Durban International Film Festival

Durban International Film Festival 48th Edition Durban International Film Festival - 15 July to 25 July 2027 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

🎬 Film Submissions are opening soon!Got a story that deserves to be seen? 👀✨The countdown to DIFF48 begins. Get your fil...
02/09/2026

🎬 Film Submissions are opening soon!

Got a story that deserves to be seen? 👀✨

The countdown to DIFF48 begins. Get your films ready and stay tuned for more details.

🎬✨ ANNOUNCING THE 48TH EDITION OF THE DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL!A new chapter of cinema begins. 🌍🎥Join us 15–25...
20/08/2026

🎬✨ ANNOUNCING THE 48TH EDITION OF THE DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL!

A new chapter of cinema begins. 🌍🎥

Join us 15–25 July 2027 as Durban once again comes alive with powerful stories, bold voices and unforgettable cinematic experiences.

📅 Save the dates — DIFF48 is coming!

And for filmmakers, keep your eyes peeled… film submission dates will be announced soon. 👀🎞️

Stay tuned. The journey to DIFF48 starts now. ❤️

DIFF is proud to showcase a selection of South African films to Africa in Colors in Kigali, Rwanda, screening from 25 - ...
19/08/2026

DIFF is proud to showcase a selection of South African films to Africa in Colors in Kigali, Rwanda, screening from 25 - 29 August 2026. 🌍🎥

This collaboration creates valuable opportunities for South African filmmakers to share their work with international audiences and connect with fellow creatives across the African continent and diaspora.

Nhlanhla Phakathi, director of Solitary, is an alumnus of DIFF’s IsiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop (2022). His journey from the programme to having his film screened internationally is a reflection of the importance of nurturing and creating platforms for emerging filmmakers. 👏

DIFF believes strongly in the power of collaboration, exchange and connection between filmmakers across Africa and the diaspora.

The following films screening are each funded by various institutions, including the KZN Tourism & Film - Film in KZN, National Film and Video Foundation,Durban Film Office and EThekwini Municipality, and the Gauteng Film Commission.

DANCE WITH ME directed by Lindelani Langa

SOLITARY directed by Nhlanhla Phakathi

THEMBA directed by Luthando Mngomezulu

VERSES MY BROTHER TAUGHT ME directed by Thomo Tshipinyane

PERCEPTION directed by Miselwa Ngamlana

FRACTURE directed by Alex Fynn

Thank you to the South African Guild Of Editors (SAGE) for sponsoring the Best Edit Award, and congratulations to the ed...
18/08/2026

Thank you to the South African Guild Of Editors (SAGE) for sponsoring the Best Edit Award, and congratulations to the editors, Simon Blasi, Amparo Mejías, and Frank J. Müller, who worked on the winning film, COTTON QUEEN by Suzannah Mirghani🏆✨🎬

🎬 Redsilk at DIFF 2026A look back at the screening of Redsilk at the Durban International Film Festival. Thank you to ev...
13/08/2026

🎬 Redsilk at DIFF 2026

A look back at the screening of Redsilk at the Durban International Film Festival. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the screening a memorable part of this year’s festival. 🎞️✨

06/08/2026

🎬 A look back at our Schools Programme at ! ✨

It was inspiring to welcome young learners to the festival for a day of cinema, learning, and meaningful conversations. Through film, they explored new perspectives, sparked important discussions, and experienced the power of storytelling on the big screen.

Thank you to all the schools, educators, and learners who joined us and made this programme such a memorable part of this year’s festival. We can’t wait to see you again at DIFF! 🍿🎥

02/08/2026

✨ SPECIAL MENTIONS | DIFF 2026 Awards ✨

Congratulations to the films recognised with Special Mentions by the DIFF 2026 jury:

🎬 Please Hold by Solal Bouloudnine – Best Short Film Special Mention
🎬 A Nation’s Fight for Identity and Justice by Pretty Mothata – Best South African Short Film Special Mention

These films stood out for their exceptional storytelling and artistic excellence. Congratulations to the filmmakers and everyone who brought these remarkable works to the screen.

02/08/2026

🏆 Best Short Film

Congratulations to CLOSE YOUR EYES HIND, directed by Amir Zaza, winner of the Best Short Film award at the Durban International Film Festival 2026.

A remarkable achievement in short filmmaking. Congratulations to the director and the entire team behind this outstanding film.

02/08/2026

Although he couldn’t attend the awards ceremony in person, Amir Zaza shared this heartfelt video to accept the Best Short Film award for CLOSE YOUR EYES HIND.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for sharing your gratitude with the DIFF community.

A proud moment as Dian Weys accepts the Best South African Short Film award for VULTURES at the Durban International Fil...
02/08/2026

A proud moment as Dian Weys accepts the Best South African Short Film award for VULTURES at the Durban International Film Festival 2026.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for sharing this special moment with us.

A special thank you to the Gauteng Film Commission for sponsoring the Best South African Short Film Award.

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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