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You are invited to Cape Town’s newest premier rooftop film experience. Join Festival Director Natasha Mayet for an intimate, high-impact evening of cinema under the stars. Hosted at the iconic Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel Rooftop, GLOW 2026 is where bold storytelling, emerging technology, and industry connection meet.

“This is not a marathon festival. This is a curated, premium experience.”

THE VIBEGLOW is built for the modern creator. We screen fewer films by design, ensuring every selection is of the highest caliber. We prioritize quality over quantity, giving you space to actually talk to the filmmakers, meet your next collaborator, and enjoy the sunset over Long Street.

THE RED CARPET SCHEDULEDay 1 (Jan 29): Red Carpet, Screenings & NetworkingDay 2 (Jan 30): Screenings & Awards Ceremony17:30 – 18:45 | Red Carpet Arrival, Press & Networking Step onto the rooftop for press photos and networking. Connect with the Cape Town film community over drinks as the sun sets.18:45 – 19:15 | Opening Remarks Welcome from Natasha Mayet and a look at the future of African cinema.19:15 – 20:15 | The Showcase (Screenings) A 75-minute curated blast of the world’s most visually stunning short films, ranging from narrative drama to visionary AI-driven work.20:15 – 20:45 | Moderated Q&A No “endless” panels. Just sharp, insightful conversations with the filmmakers behind the night’s highlights.20:45 – 21:30 | Awards & Final Connections Awards announcements and final networking. Connect with our partners and industry guests before last call.

POWERED BY INNOVATIONWe are proud to be supported by world-class industry partners including:Celtx: Official Screenwriting Partner (First-ever SA Festival Partnership!)Photo Hire: Official equipment sponsorTopaz Labs: Official AI Video Enhancement PartnerAIVA: Official AI Music PartnerThe Acting Habit: Official Prize SponsorCine Media: Official Prize Sponsor

THE 2026 OFFICIAL SELECTION

Day 1: “Future Visions” (Jan 29) Cutting-edge global AI films meet South African sci-fi epics.Railbound (Dir. Jonathan Perry) – A poetic hybrid AI exploration of memory.The Influencer Index (Dir. Shreya Mahajan) – A vision of a creator-traded future.Her War (Dir. Charles Curtice) – High-stakes historical drama.One Last Thing (Dir. Gavin Werner) – Mobile-tech storytelling at its finest.Wormwood (Dir. Cameron Scott Hadlow) – Visually stunning loops of grief.ARK (Dir. Johann Vermaak) – Dark satirical sci-fi on the mission to Mars.

Day 2: “Human Connections” & Awards (Jan 30) Stories of legacy, trauma, and the next wave of filmmaking.Céremony (Dir. Mark Wachholz) – A fable of filtered trauma and survival.One Last Song (Dir. Isaac Cayden Kannigan) – Animated coming-of-age and music.The Last Rehearsal (Dir. Carling Ernstzen) – A terminal teacher’s final legacy.NightShift – A tense, atmospheric thriller.All in My Mind (Dirs. Sesona Mbovane & Alexa-Rose Schreuder) – Student Spotlight on the fractured mind.

GLOW Online Showcase (Streaming throughout the Festival) Featuring: Seing Thingz, Gift A Feeling, RED DOT, The Cinema That Never Was, The Absurdist, The Quiet Year, Chelsea Fan Tribute, Space_Y, Anima, After the Rain, and Dear Universe.

THE 2026 JURYWe are honoured to have the 2026 winners selected by an international panel of industry leaders:Scott Hillier (Oscar-winning filmmaker & President of ÉCU Film Festival)Donovan Marsh (Director of Hunter Killer & iNumber Number)Stephan Hambsch, SASC (Multi-award winning Cinematographer)Monique Murray (Owner of Zest Casting & International Shots Awards Judge)Darion D’Anjou (VFX Expert & AI Creative at Meta)Koketso Matabane (Award-winning Director, Carbon Films)Mizo Maclean (Renowned Video Editor)Amy- Jane Louw (Owner of Cine Media & Business Development specialist)Lodi Paul Inga (Visual Artist, Musician & Motion Design specialist)Tamryn Speirs – Acclaimed Actress, Director & Acting Coach (trained by Susan Batson)

FESTIVAL PASSES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITEDDue to the intimate nature of the Grand Daddy Rooftop, we have a strictly limited capacity. Ticket Includes: Red Carpet Entry, access to the Official Screening Program, access to the Networking & Q&A and a chance to connect with our International Jury & Sponsors.Secure your seat under the stars and meet your next collaborator.

GLOW is intimate. Intentional. And built for those who care about story, craft, and connection.Come watch films. Come meet your people. Come see the future — and let’s GLOW!

Follow @glowfilmfestival on Instagram for updates. More about GLOW on Film Freeway