This year’s festival programme has officially launched, featuring a stellar collection of films that highlight the diverse and groundbreaking work emerging from Africa.
Image: Supplied
The Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) is poised to make a significant cultural impact this year as it expands its festival to two dynamic and historic venues in Cape Town.
With a promise of bigger and bolder programming, the festival will showcase an exceptional lineup of African films accompanied by thought-provoking panel discussions. Bringing together celebrated and emerging voices from across the continent, HACC’s festival offers a captivating platform for the creativity that defines modern African cinema.
Taking place at the renowned Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation on Longmarket Street, alongside The District Six Museum Homecoming Centre, previously the Fugard Theatre in Caledon Street, the event is set to reflect Cape Town’s rich history and vibrant cultural pulse.
As attendees step into these iconic locations, they'll be immersed in the perfect backdrop for celebrating cinema and culture like never before.
This year’s festival programme has officially launched, featuring a stellar collection of films that highlight the diverse and groundbreaking work emerging from Africa.
From intimate period pieces to innovative narratives, festival-goers will witness the evolution of storytelling through the lens of African talent. The festival's opening night is particularly exciting, featuring the South African film, Hans Crosses the Rubicon, directed by Corne van Rooyen.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Town, this film marries directorial brilliance with exceptional performances, promising to engage both local and international audiences alike. Following Hans, the short film Milk Brothers, a poignant drama from Moroccan director Kenza Tazi, adds further depth to the night by exploring connections formed through breastfeeding in a heartwarming narrative.
Highlighting the festival is a glamorous opening night celebration that will directly follow the film screenings. Attendees will take a brief stroll to The Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, where they can indulge in snacks, entertainment, and invaluable networking opportunities in the heart of Cape Town’s iconic District Six.
Known for its vibrant cultural history, this area will be alive with creativity and energy, breathing life into a celebration that honours the legacy of the past while paving the way for African cinema's exciting future.
Tickets for the opening night are now available, with limited space for eager film enthusiasts. Attendees can secure their spots by visiting haccfilm.crd.co and using "Opening Night" as their booking reference.
“I am thrilled to be hosting this year’s event in the East side of the city, in what technically is District Six,” said HACC Festival Director Weaam Williams.
“We are bringing glamour and culture back into the area, a place that once embodied the spirit of community and creativity. This festival is a nod to the vibrancy of the old District Six, reimagined for a new generation of filmmakers, artists, and audiences.”
The festival also aims to foster crucial conversations at the intersection of film and technology, featuring curated panel discussions that delve into how digital innovation is transforming African storytelling.
Highlighted speakers include the notable Nicolas Mugisha from AltVest Capital, who will discuss future film funding opportunities, as well as Yaliwe Mlambo from Stellar Network. The engaging “Working in Hollywood” panel will spotlight voices from the New Hollywood Movement and Indigo Reign Films, further emphasising the synergy between African cinema and modern technological advancements.
By uniting filmmakers, tech visionaries, investors, and audiences, this festival will ignite inspiring conversations on the ever-evolving relationship between technology and artistic expression. As HACC prepares to light up Cape Town with this year's festival, it invites everyone to explore the rich landscape of African cinema while celebrating its untold stories.
For information about ticket sales and prices, visit haccfilm.crd.co
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