Joanna Is Skywalking, directed by Swedish filmmaker Maja Brittasdotter Östberg, is a 76-minute Swedish dance documentary following dancer Joanna “Skywalker” Holewa Chrona between the Pantsula culture of Johannesburg and the Swedish landscape.
Starring: Joanna Skywalker, Thapelo Diane, Theresa Gustavsson, Lwando Kasa, Patricia “Gugu” Gugulethu Mofokeng, David Oriel Mokale, Sibusisu Mthembu, Slindile Sithela, Yared Tilahun Cederlund
The film had its international premiere at International Festival Signes de Nuit in Paris in December 2025, followed by its Swedish theatrical premiere on 20 March 2026.
Joanna Is Skywalking has been selected for and screened at festivals and cultural events across Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
The Swedish premiere at Arenan in Karlstad was sold out, as was the screening at Bio Aspen in Stockholm on 5 April 2026, with the director, Joanna and members of the film team present.
The film has subsequently been presented through Tempo Landet runt and in dance-focused programmes including Östergötland Danceweek, Malmö Danceweek and a screening at Bio Roxy at the grant ceremony in the memory of Lena Josefsson.
Festivals - Official Selection
Festival International Signe De Nuit Paris - France
Log Cinema 12th Music Film Festival - Argentina
Cine - Paris
Documentaries without Borders International Film Festival - Online
Festival Signe de la notte - Italy
DMJ International Dance Film Festival - Japan
Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival - United States
Des Corps, Cinema Utopia - France
Hiphop Cinefest - Italy
ARTSinTANK Dance Festival - Korea
Malmö Dance Week - Sweden
Dumbo Film Festival - Brooklyn, NYC
Signe de nuit - Thailand
Inspired in Melbourne - Australia
With international awards, festival selections across several continents, Joanna Is Skywalking is establishing itself as an internationally recognised Swedish dance documentary:
Best Documentary – Cine Paris Film Festival, France
Best First Time Director – Documentary – Cine Paris Film Festival, France
Outstanding Excellence – Travel / Culture / Arts – Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival, USA
Winner – Best Documentary – Liminal Dance Film Festival, USA
Best Dance and Choreography – Log Cinema Music Film Festival, Argentina
Nominee – Women Behind the Scenes – Mpumalanga International Film Festival, South Africa.