Durban International Film Festival

Durban International Film Festival 47th Durban International Film Festival - 23 July to 2 August 2026 The festival also offers screenings in township areas where cinemas do not exist.

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is widely regarded as a leading film festival in Africa. Founded in 1979, it is the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa, presenting over 100 screenings, all of which are premieres in this region. DIFF offers an opportunity for filmmakers to expand their netwo

rks, by attracting local and international stakeholders and is a gateway to global cinematic gems that enrich South African audiences. For more information visit: ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za

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

11/06/2026

🎬 Following their screening in Aberystwyth as part of WOW Film Festival this March, we're delighted to bring our Wales × South Africa Shorts programme online.

From 25 June to 5 July, audiences across Europe can stream this special collection of short films from Wales and South Africa free of charge.

Created in partnership with Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the programme showcases emerging filmmakers and underrepresented voices, bringing together a rich mix of stories, styles and perspectives from both countries.

📅 25 June–5 July
🌍 Online + free to watch
🔗 https://watch.eventive.org/wowfilmfestival

Created by WOW Film Festival in partnership with Durban International Film Festival, with support from the British Council Festival Connects Fund.

CY
🎬 Yn dilyn eu dangosiad yn Aberystwyth fel rhan o Ŵyl Ffilm WOW ym mis Mawrth, rydym yn falch iawn o ddod â'n rhaglen Ffilmiau Byr Cymru × De Affrica ar-lein.

Rhwng 25 Mehefin a 5 Gorffennaf, bydd cynulleidfaoedd ledled Ewrop yn gallu ffrydio'r casgliad arbennig hwn o ffilmiau byrion o Gymru a De Affrica yn rhad ac am ddim.

Wedi'i chreu mewn partneriaeth â Gŵyl Ffilm Ryngwladol Durban (DIFF), mae'r rhaglen yn arddangos gwneuthurwyr ffilmiau sy'n datblygu a lleisiau sydd wedi'u tangynrychioli, gan ddod â chymysgedd cyfoethog o straeon, arddulliau a safbwyntiau ynghyd o'r ddwy wlad.

Gwyliwch ar-lein o 25 Mehefin: watch.eventive.org/wowfilmfestival

ANNOUNCEMENT | DIFF 2026 DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITIONThe Durban International Film Festival is proud to present this yea...
11/06/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT | DIFF 2026 DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITION
The Durban International Film Festival is proud to present this year’s Documentary Film Competition, showcasing powerful stories, thought-provoking perspectives, and exceptional filmmaking from South Africa and around the world.
From intimate personal journeys to urgent social issues, these documentaries offer unique insights into the people, places, and events shaping our world today.

🎥 Watch the documentary film trailers via the YouTube playlist.
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBHEewtctkq_5wlvMqXUL7DzoogFXAURR

📖 Read more about the Short Film Competition and discover this year’s films via our website / press release.
🔗 https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/unflinching-truths-durban-international-film-festival-announces-powerful-feature-documentary-lineup/

As part of the continuing partnership between DIFF and WOW Wales One World Film Festival  (WOW), a curated selection of ...
09/06/2026

As part of the continuing partnership between DIFF and WOW Wales One World Film Festival (WOW), a curated selection of Welsh and South African short films comes to DIFF this year, showcasing the power of cinema to connect cultures, communities, and stories across borders through this cultural exchange.

Join us for the following screenings:
📍 Suncoast CineCentre | 26 July | 13:00
📍 K-CAP | 28 July | 12:00 (Free Screening)

Read More about the DIFF x WOW Partnership here - https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/durban-international-film-festival-continues-cross-cultural-shorts-exchange-with-wales-one-world-film-festival/

K Cap Ekhaya Centre / Vibe FM CineCentre

🎬 ANNOUNCEMENT | DIFF 2026 SHORT FILM COMPETITIONThe Durban International Film Festival is proud to present this year’s ...
04/06/2026

🎬 ANNOUNCEMENT | DIFF 2026 SHORT FILM COMPETITION

The Durban International Film Festival is proud to present this year’s Short Film Competition packages, showcasing compelling stories, fresh perspectives, and exceptional filmmaking from South Africa and across the globe. 🌍✨

From powerful local voices to exciting international talent, these short films celebrate creativity, innovation, and the future of cinema.

