Discover Imperiya Film Festival | Cape Town

Where cinema knows no borders.

OUR STORY

Imperiya Film Festival was founded on a simple belief: the world’s greatest stories deserve a stage as the people who create them. The festival began its journey in 2025 as the Russian Film Festival South Africa International, introducing South African audiences to Russian cinema alongside stories and films from South Africa and around the world.

Today, Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International is a platform where filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences come together to celebrate exceptional cinema, build meaningful partnerships, and create new opportunities through the power of storytelling. Our vision is to establish Imperiya as one of the world’s leading international film festivals, connecting cultures, inspiring collaboration, and championing outstanding filmmaking from every corner of the world.

Season 3 Submissions Are Now Open
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Festival & Awards Tickets
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WHY CAPE TOWN?

Imperiya Film Festival is based in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. With its breathtaking mountains, coastline, vineyards, and vibrant cultural scene, the city is also a major hub for international film and television productions. Major productions from around the world choose Cape Town and the surrounding areas as filming locations.

South Africa’s mix of cultures and Cape Town’s established film industry make it a natural place for filmmakers from different countries to meet and share their work. The festival brings filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences together to discover films, make connections, and create new opportunities in international filmmaking.

Get in Touch & Enquiries
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Inspired by Imperiya, meaning “Empire,” our name represents creativity, culture, and cinema coming together. Just as an empire brought together different peoples, languages, and traditions, Imperiya brings filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from different cultures together to share their stories through film.

Imperiya Film Festival, South Africa International is committed to giving filmmakers from every part of the world the opportunity to reach new audiences and connect with industry professionals. This includes filmmakers whose work may be underrepresented or who face challenges in gaining international recognition.

We believe cinema is about more than entertainment. Films can preserve cultures, introduce audiences to different perspectives, inspire new ideas, and bring people together through stories that stay with us across generations. Through Imperiya International Film Festival, we are creating a lasting international platform where filmmakers can have their work seen, audiences can discover new stories, and cinema can bring people and cultures closer together.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the festival called before?
The festival was previously known as Russian Film Festival South Africa International. As the festival grew and welcomed filmmakers from around the world, it evolved into Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International, reflecting its broader international vision while honouring its origins.

How many seasons has the festival hosted?
Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International is currently in its third festival season. Building on the success of its first two seasons, the festival continues to grow as an international platform connecting filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals from around the world.

Can anyone submit a film?
Yes. Imperiya Film Festival South Africa International welcomes film submissions from filmmakers around the world.