Isiphethu Programme

28/07/2026

The third session of the DIFF
Isiphethu Industry Programme brought participants together for Industry Meets: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
The session offered emerging filmmakers the opportunity to engage with the NFVF, gain valuable industry insights, and learn more about the support available to help grow sustainable careers in film.

28/07/2026

Day 2 of the DIFF Isiphethu Industry Programme wrapped up with an insightful masterclass hosted by the Writers' Guild of South Africa.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations that continue to empower the next generation of storytellers.

27/07/2026

🎬 The Isiphethu Industry Programme is officially underway!

The conversations have begun, the ideas are flowing, and there’s so much more to come. Join us for this free public programme and be part of insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout DIFF 2026.

📍 Open to the public | No entrance fee

08/07/2026

🎬 We’re thrilled to introduce the Isiphethu Industry Programme at DIFF 2026!

The Isiphethu Industry Programme returns to DIFF ,bringing together some of the brightest minds in film, television and the creative industries for five days of learning, collaboration and meaningful conversation.

From AI and pitching to financing, production and industry networking, this year’s programme is designed to equip emerging filmmakers and creatives with practical skills and valuable industry connections.

In conversation with experts from:

Film Office
National Film and Video Foundation
Guild of South Africa-A place for Writers by Writers
KZN Tourism & Film - Film in KZN

📅 27–31 July 2026
🎟️ Free to attend

Secure your place by registering now:
https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/isiphethu-industry-programme/

01/07/2026

The Durban International Film Festival congratulates documentary filmmaker Professor Chérif Keita of Carleton College, Minnesota, on being awarded the Companions of O. R. Tambo Award (Silver) by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Professor Keita’s first two documentary films, Oberlin-Inanda: The Life and Times of John L. Dube (2005) and Cemetery Stories: A Rebel Missionary in South Africa (2009), were screened at the Durban International Film Festival.

His third documentary, uKukhumbuka uNokutela / Remembering Nokutela (2014), tells the story of the previously forgotten heroine Nokutela Mdima Dube (1873–1917). The film aired several times on SABC and received widespread critical acclaim in South Africa and internationally.

The citation accompanying his national award reads: “Malian-born Prof Keita’s documentary film on Nokutela Dube and his broader interest in the people of South Africa has brought to life our country’s courage under siege.”

Congratulations, Professor Chérif Keita, on this well-deserved honour.

16/06/2026

Congratulations to Jackie Motsepe on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival.

This special honour recognises her outstanding contribution to the South African film industry and her commitment to supporting the growth of film and storytelling in our country.

We are especially grateful for Jackie’s many years of support for the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). Her encouragement and dedication have helped strengthen the film community and inspire generations of filmmakers.

Congratulations 🥳 on this well-deserved recognition.

03/04/2026

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to renowned South African filmmaker Ntshavheni wa Luruli on being honoured by the Luxor African Film Festival as one of South Africa’s legendary filmmakers, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to African cinema. ✨🎬

With a career spanning decades, Ntshavheni wa Luruli continues to shape and inspire African storytelling through powerful narratives rooted in South African realities, culture and language. His acclaimed works, including Elelwani and The Wooden Camera, have earned international recognition and solidified his place as one of the continent’s most influential cinematic voices.

This honour was presented during the Opening Night of the Luxor African Film Festival, where he was introduced by DIFF Manager, Sakhile Gumede. This year’s tribute holds special significance, with South Africa as the country of focus, celebrating the nation’s rich and influential film heritage within the broader African cinematic landscape.
We are also proud to celebrate his role at the festival, where he served as a Jury Member for the Feature Films category further contributing his expertise and leadership to African cinema. 👏🏾🌍

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to elevate African storytelling on the global stage.

DIFF AfricanStorytelling

01/04/2026

19/03/2026

*Vacancy Alert*
The Centre for Creative Arts (CCA), a multi-disciplinary Arts hub within the School of Arts, College of Humanities at the UKZN seeks to appoint Project & Development Officer on a 6 month fixed term contract. The appointed candidate will work on supporting the Centre’s varied development programmes across the Centre’s festivals but preference will be given to a candidate with a strong background in the film-sector.
For detailed information about the vacancy please see the advertisement at https://cca.ukzn.ac.za/project-and-development-officer-vacancy/

01/02/2026

The Centre for Creative Arts is proud to announce that the Time of the Writer festival assistant curator & project officer of the DALRO Can Themba Merit Award for Short Story Writing, Thalente Ndlovu, will attend the Bergen Literature Festival in Norway during February.
Her participation is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the National Arts Council.