Film

Small studios are taking centre stage.

Small film production companies celebrated in 2023 when the Micro Budget Film Fund of the Durban Film Office (DFO) handed over five substantial cheques to allow them to bring their projects to completion and achieve high production standards.

Cheques of R250 000 were presented at a ceremony at the Barnyard Theatre Suncoast on 19 May 2023. Among the recipients were BTS Films (Pty) Ltd which secured funding for “The Life Between Us”, while Lwazi Duma Entertainment received support for “Thulebone” and Umqhele Films (Pty) Ltd was awarded funding for its project, “Amalootist” (Youth in the midst of war).

This initiative aims to invigorate the growth of Durban’s film industry and provide vital support to emerging local filmmakers by fostering a platform for their talent to flourish. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, the DFO has played a pivotal role in positioning Durban as a globally competitive film city.

The DFO has two other development programmes targeting filmmakers at different levels in the industry: the Development Fund Grant and Festivals and the Markets Support Grant. Together, these programmes aim to support intermediate and experienced producers and local emerging filmmakers based in Durban. Also, to provide opportunities for skills development and market access, expose local talent to international audiences and to promote local films.

The KZN Film Industry Transformation Initiative (FITI) is another strategy to support previously disadvantaged and emerging filmmakers. Administered by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the one-year FITI aims to increase skills levels with a view to individuals being able to advance to senior positions within the industry.

The first edition of the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) was held in 1979 and its reputation has been building ever since. In 2023, 3 000 films from 137 countries were viewed over 10 days. Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, a number of prizes are on offer, including Best Feature Film, Best African Feature Film, Best South African Feature Film and Best Documentary. The programme also encompasses the Isiphethu International Student Film Festival, open to filmmakers

Online Resources

Durban Film Office: www.film.durban.gov.za

Centre for Creative Arts: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

Durban Film Mart: www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission: www.kznfilm.co.za at tertiary institutions. The 45th edition of the DIFF will be held in July 2024.

The 45th Durban International Film Festival will be held in 2024.

The Durban FilmMart Institute hosts an annual Durban FilmMart that in 2023 attracted 1 018 delegates from 43 countries. The four-day industry event is a finance and co-production market designed to create partnerships and further the development and production of African cinema. In 2023 it was held under the title of “African Constellations” and featured 28 official projects, seven partner projects and 44 industry sessions. Primary funding is received from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality. ■