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 Documentary
Best South African Documentary
Best Short Film
Best South African Short Film
Best Student Film
Best South African Student Film
Audience Choice Award
Amnesty International Durban – Human Rights Award
DIFF is an Oscar qualifying festival with the Best Documentary and Best Short Films automatically qualifying for the Oscars race.
The 2024 Programme
The 2024 programme presented 97 films from 50 Countries, with 73% of the films being women-led – that is, at least the Director, Producer or Writer is female.
DIFF is the premiere film festival in Southern Africa, premiering some of the finest cinema from around the world.
World Premieres – 14%
International Premieres – 5%
African Premieres – 38%
South African premieres – 41%
The 46th edition of the Durban International Film Festival will take place from 17 to 27 July 2025
Film submissions open on 31 October 2024
DIFF Isiphethu Industry Programmme
The DIFF Isiphethu is a five-day programme that takes place during the festival. It is open to everyone and has no entrance fee. The programme consists of seminars, workshops and panel discussions and is designed for emerging filmmakers and as a stepping stone to the Durban FilmMart. We are proud to present a programme that increases access and assists in transformation.
The 2025 Isiphethu Programme will take place from 21 to 25 July 2025.
Registration opens 29 April 2025
DIFF isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop
The isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop is a closed programme that also takes place during the festival. There is a call for applications and selected participants are mentored for 10 days, focusing on both the technical aspects of scriptwriting as well as delving into narratives and cultural aspects of the Zulu culture that informs the craft of storytelling. IsiZulu is an official South African language and the dominant language in the KZN province.
Applications opens 13 May 2025
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