Welcome to the Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International
Celebrating world-class independent cinema in the heart of Cape Town.
Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International, formerly known as the Russian Film Festival South Africa International, is an international independent film festival hosted annually in Cape Town, South Africa.
Each season, Imperiya Film festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world to celebrate exceptional cinema. Showcasing Micro Films, Short Films, Feature Films, Experimental Films, Arthouse Films, Animation and Documentaries. The festival provides a world-class platform where stories are discovered, cultures connect, and creative partnerships begin.
SEASON 3 | 10–17 APRIL 2027
A new season of international independent cinema arrives in Cape Town.
Join us for two days of official film screenings at Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront on 10 and 11 April 2027, featuring an outstanding selection of films from around the world. Festival Week concludes on 17 April 2027 at Hotel Sky, Cape Town, with the Documentary Showcase during the day. The evening will continue with the Awards Ceremony, featuring a Feature Film screening, a live performance, and the presentation of the festival awards.
Season 3 Submissions Are Now Open
[Submit Your Film on FilmFreeway →]
OFFICIAL FILM SCREENINGS
Date: 10–11 April 2027
Time: 10:00 AM – Late
Venue: Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE
Date: 17 April 2027
Time: 10:00 AM – Afternoon
Venue: Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
AWARDS CEREMONY
Date: 17 April 2027
Time: 19:00 PM – Late
Venue: Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Our Journey
Season 2 | 11–18 April 2026
Cinema, Documentaries & Red Carpet Awards
Season 2 marked a new chapter for the festival, with official film screenings taking place at Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on 11–12 April 2026. The programme featured Micro Films, Mini Films, Short Films, and Feature Films from around the world, bringing international independent cinema to one of South Africa’s premier cinema venues.
On 18 April 2026, the festival moved to Hotel Sky, Cape Town, with the Documentary Showcase taking place during the day. The evening featured the Red Carpet Awards Ceremony, celebrating filmmakers and their work.
Season 2 | Semi-Finalists & Awards Highlights
[Explore Season 2 Highlights →]
[Explore Season 2 Semifinalist →]
SEASON 1 | 7–15 MARCH 2025
Where Our Story Began
Season 1 marked the beginning of our journey as the Russian Film Festival South Africa International. It was our inaugural festival in Cape Town. The festival was hosted at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Granger Bay. It featured the Opening Ceremony, official film screenings, and Awards Ceremony. Season 1 laid the foundation for what has grown into Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International.
Season 1 | Semi-Finalists & Awards Highlights
[Explore Season 1 Highlights →]
[Explore Season 1 Semifinalist →]
Opening Ceremony
Date: 7 March 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cape Town
The Opening Ceremony took place on 7 March 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cape Town. The evening opened the festival overlooking the V&A Waterfront harbour.
Awards Ceremony
Date: 15 March 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – Awards Ceremony
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cape Town
The Film Screening & Awards Ceremony took place on 15 March 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cape Town. Film screenings began at 9:00 am
OUR TEAM
Behind every successful festival is a passionate team committed to celebrating independent cinema and supporting filmmakers from around the world. Led by Founder Anna Daal and internationally acclaimed actor Greg Kriek serving on the judging panel, Imperiya continues to build an international platform for filmmakers and audiences alike.
[Meet the Team →]
With Special Thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to the partners who helped bring this festival to life.
To INFESTPRO, for connecting us directly with filmmakers and delivering the films that form the foundation of this festival. To BEYOND SOUND, for their outstanding technical support and for helping bring these stories to the big screen. To STER-KINEKOR, South Africa’s leading cinema exhibitor, for opening their theatres to the festival and supporting the arts by providing a platform for these films to be experienced on the big screen. And to BASA, the largest Russian-speaking community in South Africa, for their support in promoting cultural exchange and helping give visibility to this community-driven celebration of film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets for the official film screenings?
Tickets for the Season 3 Official Film Screenings at Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, will be available directly through Ster-Kinekor from March 2027.
Do I need a ticket for the Documentary Showcase?
The Documentary Showcase at Hotel Sky, Cape Town, is a free public event taking place on 17 April 2027. As seating is limited, advance booking will be required to reserve your place.
Where can I buy tickets for the Awards Ceremony?
Tickets for the Season 3 Awards Ceremony at Hotel Sky, Cape Town, will be available through Quicket from December 2026.