Don’t Miss the Cut: Last Chance to Submit Your Film for DIFF 2026
DURBAN, South Africa – The Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal reminds
filmmakers worldwide that the final submission window for the 47th Durban International Film
Festival (DIFF) closes on Friday, 27 February 2026.
With the festival set to take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026, this is the last opportunity for
directors and producers to secure their place in one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious cinema
events.
A New Era of Leadership The 47th edition marks a new chapter for the festival under the leadership
of newly appointed Festival Manager, Sakhile Gumede. Gumede brings a fresh vision to the festival,
with a renewed focus on programming excellence, industry development, and accessibility.
“As we enter the final weeks of submissions, we are looking for storytelling that pushes boundaries,”
says the festival management. “DIFF remains a vital platform for African voices and global cinema.
Being an Oscar-qualifying festival for Best Documentary and Best Short Film, a selection here can be
the start of an incredible journey for a filmmaker.”
Submission Costs & Categories Filmmakers submitting before the 27 February deadline will be
subject to the Standard Submission rates. The festival utilizes FilmFreeway for all entries.
Standard Submission Fees (Closing 27 Feb):
● Feature Films (60+ min): $22 USD (FilmFreeway Gold Members: $18)
● Documentaries (60+ min): $17 USD (FilmFreeway Gold Members: $15)
● Short Films (Under 60 min): $12 USD (FilmFreeway Gold Members: $10)
● Student Films: $8 USD (FilmFreeway Gold Members: $7)
Eligibility & Categories The festival accepts films completed in 2025 or 2026 that have not been
screened publicly in South Africa.
● Feature & Documentary Films: The festival specifically solicits African content for these
categories, though non-African films may also be considered.
● Short & Student Films: Open to films from all countries.
How to Submit: The submission process is fully digital. Filmmakers can view the full Rules and Terms
and submit their screener directly via: https://filmfreeway.com/DurbanFilmFest
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About the Durban International Film Festival Founded in 1979, the Durban International Film
Festival (DIFF) is the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa, hosted by the Centre for
Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It presents over 100 screenings annually,
celebrating the richness of global cinema with a special focus on African content. DIFF is an Academy
Award® qualifying festival for Best Documentary, Best South African Documentary and Best
Short Film.
Key Dates:
● Submissions Close: 27 February 2026
● Festival Dates: 23 July – 2 August 2026
Media Contact: Email: diff@ukzn.ac.za Phone: +27 31 260 2506 Website: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/
Social Media: Facebook: @DurbanInternationalFilmFestival X (Twitter): @DIFFest Instagram:
@durbaninternationalfilmfest Hashtags: #DIFF2026 #DurbanFilmFest #DIFFWithUs