feature a brand new prize category for Best AI Film Score, judged by international sponsor AIVA.
The festival’s highlights include an AI Film Panel Discussion with director Donovan Marsh, offering an engaging conversation on the integration of artificial intelligence in filmmaking and the increasing possibilities available to filmmakers. There will also be a panel featuring South Africa’s virtual production studio FilmScape and award-winning director/last year’s FilmScape prize winner Cameron Hadlow, discussing the future of filmmaking and innovations in virtual production. Cameron will be premiering a clip of his film Wormwood filmed at FilmScape’s Volume. Attendees can look forward to personalized Q&A sessions with indie filmmakers, providing unique opportunities to engage directly with creators about the making of their projects.
Awards at CTSIFF 2024 will celebrate excellence across various categories, including Best AI Film, Best Animation—judged by YouTube creator and actor Ian Boggs (Netflix’s Parasyte)—and Best Commercial, with owner of Zest Casting Monique Murray returning as a judge. The festival will also honor the Best Female Filmmaker with free equipment and mentorship for a shoot provided by Cine Media, South Africa’s only black and female-owned equipment company.
The jury for CTSIFF 2024 features a distinguished lineup of international industry professionals. Scott Hillier, cinematographer of Oscar winning Twin Towers, will judge the Best Film category. Cameron Hadlow, last year’s Best Cinematography winner, will now judge Writing and Directing. AIVA will oversee the Best AI Film, AI Film Score, and Score categories while also sponsoring awards for these categories. Monique Murray of Zest Casting will return to judge the Best Commercial category, and Creator/Actor Ian Boggs will evaluate Best Animation. Cine Media’s Stephan Hambsch (SASC) and Amy-Jane Louw will be judging Best Cinematography and Best Female Filmmaker.
The festival is also excited to announce a new international collaboration with The European Independent Film Festival (ECU), offering selected winners the opportunity to submit to next year’s ECU festival in Paris.
CTSIFF is proudly supported by a distinguished roster of local and international sponsors. First time sponsors in South Africa include Final Draft and Coverfly. Final Draft, the industry-standard software for professional screenwriters, offers a customizable writing environment and streamlined processes to enhance productivity. Coverfly empowers screenwriters with tools to build standout resumes and connect with industry professionals.
International sponsor Topaz Labs joins providing professional-grade photo and video editing tools powered by AI, marking their debut partnership in Africa.
Returning sponsors include AI music generation assistant AIVA, known for creating music in over 250 styles within seconds, and Cine Media, Cape Town’s bespoke gear house, dedicated to uplifting young female filmmakers. FilmScape will sponsor a two-day shoot to the value of ($60 000) on Africa’s first LED stage built for virtual production. Photo Hire returns, providing essential screening equipment for the festival. The Acting Habit, run by UK-based casting director Manuel Puro, will return as sponsor for Best Acting.
Festival passes are selling out quickly. This year’s festival features both in-person and virtual screenings. While submissions for CTSIFF 2024 are now closed, tickets are available and selling fast. Attendance to this rooftop festival is limited. Secure your spot at Cape Town’s premier indie film festival by purchasing tickets on Quicket: Cape Town Squad International Film Festival 2024 Tickets.
For more information, press inquiries, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Press Contact:
Jacques Adriaanse & Natasha Mayet
Festival Founders and Directors
Email: filmfestival@capetownsquad.com
Website: Cape Town Squad International Film Festival
Social Media: Follow us for the latest updates: Instagram: @capetown_squad
