Spling’s Top 5: The Best of the 2025 AFDA Graduation Festival

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As a film buff, I was really impressed with the AFDA graduation films this year. They covered some tough, current topics, and the students did it with a lot of ingenuity and style. What stood out was how willing they were to experiment – they weren’t afraid to try different looks and genres, and honestly, there were a bunch of films that could really go places.

As a total cinema lover, I was really excited to check out the student film festival in Cape Town and Durban this year. I wanted to share five films that particularly stood out to me – these are some of my absolute favourites from the festival!

Tomorrow is Too Far

Tomorrow is Too Far is a gripping crime thriller about three coworkers who get caught up in a risky situation. What begins as a simple night out with a new acquaintance quickly becomes dangerous and unsettling, revealing that everything isn’t what it appears to be.

As a movie fan, I was really gripped by this short film. The acting is fantastic, and it creates this incredibly tense, almost suffocating feeling – like you’re right there on a terrifying night drive. It starts with a simple offer of a ride, but quickly spirals when they end up in a rough part of town and things turn violent. The passenger thinks she’s just being helpful, but she soon realizes she has no idea who these people really are. It’s a really bleak and intense watch, and the director uses close-up shots brilliantly to make every little detail of the performances – and the escalating chaos – feel even more impactful.

The film offers a humanizing look at criminals, showing how the thrill of each dangerous situation impacts them, even as one problem leads to another. It’s a tense and gripping story that effectively conveys their fear and regret as they realize the consequences of their actions. “Tomorrow is Too Far” is a well-made thriller that uses sound, acting, and editing to create a powerful and thought-provoking crime drama.

Watch ‘Tomorrow is Too Far'(TBC)

The Boer and the Bride

South Africa is a wonderfully diverse country, often seen as a smaller version of the world itself. After building a new democracy, the film The Boer and the Bride tells a funny story about cultural differences. It focuses on Masego and Andre, a couple from different backgrounds, who fall in love and decide to get married.

Like the film Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, the main characters struggle with their families’ biases. As the groom learns about the traditions and negotiations surrounding lobola – the bride price – he awkwardly navigates the process of meeting his future wife’s family.

At first, the family doesn’t approve of the marriage, but a celebration eventually changes their minds. The Boer and the Bride is a well-made and charming film with strong acting, playfully exploring the differences between Afrikaans and Tshwane cultures. It’s beautifully filmed on location, using real and authentic settings.

The film beautifully immerses you in the period without relying on tired clichés. It presents a sincere and thoughtful look at everyday biases, reimagining the classic “Romeo and Juliet” story. With its unique style, humor, and genuine acting, the movie helps viewers truly understand the mistakes made and the difficulties overcome as old divisions break down and people begin to heal and connect.

Watch ‘The Boer and the Bride’

Umtsha Wendoda

This moving drama follows two brothers as they revisit a childhood waterfall, but their journey is now complicated by the challenges of growing up. They must grapple with proving themselves and accepting what life brings. Set against stunning natural landscapes, the film is a beautiful and dreamlike story about maturity and facing obstacles.

This short film, Umtsha Wendoda, beautifully captures the ups and downs of a brotherly relationship. It moves naturally through moments of playful connection, disagreements, and the guidance one brother offers another. The film is filled with genuine performances, blending dramatic scenes with expressive dance and thoughtful conversations, all enhanced by a moving musical score.

With lovely scenery, sincere acting, and a sensitive script, this film creates genuinely moving moments, all enhanced by beautiful music and subtle direction. It’s a touching and memorable short film that leaves a lasting impression without being overwhelming.

Watch ‘Umtsha Wendoda’

Goodbye Weekend

Goodbye Weekend is a darkly funny and dramatic movie inspired by the classic film Weekend at Bernie’s. It follows a man whose relaxing weekend is thrown into chaos when an unexpected guest shows up at his modern, spacious home. What starts as a carefree weekend, reminiscent of Home Alone or Risky Business, quickly turns into a nightmare when the guest causes trouble – and then turns up dead, creating an even bigger mess.

With its cheerful beach setting contrasted by a dark and unexpected story, Goodbye Weekend is a surprisingly fun and engaging film. It’s full of energy, moving quickly from lively scenes to shocking plot twists. The actors give it their all, and the witty dialogue keeps things interesting, creating a lot of memorable moments as the tension builds. It’s a wild, entertaining ride that blends comedy with the suspense of a crime thriller.

Watch ‘Goodbye Weekend'(TBC)

F*Slur

F*Slur is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about Dylan Petersen, a drag performer who goes by the name Shenequa van de Vetkoek. After a viral video threatens his reputation, Dylan hopes to win the Mzansi Megastarz competition and reclaim his drag persona. The show is a clever comedy, and the lead actor delivers a fantastic, energetic performance in the competitive showdown.

This lively and energetic movie features a spirited competition reminiscent of schoolyard games, with the outcome uncertain until the very end. Strong performances, clever production, and snappy dialogue keep things exciting. It’s a genuinely enjoyable film that roots for the underdog as they strive to succeed and overcome their rivals.

Watch ‘F*slur’

Here are a few more films worth checking out: The Rise of Aya, Heart Rot, Siren’s Call, My Eyes Are Brown in the Sun, Do Not Enter, and Eros.

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2025-12-01 16:43