JOHANNESBURG – As South Africa prepares to commemorate Youth Month and reflect on the enduring legacy of June 16, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival (NMCFF) is set to celebrate its eighth anniversary with a week-long programme dedicated to storytelling, memory, heritage and social impact.
Taking place from 13 to 18 June 2026, the festival will bring together filmmakers, educators, cultural practitioners, community leaders and young audiences from across South Africa and beyond in a celebration of the transformative power of film and storytelling.
Held against the backdrop of Youth Month and the approaching commemoration of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, this year’s festival seeks to honour the courage, resilience and imagination of young people while creating spaces for dialogue, learning and healing.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms dedicated to children’s cinema and creative development. Through screenings, workshops and educational programmes, the festival reaches approximately 5,000 children annually, empowering them to engage with stories that reflect their experiences, aspirations and identities.
Honouring Global Champions of Children
One of the highlights of the 2026 programme will be the annual Champions of Children Awards, which recognise distinguished individuals whose contributions have enriched the lives of children through the arts, education, culture, sport and advocacy.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines and countries, united by a shared commitment to nurturing future generations.
Among those being honoured is acclaimed South African actor, playwright and director John Kani, whose groundbreaking work in theatre and film has inspired audiences across the world while preserving African narratives and histories.
Also receiving recognition is film industry leader Jackie Motsepe for her contributions to the growth and development of the South African film sector.
Veteran musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse will be honoured for a musical career that has consistently reflected social consciousness, cultural memory and the power of artistic expression to inspire change.
International recognition will be bestowed upon Josep Arbiol, director of Spain’s MICE Film Festival; Karine Baclais, founder of Pavilion Afronova in France; and Prof Dragan Milinkovic, whose work in film and media education has helped cultivate young talent across borders.
Completing the list of honourees is South African football icon Jomo Sono, whose lifelong commitment to youth development has left a lasting impact on generations of young people.
According to festival organisers, the awards celebrate individuals who embody the values of dignity, creativity, education and opportunity for children.
A Festival Rooted in Memory and Reflection
This year’s programme places a strong emphasis on historical remembrance and intergenerational dialogue, reflecting on the role young people have played in shaping South Africa’s democratic journey.
The festival will open spaces for conversations about youth identity, social justice and cultural heritage, using film as a medium through which difficult histories can be explored and understood.
A key event on the programme is the Children’s Champion Breakfast, to be hosted at the Sanctuary Mandela. The gathering will bring together award recipients, partners, cultural leaders and young creatives for discussions centred on leadership, creativity and the future of children’s development.
Festival organisers describe the breakfast as an opportunity for meaningful intergenerational exchange, allowing young participants to engage directly with individuals whose work has made a difference in the lives of children and communities.
‘Soweto Blues’ Screening Connects Past and Present
Another significant highlight of the festival will be a special screening of the documentary Soweto Blues at CineCentre Killarney.
The documentary explores the emotional and cultural legacy of Soweto through the lens of music, memory and resistance. It examines how artistic expression has preserved the stories of communities affected by apartheid while continuing to inspire new generations.
The title draws inspiration from the iconic protest song “Soweto Blues,” which became synonymous with resistance and remembrance during South Africa’s struggle for freedom.
Festival organisers believe the screening will provide audiences with an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship between culture, memory and social transformation.
Heritage Tour to Honour the Legacy of June 16
As part of the commemorative programme, participants will embark on a Soweto Heritage Day experience, including a visit to the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
The memorial stands as one of South Africa’s most powerful symbols of youth activism and sacrifice, commemorating the students who lost their lives during the 1976 uprising.
The visit aims to deepen understanding of the historical significance of June 16 while encouraging young people to appreciate the values of education, dignity and freedom that remain central to South Africa’s democratic project.
*** Firdoze Bulbulia – Festival Director & Co-founder ***
Storytelling Meets Compassion Through Community Action
Beyond screenings and discussions, the festival continues to demonstrate its commitment to social impact through community-centred initiatives.
This year, the NMCFF has partnered with the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day to extend support to vulnerable children through acts of care and solidarity.
The partnership will include a blanket handover to young patients receiving treatment in the cancer ward at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, bringing warmth and comfort to children facing serious health challenges.
Organisers say the initiative reinforces the festival’s belief that storytelling extends beyond the screen and can be expressed through tangible acts of compassion and community service.
Building Global Partnerships for Children’s Cinema
Over the years, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival has established a strong international network dedicated to advancing children’s film and creative education.
The festival collaborates with organisations including the Awaldna Arts Festival, CIFEJ, the Danish Film Institute, ComKids and m:brane.
These partnerships have strengthened the festival’s international reach while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and creative collaboration among young filmmakers and audiences.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 edition is presented in partnership with CineCentre Killarney, Motswako Arts, The Leakshow Soweto, BEFMA, Sanctuary Mandela Hotel, A42 House, NAB and the 67 Blankets for Mandela initiative.
As the festival marks eight years of inspiring young minds through film, organisers remain committed to ensuring that children’s stories are seen, heard and valued.
In a month that honours the courage of South Africa’s youth, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival continues to demonstrate how storytelling can preserve memory, foster empathy and empower a new generation to imagine a better future.
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For more information, please contact Firdoze Bulbulia, Festival Director and Co-Founder, on firdozebulbulia@gmail.com