The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is Africa’s longest-running and one of its largest film festivals. Established in 1979, it is held annually in Durban, South Africa, and serves as a premier platform for showcasing African and international cinema. The festival highlights feature films, documentaries, short films, and animation, with a strong emphasis on promoting African filmmakers and stories that reflect the continent’s diverse cultures, histories, and social issues.
DIFF has grown into a key event on the international film festival circuit, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world. In addition to screenings, the festival offers workshops, panels, and masterclasses designed to nurture emerging talent and foster collaboration among filmmakers. DIFF is also part of the African International Documentary Film Festival (AIDFF), underscoring its dedication to supporting documentary filmmaking across the continent.
DIFF is committed to celebrating the rich diversity of African storytelling, providing a global stage for filmmakers from the continent to present their work.
The festival has premiered notable films like Tsotsi (2005), which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and The Wound (2017), which gained international recognition.
Through workshops, masterclasses, and panels, DIFF supports the development of emerging filmmakers, offering invaluable opportunities for skill-building and networking.
DIFF acts as a meeting point for filmmakers, producers, and distributors, promoting collaboration between African and international industry professionals.
The festival’s awards, including Best South African Feature Film and Best African Film, highlight outstanding achievements and encourage innovation in filmmaking.
DIFF honors excellence in cinema through various awards, including:
Films featured at DIFF have gone on to achieve success at prestigious international festivals, including Cannes, Toronto, and the Academy Awards, cementing its role as a vital platform for launching African and global cinema.
DIFF continues to play an essential role in shaping the future of African film, fostering talent, and building bridges between the continent and the global film industry.
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