The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is pleased to announce the 2026 edition of the three-day flagship hybrid Eastern Cape Film Expo which celebrates film, television, storytelling and creative industry development in the Eastern Cape.
The 2026 instalment of this film industry extravaganza featuring more than 200 delegates in attendance, will be held from 1 – 3 July 2026 at the 1820 Settlers Monument in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, alongside the iconic National Arts Festival. The Eastern Cape Film Expo continues to position the province as a compelling film and television destination while creating opportunities for emerging and established creatives within the sector.
Eastern Cape Film Expo 2026 promises an exciting line-up of film screenings, panel discussions, presentations, testimonials, and masterclasses to a diverse audience of established and aspiring filmmakers, policy-makers and funders. The expo will bring together filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, investors, students, creatives and industry stakeholders for three days of networking, learning, collaboration and industry engagement.
“The hybrid expo is a space for filmmakers, creatives and industry pros to connect, collaborate and grow the Eastern Cape into a film destination of choice. The Eastern Cape Film Expo is hosted by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation, Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council, the National Arts Festival and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
Day 1 will kickstart with a full-day community outreach at Joza Youth Club from 09.30am – 16:30pm on 1 July 2026 in Joza Township in Makhanda. This day will target the community and school audiences exposing them to the film industry and how they can best prepare themselves for a career in the craft,” says ECDC Senior Manager for Investment Promotion Vuyokazi Gwabeni.
Whether you’re a young creative or simply curious about the world behind the camera, this is your moment to learn, connect and be inspired.
Days 2 and 3 moves to the 1820 Settlers Monument and will feature addresses from industry heavyweights, screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions and presentations from leading industry role players.
Further programme details and speaker announcements will be released in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming you to explore the Eastern Cape, where every location is a story waiting to be told.
Secure your chance to network, meet, and collaborate with film industry experts, emerging filmmakers, funders and decision-makers, while experiencing the splendour and potential of the Eastern Cape as an attractive filmmaking destination.
Register on https://www.ecfilmexpo.co.za/register to secure your seat. Registrations close on 15 June 2026.
Follow the Eastern Cape Film Expo for further updates on the following social media platforms:
Facebook: Eastern Cape Film Expo | LinkedIn: Eastern Cape Film Expo | Instagram: easterncapefilmexpo
