Taking place from July 18 to 28, the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is expected to boost the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province's goal of positioning itself as a global tourism and film destination.
This is the 45th edition of the event, and the first to be held under the auspices of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), an entity established through a merger of the KZN Tourism Authority and the KZN Film Commission.
The festival will see almost 100 films produced by 53 countries being screened at locations across Durban.
“This event has become a must-attend festival for film enthusiasts from all over the world, affirming our strategy to position KZN as a global tourism and film destination,” said KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi at the festival's launch.
A group of delegates will also be embarking on a familiarisation trip of the province, in order to scout for locations and experience the region's tourist attractions.
“We know that while deals about new movies will be discussed, many of you will also take the time to explore some of our tourism offerings, explore the city's vibrancy, food and nightlife. You will break bread with the people of the province, dip your toes into our warm ocean, enjoy a shopping trip at our world-class malls and even enjoy some township experiences,” said Zondi.
The festival's Isipethu Programme will also allow emerging film makers to attend workshops, panel discussions, seminars and scriptwriting courses, led by industry experts.
In partnership with community television station 1KZN, KZNTAFA is launching a series on the Made for TV Quality Boost Programme, a two-year incubation programme that is funding 10 film makers.
“This makes DIFF more than just a film festival, but a place where young people can showcase their skills and learn from those that have done it before, making this the perfect platform for skills transfer,” said Zondi.
In 2022, the KZN Film-Induced Tourism Strategy highlighted that the province was South Africa's fastest-growing film destination and accounted for 12% of the country's filming activity.
