Over the last 20 years AFDA students and alumni award-winning films have had a strong presence at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) and 2022 is no exception.
For starters, the feature film, “1960“, a drama feature film set in Sophiatown and directed by AFDA alumnus Shaft Moropane (aka King Shaft) and Michael Mutombo, has been selected to open the festival which takes place from July 21 to 30 and includes 19 live screenings and almost 200 films screened virtually.
Award-winning AFDA alumna, Jenna Cato Bass’ who was recently described as the “standard-bearer for new South African cinema” by Variety Magazine, presents her 4th feature film “Good Madam” at the festival. “Good Madam” has gathered international interest after earning an honourable mention at the Toronto Film Festival. Jenna also wrote the script to the Tanzanian feature film “Tug of War” which is screening at DIFF.
This year the DIFF programme also launches the inaugural Isiphethu International Student Film Festival and 3 AFDA 2021 Graduation films have been selected in competition which include: AFDA 3rd year film “Calf”, directed by Lee Brown, AFDA Johannesburg 4th year honours film, Delville Wood”, directed by Izette Blignaut and Mitchell Weidemann and AFDA Cape Town 4th year honours film. Where is Mr Adams”, directed by Cameron Murray.
South Africa’s longest-running film festival, the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), contributes to expanding filmmaker networks, attracts local and international media, creates public awareness of South African and African cinema, and promotes and celebrates African cinema that highlights the possibilities of local film production and stimulates the growth of the film industry. DIFF proactively promotes the development of the African film industry and provides a strategic exhibition platform for local products alongside international films within a professionally implemented and reputable cultural experience.
Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, DIFF is widely regarded as one of the leading film festivals on the African continent and a vital event on the international film calendar.
DIFF has two principal strands: Isiphethu, consisting of a seminar and workshop component to stimulate industry development and a community outreach programme to service marginalised audiences and the celebration of cinema through the exhibition of films. This year the programme also launches the inaugural Isiphethu International Student Film Festival.
