AFDA alumni continue to shine on the local and international stage, this time making a powerful showing at the prestigious Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). As Africa’s longest-running and most significant film festival, DIFF, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, remains a vital platform for cinematic storytelling, showcasing bold, boundary-pushing work from across the continent and the world.
This year’s festival once again highlights the strength of AFDA-trained creatives, with several alumni featured prominently in both the Feature Films and Short Films categories.
AFDA alumni in key roles in Feature Films Category
Black Burns Fast
- Director & Writer: Sandulela Asanda
- Producers: Cait Pansegrouw and Elias Ribeiro
- Cinematographer: Pierre de Villiers
This highly anticipated film promises a visceral cinematic experience, pairing Sandulela Asanda’s striking storytelling with the visual power of Pierre de Villiers’ cinematography. With renowned producers Cait Pansegrouw and Elias Ribeiro at the helm, Black Burns Fast is already generating strong buzz.
Street Trash
- Director, Writer & Producer: Ryan Kruger
- Cinematographer: Fabian Vettiger
Known for his fearless approach to genre and aesthetics, Ryan Kruger brings Street Trash to the festival, a bold and gritty film that promises to leave audiences both unsettled and inspired. With dynamic visuals from Fabien Vettiger, the film is set to be one of the more provocative entries in this year’s lineup.
AFDA alumni in key roles in the Short Films Category
Being You
- Director, Writer & Producer: Minenhle Luthuli
A deeply personal narrative brought to life by Minenhle Luthuli, Being You explores identity and belonging with emotional depth and clarity, showcasing the voice of a filmmaker to watch.
Fleas (Amazeze)
- Director & Writer: Jordy Sank
Jordy Sank returns to the spotlight with Fleas, a short film that is expected to capture the attention of both audiences and critics for its creative storytelling and poignant themes.
As an Oscar-qualifying festival, DIFF provides a launchpad for films that aspire to global recognition. With categories that include features, documentaries, shorts, and student films, the festival not only celebrates established voices but also nurtures new ones. AFDA alumni’s strong presence this year is a testament to the institution’s ongoing impact on the creative industries, producing graduates who are bold, original, and industry-ready.
Whether breaking new ground in visual storytelling or offering fresh perspectives through short-form cinema, these alumni are not just participating in the festival, they are defining its future.