The milestone 2004 National Arts Festival opens in Grahamstown on July 1 with an extensive line-up of South African and international events capturing the spirit of the moment for a broad spectrum of audiences. The programme was introduced at a series of media briefings round the country this week and Festival Committee chair Mannie Manim was quoted saying "it is appropriate that the Festival’s 30th birthday should coincide with South Africa’s tenth year of democracy – a social miracle in which the arts played a central role".

A number of the main events from the Rhodes University Centenary celebrations have been timed to coincide with the 2004 National Arts Festival, making Grahamstown the place to be in the first week of July for everyone who is truly proudly South African.

JM Coetzee and Jean Cocteau are both given special focus in this year’s film programme. Mel Gibson’s controversial The Passion of the Christ is one of a selection of films portraying Christ’s life.

There is a host of New Releases including a Special Première Screening, a programme of Japanese Classics and an array of New South African Cinema along with gems from South Africa’s Avant Garde. The Film Resource Unit will once again collaborate on a free programme at Nombulelo and popular film critic Leon van Nierop will be in attendance.

Booking kits will be available at the beginning of April in time and bookings open on May 10. Further information on the website or phone 046 603 1121. The festival is proudly presented by the Eastern Cape Government, Standard Bank, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, SABC and the National Arts Council.