DURBAN, South Africa – The 47th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has officially revealed the line-up of student films selected for this year’s edition, running from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
The student category remains a vital cornerstone of DIFF, serving as a critical launchpad for the next generation of global and African directors. This year’s official selection features 12 films representing a dynamic mix of local South African talent and international voices from Canada, Iran, Spain, Nigeria, South Korea, Uruguay, and Morocco. Bound by thematic depth, technical skill, and bold genre choices, ranging from neo-Western thrillers to stop-motion animation – these young filmmakers are actively rewriting contemporary cinematic narratives.
“The student line-up offers an unfiltered, fiercely passionate look at where global cinema is heading,” says the DIFF Festival Manager, Sakhile Gumede. “These emerging directors are tackling complex familial, societal, and psychological landscapes with striking artistic confidence. DIFF is proud to provide them a world-class platform to showcase their vision alongside industry veterans.”
Official DIFF 2026 Student Selection:
South African Showcases
- But First Do No Harm (South Africa) | University of Cape Town Centre for Film and Media Studies |Directed by Erin Mika Harding
- Just Like Clockwork (South Africa) | The Animation School | Directed by Saeedah Sayed
- Melusi (South Africa) | AFDA | Directed by Ntokozo Lwazi Mlaba
- Mine of Blood (South Africa) | AFDA | Directed by Thabang Mogoane Mhlabane and Olwethu Kuhle Dumzela
- The Legend of the Jack O’ Lantern (South Africa) | The Animation School | Directed by Daniela Sandoval
International Highlights
- After the Silence (Canada) | L’inis | Directed by Jean-François Cameron
- Besieged (Iran) | A Simple Event School of Art & Cinema | Directed by Kiarash Ardeshirpour
- Feet (Spain) | Universitat Pompeu Fabra | Directed by Oscar Campos and Paula Vélez
- Mi Tazi (Nigeria) | StoryMi Academy | Directed by Blessing Bulus
- My Son the Shrimp (South Korea) | Korea National University of Arts | Directed by Jiae Kwon
- No Pool for Wild Animals (Uruguay) | ECU Escuela de Cine del Uruguay | Directed by Elías De Martino
- With the Wind (Morocco) | École Supérieure des Arts Visuels (ESAV) | Directed by Ines Lehaire
Bridging Academy to Industry
Beyond the cinema screens at Suncoast, DIFF hosts dedicated industry development initiatives, masterclasses, and networking hubs. These programs are designed to structurally bridge the gap between tertiary film training and the professional global marketplace. The films will also compete in the festival’s official competition categories for Best Student Film and Best South African Student Film, giving these emerging filmmakers an early taste of international recognition.
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. Celebrating over 70 films annually, it champions African cinematic exceptionalism alongside global works.
Media Contact:
Email: diff@ukzn.ac.za
Phone: +27 31 260 2506
Website: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/