The 13th kykNET Silwerskermfees promises a spellbinding experience
“The Silwerskermfees brings thinkers, doers, creators and dreamers together across generations and from all provinces in the name of film,” says Waldimar Pelser. This year, the festival takes place from Wednesday to Saturday, 20 to 23 August, at the Bay Hotel and Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay.
Waldimar, Director of M-Net’s Premium Channels, describes the 13th Silwerskermfees as a celebration of a truly magical art form. “For this medium to thrive, a vast array of skills must be blended to ignite the imagination of audiences.
“People want to be moved when they watch films,” he says. “We all long, at times, for escape, reflection – or even catharsis.”
For more than a decade, this popular festival has been regarded as one of the most respected development platforms in the local film industry. KykNET has been building on this foundation since its inception.
“Every year, the Silwerskermfees manages to outdo itself,” says Waldimar. Film lovers can gear up to experience the best in local film production.
“The diversity of what’s being created in Afrikaans is dizzying and deeply inspiring. It gives kykNET even more reason to continue investing significantly in Afrikaans films.”
For emerging voices in the industry, the festival is a sought-after platform to learn and grow. It’s an memorable experience for everyone involved, Waldimar explains. “It not only showcases the talents of our established and celebrated filmmakers, but also gives tomorrow’s stars a chance to shine.”
A range of masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions during the festival will equip a new generation of filmmakers with knowledge and practical skills. Seasoned industry professionals will unpack topics such as the art of documentary filmmaking, the future of the feature film, behind-the-scenes production on reality TV, evolving audience behaviour, and more.
The 13th kykNET Silwerskermfees features a selection of 21 short films – including documentaries, independent films and shorts by both seasoned and up-and-coming directors. Six feature films will also debut at the festival, three of which are a first for the directors.
In 2025, seven documentaries will be screened, up from five last year. A wide range of topics are covered – from the Marikana massacre and the dawn of democracy in 1994, to the tragic drowning of a well-known Springbok rugby player’s infant son. This last documentary was first pitched at the festival’s Silwermark project last year.
The Silwermark once again offers filmmakers the opportunity to pitch original concepts in various Afrikaans content categories directly to kykNET and Showmax during the festival.
Waldimar describes many of the festival films as stories of transformation.
“Several explore the inner changes people undergo when facing great challenges. Sometimes it’s history that confronts them, sometimes it’s deeply personal setbacks, or even life-altering insights.”
Viewers can look forward to meeting the Temple Boys, a music group from Ravensmead; witnessing the redemptive journey of a gang member nicknamed Jan Bloed; and stepping into the rough-and-tumble world of a wrestling club in Bothaville.
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 glamorous Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV, celebrating both the festival’s top films and excellence in television, will take place on Saturday 23 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
This event honours the standout film and television talent from the past year (April 2024 to March 2025) with the prestigious Silwerskerm statuettes. Winners in the remaining film categories – including awards for technical achievement – will be announced earlier on the morning of 23 August at a ceremony at The Bay Hotel.
The blue carpet will be rolled out in grand style, and the public is warmly invited to attend the festival. Tickets are available via Quicket.
Those unable to attend the awards ceremony in person can catch the kykNET Silwerskerm Awards broadcast on Sunday 24 August at 19:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
The kykNET Silwerskermfees is made possible by the support of Openserve, the City of Cape Town, the Dagbreek Trust, Village ’n Life and the National Film and Video Foundation.