Cape Town’s newest and most unique film festival.
Join Festival Director and international actor Natasha Mayet for an intimate, high-impact celebration of cinema under the stars. Hosted at the iconic Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel Rooftop, GLOW 2026 is where bold storytelling, emerging technology, and industry connection meet.

Intimate. Intentional. Curated. We screen fewer films by design, ensuring every selection is of the highest caliber, giving you the space to actually talk to the filmmakers, meet your next collaborator, and enjoy the sunset over Long Street.

The Official Schedule

Day 1: Opening Ceremony & Red Carpet

Thursday, Jan 29 | Theme: Timeless Storytelling
This is our primary Media & Red Carpet evening.

17:30 – 18:45: Red Carpet Arrival & Complimentary Drinks (Hendricks and Corona). Professional photography and networking at golden hour. Welcome drinks between 17:30 and 18:30 only.
18:45: Opening Keynote by Natasha Mayet.

19:00: Panel: Founders in Film. Launching your vision and lessons learned with Natasha Mayet, Monique Murray (Zest Casting) and Amy-Jane Louw (Cine Media).

19:15: Live Performance by Michael Neill.
19:30: Official Selection Screenings. Including local sci-fi epics Wormwood and ARK (filmed at Filmscape Studios).
– Railbound (Dir. Jonathan Perry) – AI-animated poetic hybrid.
– The Influencer Index (Dir. Shreya Mahajan) – A sci-fi exploration of creator culture.

– Her War (Dir. Charles Curtice) – Historical drama set in 1901.
– One Last Thing (Dir. Gavin Werner) – In-person. A moving mobile-shot short.
– Wormwood (Dir. Cameron Scott Hadlow) – In-person. A visually stunning sci-fi epic.
– ARK (Dir. Johann Vermaak) – In-person. Dark satire set in deep space.
20:45: Filmmaker Q&A. Featuring Johann Vermaak, Gavin Werner, and the Wormwood team.
21:30: Closing Remarks & Industry Networking.

Day 2: Screenings & Awards Ceremony

Friday, Jan 30 | Theme: Human Connections
17:30 – 18:45: Arrival & Welcome Drinks. Golden hour networking on the rooftop.

18:45: Opening Remarks.
19:00: Live Performance by Michael Neill.
19:15: The Final Showcase. Stories of legacy, trauma, and the next wave of filmmaking.
– The Last Rehearsal (Dir. Carling Ernstzen) – A legacy-defining drama.
– Chelsea Fan Tribute (Dir. Soslan Chekhoev) – High-energy AI sport tribute.

– Céremony (Dir. Mark Wachholz) – A near-future cinematic fable.
– All in My Mind (Dirs. Sesona Mbovane, Alexa-Rose Schreuder) – Student Spotlight.
– One Last Song (Dir. Isaac Cayden Kannigan) – In-person. Coming-of-age animation.
– NightShift (Dir. Clive Myburgh) – In-person. A 4-minute high-tension thriller to close the show.

20:15: Combined Panel Q&A. A deep dive into the craft with the Day 2 filmmakers.
20:45: 2026 Awards Ceremony. Presentation of the GLOW trophies with professional winner photography.
21:30: Festival Wrap-up & Final Toast.

GLOW Virtual Festival Showcase:

Seeing Thingz, Gift A Feeling, Red Dot, The Cinema That Never Was, The Absurdist, The Quiet Year, Space_Y, Anima, After the Rain, Les Enfants de Sorcier, Gentle, Moments That Pain Arrives, and Dear Universe.

The 2026 International Jury

Our winners are selected by a world-class panel, including: Scott Hillier (Oscar winner) | Donovan Marsh (Spud, Hunter Killer) | Stephan Hambsch, SASC | Monique Murray (Zest Casting) | Darion D’Anjou (Meta) | Koketso Matabane | Mizo Maclean | Amy-Jane Louw | Lodi Paul Inga | Tamryn Speirs.

Powered by Innovation

Supported by our incredible partners: Celtx (Official Screenwriting Partner) | Cine Media | Photo Hire | Topaz Labs | AIVA | The Acting Habit

Tickets & Capacity

Due to the intimate nature of the Grand Daddy Rooftop, capacity is extremely limited. Only 80 seats per night!
Full Festival Pass (almost SOLD OUT): Access to both nights + the GLOW Virtual Showcase (11 additional global films).
Day 1 Pass: Red Carpet, Welcome Drink, Panel, and Opening Screenings.
Day 2 Pass (SOLD OUT, no seats left): Awards Ceremony

Secure your seat under the stars. Come watch films. Come meet your people. Let’s GLOW.

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