Silwerskermfees celebrates 13th year from 20 to 23 August

Tasleem Gierdien
18 August 2025 | 7:43The festival takes place over four days at The Bay Hotel and Theatre on the Bay.
The Silwerskermfees returns to Camps Bay, presenting a rich selection of South African and Afrikaans film content that highlights the work of emerging talent through a diverse range of short films and documentaries.
The festival takes place over four days from 20 to 23 August 2025 at The Bay Hotel and Theatre on the Bay.
Additionally, select community screenings will take place in Grassy Park and Wynberg through a partnership between the festival and the Sunshine Cinema, with the awards ceremony to be held at the CTICC.
The film programme features 33 films and documentaries of varying lengths, showcasing a diverse array of work from award-winning filmmakers as well as rising local talent.
Closer to home is Finding Optel, the story of a 16-year-old amateur detective, Claire Abrahams, who finds lost items in her neighbourhood. When the community’s beloved dog Optel goes missing, Claire is determined to track her down.
Another heartfelt documentary, Carissa, tells the story of a young woman in a small Cederberg town who is driven out of her grandmother’s home and finds herself on the rooibos farm of her estranged grandfather. She dreams of success and excitement in the city, but the farm changes her irrevocably.
"Storytelling and the arts are woven into the fabric of Cape Town. The City has proudly supported Silwerskermfees over the last four years, recognising its vital role in showcasing the power of film to spark dialogue, elevate diverse voices, and foster cultural understanding. Through this festival, we celebrate creativity, inspire new perspectives, and strengthen our community’s connection to the rich South African stories."
- JP Smith, Safety and Security - City of Cape Town
Alongside the film screenings, Silwerskerm is running an extensive programme of masterclasses and panel discussions, facilitated by industry experts and filmmakers.
This year, the festival continues its partnership with Sunshine Cinema to provide screenings in communities.
The two free solar-powered community film screenings will take place on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at Wynberg Civic Centre, showcasing The Heart Is a Muscle, and Thursday, 22 August 2025, at Grassy Park Civic Centre, showcasing Finding Optel. Free tickets can be booked on Quicket.
With an amazing lineup, experience unforgettable stories and celebrate the art of filmmaking like never before at Silwerskermfees 2025.
For booking information, visit Tickets – Silwerskermfees and for film screenings, visit kykNET Silwerskermfees 2025 on Quicket.
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