ABOUT THE

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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 one hundred screenings, all of which are premieres in this region. The festival also offers screenings in township areas where cinemas do not exist.

In addition to features, documentaries and short films, the program includes a section for student films, which is aimed at supporting young filmmakers in shaping their careers as they debut their first films and creates opportunities for them to engage with industry professionals.

Award Categories

Best Feature

Best South African Feature

Best Edit presented by the South African Guild of Editors

Best Documentary

Best South African Documentary

Best Short Film

Best South African Short Film

Best Student Film

Best South African Student Film

DIFF is an Oscar qualifying festival with the Best Documentary, Best South African Documentary and Best Short Film automatically qualifying for the Oscars race. 

Training & Development Programmes

The festival also offers workshops, seminars and panel discussions such as the Isiphethu Industry Programme, isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop and Film Festival Residency.

Meet the Team

Director, Centre for Creative Arts

Ismail Mahomed

Festival Manager & Head of Programming

Andrea Voges

Programme Coordinator

Helene Naicker

Film Reviewers

Derin Ajao, Dylan Wilson, Helene Naicker, Ibee Ndaw, Inadelso Cossa, Jacintha de Nobrega, Lulu Maquthu, Margherita di Paola, Nomfundo Xolo, Nompilo Mthalane, Nompumelelo Ngidi, Owethu Dlamini, Scout Fynn, Sharon Kakora, Thandeka Zwana, Theresa Hill, Valencia Joshua

Project Manager, Isiphethu Industry Programme & isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop

Sakhile Gumede

Senior Administrator, Centre for Creative Arts

Siphindile Hlongwa

Administrative Assistants

Andisa Mpisi, Nhlakanipho Thabethe, Nomthandazo Shandu, Thalente Ndlovu, 

Finance Officer, Centre for Creative Arts

Philisiwe Manqele

Finance Administrative Assistants

Mvunga Mtetwa, Sthembile Lauryn Mlambo

Technical Coordinator

Bash Siddiqi