Johannesburg – The Joburg Film Festival is preparing to host JBX Talks and its masterclass programme in Johannesburg from 4 to 6 March 2026, bringing together filmmakers, producers, designers and industry executives from across Africa and beyond under the theme “Feel the Frame”.
The programme forms part of the eighth edition of the Joburg Film Festival, scheduled for 3 to 8 March 2026, and is aimed at unpacking the creative processes that shape what audiences experience on screen. Directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, production designers and costume designers are expected to take part in sessions focused on how creative choices influence tone, rhythm and emotional impact in film.
Among those featured are documentary and unscripted content creator Sia Stewart, also known as Sia Savvy, whose work spans global platforms including ESPN, Netflix and ABC. Stewart is the founder of Savvy Media Group and is known for projects such as Why Not Us: Southern Dance and Gone Before His Time: Kobe Bryant, which centre culturally grounded storytelling and underrepresented voices. 
JBX Talks is positioned as a platform that strengthens the African film ecosystem through co productions, creative collaboration and professional development. The organisers say the programme also reinforces Johannesburg’s standing as a hub for African storytelling while offering exposure to global best practices and opening pathways for deal making across the industry.
The festival will also host a series of masterclasses led by three international figures. Film and television agent Ozi Menakaya of Creative Artists Agency and founder of the CAA Africa Initiative will lead a session titled How to Build the Perfect Pitch and Deliver It Like a Pro. The masterclass focuses on helping filmmakers structure pitch decks, communicate creative and commercial value and deliver ideas confidently through live demonstrations, feedback and case studies.
Adrien Roberts, International Director of Education at Accademia Costume and Moda, will present From Script to Screen How Films Set Fashion Codes. The session explores the relationship between cinema and fashion, drawing on examples from films including Saltburn, Anora and The Blue Caftan, as well as fashion moments such as Demna’s Gucci debut and The Devil Wears Prada reunion in Milan.
Stewart will also lead a docu series masterclass titled Where Documentary Meets Reality TV, examining the rise of hybrid nonfiction formats that blend documentary depth with the structure and pacing of reality television. The session reflects growing global investment in docu series by platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, Disney+ and Amazon.
Festival passes have been tailored for different audiences, including an Industry Pass offering full access to JBX talks, masterclasses, screenings and networking spaces over three days, a Student Pass designed for film students with workshops and panels, and a Day Pass for attendees seeking access to screenings and selected JBX sessions for one day.
