Now in its 4 th year, the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival is set to dazzle, entertain and educate attendees from 7 to 8 April 2017 at the flagship Mercedes-Benz dealership in Century City, Cape Town. Starting with two workshop packed days, this year will also see two glamorous Oscar Awards styled red carpet evenings. Friday evening hosts the first eight category awards, followed by the second eight on Saturday night, and culminating with a glittering after party.

“We are delighted with our sponsorship of the annual Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South Africa International Fashion Film Festival, as we are currently involved across more than 50 international fashion platforms globally. The parallels between exclusive cars and luxury fashion collections were identified within the group at an early stage, with both worlds showcasing passion, creativity, style, ground-breaking design, the finest materials and first-class technical innovations as critical factors for success.” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

For budding film and fashion enthusiasts, directors and creatives the festival line-up promises an informative and inspiring two days of seminars, screenings, panel discussions and workshops by leading local and international industry experts in the fashion and film genres.

“The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South Africa International Fashion Film Festival is the most prestigious Fashion Film Festival in the world – leading by example! Once again supported by my talented Bokeh Team we have curated a festival showcasing the best fashion films from the world’s top film makers and designers. This year’s red carpet events, daytime masterclasses and exhibits, will once again impress our guests and fans. We are celebrating new partnerships and new ideas at Bokeh and invite everyone to take part in the magic. This year’s festival is for all brands, agencies, fashion and film enthusiasts to enjoy!” says Adrian Lazarus, Founder and Managing Director of the Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South Africa International Fashion Film Festival.

Brand Manager of Oude Meester; Sihlo Dangazele comments, “We are once again excited to be involved in this amazing event which highlights the international phenomenon of merging fashion and film, so much so that this year we are sponsoring the Best Picture Award by offering a grand prize of a R100 000 4k camera system. This brand alignment fits perfectly with our values and we see a great partnership going forward with ourselves and the Bokeh Team!”

Highlights on day one include the Emerging Creative Talent Showcase, Fashion Revolution; a discussion on ethical and sustainable clothing, a make-up master class with internationally acclaimed make-up star, Einat Dan and Ethereal Lust; the first SA International Hair Championships. While on day two attendees can look forward to an Adobe master class by Carla Ralph of Digital Media Solutions, Fujifilm-South Africa’s showcase, and Gothic Couture; the South African International Creative Make Up and Body Art Championship.

“Fujifilm SA is proud to partner with the glamorous Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South Africa International Fashion Film Festival in April this year.” says Eslie Basson, National Sales Manager for Fujifilm. “We have chosen this specific event to showcase our latest innovations in camera technology for both the photographic and film market with opportunities for guests to personally try out the new Fujifilm X-T2 / X-T20 & Instax cameras at our Touch and Try Station, or shoot a picture on our newest arrival to the Fujifilm brand; the medium format GF.”

The festival’s aim of acknowledging and rewarding upcoming fashion and film talent is set to have more impact than ever, with over 512 film submissions this year of which 120 will be screened over the two days. The 120 films chosen as the Official Selection will all stand the chance to win some amazing prizes. Amongst the regular Excellence Awards which are presented with the prestigious Carrol Boyes trophies, these prizes include the Best Picture Award, sponsored by Oude Meester which carries a prize of a R100 000 Fujifilm camera system and the Billy Preston Emerging Creative Talent Award of R50 000 which honours young local teams of creatives.

Craig Ludwig, C.O.O. of Carrol Boyes comments, “Carrol Boyes is excited about our alignment with the unique genre of Fashion Film, as the artistically crafted short films offer the viewer a concise and at times challenging insight into the real DNA of the brand. We celebrate this originality, passion, daring and self-belief and are proud to present our trophies to the category winners.”

The Ethereal Lust SA International Hair Champs & Gothic Couture Body Art and Creative Make up Champs awards together carry a prize to the value of R50 000 and the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) Mobile Challenge will offer a hamper of prizes as well.

In addition to headline sponsor, Mercedes-Benz, the festival is proud to be aligned with prestigious brands and companies such as Cape Town Fashion Council, Organic Canvas, Havaiannas, M.A.C., label.m, Amplify Studios, Lime Lens, Thunderfund, Wings Group, Art Lab and Kim Gush.

“Label.m is proud to announce our associate sponsorship of the Bokeh Fashion Film Festival, and look forward to selecting the top South African Hair Stylist at The South African International Creative Hair Styling Competition.  Our collaboration with fashion originates from our association at London Fashion Week as the Official Hair Care Product, and our international flavour will be represented by our international label.m brand ambassador; Izik Abergel. Izik come with years of experience as an internationally recognized stylist and educator and will be one of the judges at the festival.”

Raine Tauber, M.A.C Senior Artist says, “At the forefront of trendsetting, we absolutely value our relationships with leading talents from fashion, art and pop culture. The Mercedes-Benz Bokeh Fashion Film Festival consistently delivers a world-class experience that celebrates industry innovation and local talent – we are thrilled to, once again, be involved as its exclusive makeup brand with the opportunity to showcase our unrivalled expertise in makeup artistry.”

Label-M and M.A.C will be offering free hair and make-up applications, Fox Box will be providing express manicures for the ladies, and Redrum Culture Club will offer grooming for the gents during the festival.

While Cafféluxe and La Vie will make sure attendees stay caffeinated and hydrated whilst live music will be supplied by Riccardo Moretti of Tribal Need.

This is a one of a kind fashion extravaganza that you don’t want to miss!

For more information or to book tickets go to www.bokehfestival.co.za.