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
