The 44th Durban International Film Festival is inspiring passion like a smoothie of creative juices and Africa’s future in cinema is certainly worth watching!
Durban, South Africa (25 July, 2023) — Cape Town might be a filmmaker’s dream (the City recently celebrated its highest number of project permits post-pandemic) but Durban is not to be slept on when it comes to creative magic. The 44th Durban International Film Festival is on like a smoothie of creative juices, and we’re loving the creativity being shared and celebrated in the name of cinema.
Seasons of Cinema Talents
A stunning red carpet opening saw filmmakers, actors and enthusiasts unite at the Suncoast Cinema. Talents like Abdul Khoza, Nolwazi Ngubeni, Layla Swart and Ian Gabriel were all in attendance alongside Netflix names and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
There, inspiration began to perfume the air and set the tone for 10 days of film ahead.
In the name of cinema, a season of energy passes between budding and mature talents sharing the same space. Beyond this, there’s a special sense of pride that frames the celebration uniquely African, while still making noise for international features.
African Women Are a Creative Force to Be Reckoned With
This year’s festival also sees a deserving nod go to women in film, as the event began and will end with the creations of African women with SIRA and BANEL AND ADAMA as the opening and closing films. In between these, 90 films share the spotlight.
Paving the Way for South Africa’s Future in Film
But, even more thrilling for us is the future in film ahead. One series of programmes it focuses on are helping the future become a bright one through community and emerging artist-focused initiatives. The Isiphethu Programme provides free screenings and workshops to upskill and open doors for young filmmakers—the names who might just be the next we see in bright lights.
The Durban International Film Festival is on until 30 July.
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