KZN Tourism and Film Authority backs local talent and films at 2026 Durban International Film Festival

The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority will highlight its investment in film development at the 2026 Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), taking place in Durban from July 23 July to August 2.

The Authority’s support will be reflected through two locally backed productions selected for the South African Feature Film Competition, eight emerging filmmakers participating in the DIFF Isiphethu Industry Programme, and a range of international industry collaborations.

The two films, Themba and Dance with Me, were supported through the Authority’s Made for TV Quality Boost Programme.

The Authority said the initiatives form part of its strategy to grow KwaZulu-Natal’s film industry by supporting productions, developing local talent, encouraging international partnerships and promoting the province as a leading film destination.

DIFF will bring together filmmakers, producers, students, jurors and industry delegates from across Africa and beyond.

The international jury includes South Africans Eva du Preez, Sinesipho Makaula, Beverley Mitchell, Maganthrie Pillay, Thea Small, Lerato Bokako and Omelga Mthiyane, alongside Moussa Sene Absa (Senegal), Romeo Umulisa (Rwanda/Germany), Julie Nederkoorn (The Netherlands), Azza Elhosseiny (Egypt) and Raoul Rugamba (Rwanda).

Interim chief executive officer Sibusiso Gumbi said the Authority’s investment in DIFF is aimed at building a sustainable screen industry rather than supporting individual productions alone.

He said bringing together internationally recognised film professionals and emerging local talent creates opportunities for knowledge-sharing, collaboration and career development.

“Film is one of the few sectors where culture, tourism and economic development intersect. Our ambition is to position KwaZulu-Natal as the place where filmmakers develop their ideas, refine their craft, find collaborators and launch careers that reach international audiences,” Gumbi said.

DIFF manager Sakhile Gumede said the festival’s partnership with the Authority has strengthened its developmental role by supporting collaborations with film schools, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, Creative Arts College and AFDA.

He said these partnerships help integrate students into festival programmes and bridge the gap between academic training and the film industry.

The filmmakers behind Themba and Dance with Me said the Authority’s support had helped bring their projects to the screen.

Themba director Luthando Mngomezulu described the film’s selection for DIFF as a significant milestone, saying the Authority’s backing had been instrumental from development through to production.

Dance with Me director and writer Romanuse Lindelani Langa said the festival provides an important platform for KwaZulu-Natal stories to reach international audiences.

The Authority will also host up to 30 Brazilian and American filmmakers and screen industry delegates during the festival. Their programme includes tourism and cultural experiences in Durban aimed at promoting KwaZulu-Natal as both a film production hub and leisure tourism destination.

Eight participants from the Made for TV Development Programme have also been selected for this year’s DIFF Isiphethu Industry Programme.

The 2026 cohort includes Busani Mbili, Thembakuye Madlala, Sihle Mthembu, Zenzele Mazibuko, Ndumiso Gumede, Nondumiso Ndlovu, Hawukile Mnguni and Mbali Mhlongo.

The Authority said the programme provides emerging filmmakers with industry exposure, mentorship and opportunities to build professional networks.

Mazibuko said one of the programme’s greatest strengths was the opportunity to collaborate with creatives from different backgrounds to tell authentic African stories.

Mhlongo said the programme had strengthened her confidence as a filmmaker and reinforced the importance of authentic local storytelling.

Beyond its cultural significance, the Authority said DIFF generates economic activity by attracting visitors and creating demand for accommodation, transport, restaurants, technical services and production companies.

The festival also introduces international filmmakers and producers to KwaZulu-Natal’s filming locations and production capabilities, supporting the province’s position as a destination for film production, screen tourism and creative investment.

The Authority said DIFF forms part of its broader strategy to grow the province’s screen industry, alongside initiatives such as the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards and the Durban FilmMart, which will be held in October.

Gumbi said the Authority’s long-term success would be measured by the careers it helps build, the partnerships it creates and the African stories that reach global audiences after beginning in KwaZulu-Natal.

IOL