Durban, 30 June 2025: Now entering its 13th year, the iconic KykNET SILWERSKESMFEES will take place from Wednesday, 20 August, to Saturday, 23 August, in Cape Town.
The glittering event is set to celebrate the transformative power of cinematic art and will host some of the country’s most respected film and television creators, industry trailblazers, and emerging talent.
In a time where the future of media is often questioned, Silwerskermfees remains both a nostalgic homage and a contemporary creative platform.
The Silwerskermfees champions Afrikaans storytelling, embracing the full spectrum of South Africa’s cinematic voices. This year’s festival will showcase 21 short films, six feature-length debuts, and a documentary slate, which has grown from five to seven titles this year.
The feature films in the 2025 programme are Hen, My f*k, Marelize!, Khaki Fever, Finding Optel, Carissa, and The Heart Is a Muscle.
The programme for 2025 tackles issues of personal growth, social reflection and conflict between historical heritage and contemporary identity. Viewers can expect to meet the Temple Boys from Ravensmead, follow the liberating journey of gang member Jan Bloed, and step into the high-stakes world of a wrestling club in Bothaville – narratives that go far beyond mere entertainment.
Masterclasses and Industry Engagement
Three masterclasses will be covering:
- Comedy Acting with Bennie Fourie and Desiré Gardner
- Documentary Crafting with Jasyn Howes and Andy Petersen
- Short Film Production with Gabriella Blumberg and Jordy Sank
Applications for these masterclasses are currently open and will close on 11 July, with only 15 places per class available in addition to channel representatives and presenters. This is to ensure an optimal learning environment and a meaningful forum for transformative dialogue.
The Silwermark pitching platform returns this year, giving filmmakers direct access to the KykNET and Showmax commissioning executives. This remains an important means for original and local content in an industry dominated by international franchises and streaming enterprises and largely constrained by shrinking budgets and limited distribution avenues.
The festival will conclude with the annual Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV on Saturday, 23 August, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Tickets
Tickets are available to purchase both for particular screenings and events via Quicket. For those seeking the full experience, all-access Silver Tickets, covering every screening, session and the awards afterparty, are available at R1,000 through Quicket.
For those unable to attend, the Silwerskerm Awards will be broadcast on KykNET (DSTV Channel 144) on Sunday, 24 August, at 7 PM
The KykNET Silwerskerm Festival is made possible with support from Openserve, the City of Cape Town, the Dagbreek Trust, Village ’n Life, and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
For more information and updates, visit the Silwerskermfees website or follow the festival on social media: Instagram