The One People International Film Festival (OPIFF) is taking place this year in Cape Town South Africa, with an exquisite list of top-quality films and documentaries selected from more than 200 submissions from around the world.
OPIFF was born out of a dual mission of firstly, promoting and celebrating the film and entertainment sectors in a hybrid model that uses the latest technology to simulate both an online and in-person festival, that complies to the COVID-19 restrictions.This is the first of its kind on the African continent.
The second key mission of OPIFF is to address key challenges in our economy that was prevalent prior to the COVID-19 but has been further exacerbated with the pandemic. This includes reviving the Film, Tourism and Hospitality sectors, through hosting a festival which will attract local and international visitors.
âWe have worked extremely hard to deliver a cutting-edge digitally savvy film festival, during a time when most festivals are postponingâ, stated Festival Directors and Hollywood Actor,Hakeem Kae-Kazim.The festival aims to create an intimate and collaborative space for filmmakers, holding a range of events from masterclasses by renowned cinema professionals, featuring an array of international and local films and cutting-edge documentaries, co-production networking opportunities, and elegant Gala Dinners.
With 2021 marking the 27th anniversary of South Africaâs freedom and democracy. OPIFF will be opening on the 27th April, as part of the Freedom Day celebrations. Furthermore, our criteria in selection focused both on cinematography and storytelling, as well as the promotion of narratives and stories that celebrate a people, their language, culture, race
or religion. Thus, providing a platform that showcases an inclusive ONE world on our big screens.
âOPIFF champions content creators from around the world regardless of their language, origin, orientation, race, or religion. In addition, the Festival recognizes First, Native, and Indigenous Peoples of the world and is committed in supporting and championing filmmakers from these marginalized communities. We are therefore so excited to present through the festival â the stories of the people of the worldâ, stated renowned Producer and Festival Organizer, Johann
Abrahams.
The organizing of this festival was made possible through the support and partnership with the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government, who share our mission to kick-start the film sector due to the multiplier effect it has on the other k sectors such as Tourism and Hospitality.
This has resulted in public endorsements from COCT Mayor Dan Plato, MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Anroux Marias, and WC Premier Alan Winde.âWe are also excited to partner with Nu Metro Canal Walk, who will showcase the selected
films at their Cinemaâs for the duration of the Film Festival. In addition, tickets will be on sale at Nu Metro Canal Walk,â stated OPIFF Director of Marketing, Communications and Operations, Steven Taylor.
In addition, OPIFF added and additional category for COVID-19 short films. The aim is to showcase how “a people” had to work together globally to overcome the ravages of the pandemic. It will also feature some of the great strides initiated by organizations, governments, and ordinary people to mitigate the impact of this noble virus, as well as to bring hope amid the despair of 2020.
