AVIJOZI 2025 – Free-Access Festival for Film, Animation, VFX, AI, and Gaming.
Launched in 2022 by Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt, CEO of Chocolate Tribe, South Africa’s multi-award-winning VFX, Animation, and Content Development studio. AVIJOZI began as a bold response to Africa’s creative skills gap and job creation. Rooted in the belief that visual storytelling drives global connection, the festival debuted as a free local gathering with just over 1,000 attendees and with over 4,200+ attendees in 2024, marked a major step toward impact at scale.
AVIJOZI 2025 is 100% free—thanks to the event partners and sponsors, the organizers are committed to keeping it accessible to youth and industry professionals.
Just be sure to register so you are on the list.
The AVIJOZI 2025 theme, #HeartOfSteel, celebrates the resilience of African creators in a rapidly changing industry.
The theme is a call for courageous leadership in an era where creators must boldly navigate disruption, AI, and automation and a reminder that our creativity must remain heartfelt and human, even as we embrace emerging technologies.
Where, When & Entry
Summer Place, 69 Melville Road, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Saturday 13 September 2025 | 10:00–18:00
Sunday 14 September 2025 | 10:00–16:00
FREE entry – registration essential
Be sure to register @ avijozi.zohobackstage.com/AVIJOZI
What can you expect at AVIJOZI 2025?
Animation
Animation has grown and transformed over the years, becoming a magical way of telling stories that connect with people of all ages. It’s fun, creative, and endlessly imaginative.
At AVIJOZI, we’ll be celebrating the world of animation in all its forms—whether it’s the charm of stop motion, the timeless appeal of 2D, or the breathtaking possibilities of fully animated 3D worlds. It’s all about exploring, sharing, and enjoying the creativity that makes animation so special.
Film Production
No matter where you fit in—whether you’re a producer, distributor, director, scriptwriter, stunt performer, drone pilot, production designer, camera operator, or director of photography—AVIJOZI will be brimming with opportunities. There’s always something happening, and it’s the kind of space where creativity meets business in exciting ways.
Gaming / VR / AR
The AVIJOZI 2025 Game Expo offers game developer & distributor workshops, indie and console gaming, Unreal Engine boot camps, game programming classes and game challenges with prizes. Meet other game developers, and learn about the exciting world of game development.
Plus more Virtual Reality showcases to enjoy.
There will be over 50 Speakers and presentations throughout the weekend!
AND MUCH MUCH MORE….
Here’s a quick teaser of the action-packed weekend AVIJOZI 2025 promises to be!
AVIJOZI 2025 – EVENT MAP
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Avijozi comes to life at Summer Place, Hyde Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 13 & 14 September. This vibrant gathering will bring together creatives, innovators, and industry leaders for two days of networking, storytelling, and exploration of the latest in film, animation, VFX, AI, and interactive tech.
Whether you’re here to connect, learn, or simply be inspired, Avijozi promises an atmosphere buzzing with energy, ideas, and opportunities.
Be sure to register @ avijozi.zohobackstage.com/AVIJOZI
