The theme for the yanaya gender film and dialogue festival 2025 was 30 Years of Freedom. Marking three decades since South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994, the festival reflected on the country’s progress through films made primarily by women.
yanaya gender film and dialogue festival 2025: 30 Years of Freedom celebrated the significant strides South Africa has made in advancing gender equality, while also creating space to reflect on the persistent imbalances that remain. Over the past three decades, women have increasingly taken on leadership roles across all sectors of society, building on the legacy of those who challenged and reshaped traditional narratives of women’s roles.
The festival featured films directed by women that explored themes of gender, race, sexuality, class, and feminism. Through screenings and dialogue, the festival aimed to empower women, youth, and vulnerable communities, while encouraging critical conversations about the ongoing journey toward equality.