🎥 Watch the short film trailers via the YouTube playlist.
🔗 https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLBHEewtctkq--cOqQ_TSidtSkbgI2xGnv/videos

📖 Read more about the Short Film Competition and discover this year’s films via our website / press release.
🔗 https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/short-films-competing-for-the-oscar-qualifying-best-short-film-award-at-the-47th-durban-international-film-festival/

ANNOUNCEMENT | DIFF 2026 STUDENT FILM COMPETITIONThe Durban International Film Festival is proud to announce this year’s...
29/05/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT | DIFF 2026 STUDENT FILM COMPETITION
The Durban International Film Festival is proud to announce this year’s Student Film Competition packages, featuring bold and original stories from emerging filmmakers across South Africa and around the world. 🌍✨
🎥 Watch the student film trailers via the YouTube playlist.�🔗 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBHEewtctkq8TOK6gENA5wmVF29YypqQJ&si=KtXxA6F4GYy7b2j5

📖 Read more about the Students Programme and discover this year’s films via our website / press release.�🔗 https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/the-future-of-cinema-durban-international-film-festival-unveils-2026-student-film-lineup/

Congratulations to all the participating film schools and institutions: A Simple Event School of Art & Cinema,AFDA,ECU Escuela de Cine del Uruguay,ÉSAV Marrakech,Korea National University of Arts,INIS,StoryMi Academy,The Animation School,Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona,Centre for Film and Media Studies - UCT.

We’re thrilled to announce that DIFF has been featured in this year’s MovieMaker Magazine “50 Film Festival’s Worth the ...
27/05/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that DIFF has been featured in this year’s MovieMaker Magazine “50 Film Festival’s Worth the Entry Fee 2026” - one of the most recognised lists in the industry. 🎟️🎬

Read the full feature here 👇
https://www.moviemaker.com/50-film-festivals-worth-the-entry-fee-2026/

Thank you to Movie Maker Magazine for the feature! ✨

Film is more than entertainment it drives tourism, economic growth, and community development in KwaZulu-Natal.As highli...
14/05/2026

Film is more than entertainment it drives tourism, economic growth, and community development in KwaZulu-Natal.

As highlighted at Africa’s Travel Indaba, African storytelling plays a powerful role in shaping how the world experiences our continent, our culture, and our destinations.

At Durban International Film Festival, we continue to champion African cinema as a force that connects screen and place telling authentic stories that shape perception, inspire travel, and grow our creative economy.

🎬✨

🔗 Read more: https://view.publitas.com/film-event-media/africas-travel-indaba-2026-day-3-daily-news/page/1

Storytelling has the power to shape destinations, connect communities, and inspire change 🎬✨Today’s panel discussion at ...
13/05/2026

Storytelling has the power to shape destinations, connect communities, and inspire change 🎬✨

Today’s panel discussion at brought together incredible industry voices to unpack the role of film in tourism, distribution, and community growth. From insightful conversations to shared experiences, the session highlighted the impact of authentic African storytelling on and beyond the screen.

The discussion featured Nerusha Sadapal, Sakhile Gumede, David King Dave, Chris Q. Radebe, and Richard Horlock.

12/05/2026

If you’re a writer, an Author , or someone who loves books, feel free to come and read with Siyafunda Sonke Silent Reading Sessions at Centre for Creative Arts on the 16 May 2026, from 2pm till 5pm. Just bring your own book.
Snacks will be served! 🤘🏾😍📚🔌📖

Address

Mazisi Kunene Avenue (King George V Ave)
Durban
4041

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27312602506

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