The Industry Programme
Empowering Filmmakers Through
Creative and Cultural Excellence.
Experience the Durban International Film Festival’s Industry Programme featuring the Isiphethu Industry Programme, isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop and Film Festival Residency. We empower filmmakers through professional development, cultural storytelling and global networking.
Isiphethu Industry Programme
Nurturing Cinematic Talent
Igniting the Future
of African Cinematic Voices.
The Isiphethu Industry Programme serves as a vital hub for emerging filmmakers, offering specialized training and networking to bridge the gap between passion and professional success in the global film industry.
21 - 31 July 2026
isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop
Elevating Indigenous Storytelling
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Through Authentic Zulu Narratives.
The isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop empowers local writers to master professional narrative structures while preserving linguistic heritage, ensuring authentic South African stories reach global screens with cultural integrity and technical excellence.
13 - 31 July 2026
Film Festival Residency Programme
Refining Visionaries
Cultivating Collaboration
for Advancing Film Festival Curation.
The Film Festival Residency brings together eight South African festival directors for an intensive exchange, fostering strategic leadership, sustainable curation models and collaboration to strengthen the local festival circuit.
Submissions close on 4th April 2026