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UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) and its renowned Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), one of Africa’s leading film festivals, was recently awarded a R1 million annual grant from the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. This three-year funding of R1 million rand per year, supported by the UKZN Foundation, will not only boost DIFF’s position as a premier cultural tourism attraction but also elevate its impact on the creative and cultural industries in South Africa, fostering innovation and driving economic growth within the sector.

CCA Director Dr Ismail Mahomed is thrilled about the transformative impact of the grant. ‘The grant provides us with an amazing opportunity to further anchor the festival as a cultural tourism event for the province,’ said Mahomed. ‘This year, the festival attracted participants from 53 countries and created opportunities for several South African films to be screened internationally. It also supported capacity-building initiatives that contribute to growth in the KZN creative sector.’

The grant will primarily fund DIFF’s programming, enabling the festival to maintain its status as an Oscar-qualifying event. Additionally, it will support the continuation of DIFF’s pilot residency project for African women festival curators, a key initiative that provides mentorship to emerging professionals in the industry.

‘This partnership aligns perfectly with DIFF’s mission of promoting local and international films,’ Mahomed said. ‘We are both committed to fostering critical thinking, creativity and social engagement through film, which is crucial for strengthening South Africa’s democracy. Films produced through our IsiZulu Scriptwriting Programme, in particular, help to shape narratives that reflect the diverse realities of our province.’

DIFF faces challenges from shifting audience habits due to the rise of digital platforms and home viewing. However, Mahomed emphasised that film festivals remain vital as spaces for independent filmmakers to showcase non-commercial works. The grant from the KZN Tourism and Film Authority will help DIFF remain relevant by allowing it to expand and continue offering platforms for new voices in filmmaking.

The three-year commitment from the KZN Tourism and Film Authority is an opportunity to develop DIFF’s long-term sustainability by providing a stable financial foundation, one which Mahomed believes will attract further funding and corporate sponsorships, enhancing DIFF’s national and international standing. The grant will also facilitate the introduction of internships and job opportunities for recent graduates and unemployed youth, adding to the 360 temporary jobs created by the festival this year alone.

Collaboration with local government entities such as the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the National Film and Video Foundation and the Durban Film Office, plays a pivotal role in DIFF’s success. This support helps not only in promoting local filmmakers but also in cultivating new audiences for South African cinema, driving economic development and advancing social transformation.

The UKZN Foundation has been integral in securing and managing this and other vital grants for DIFF. Mahomed praised the Foundation’s role in navigating the complexities of the funding landscape. ‘The UKZN Foundation’s supportive and accountable staff are an asset to the University’s fundraising mission,’ he said, highlighting their role in ensuring effective financial management and compliance with funder requirements.

Looking ahead, Mahomed envisions a bright future for DIFF. ‘With this funding, we will create mentorship and job opportunities for graduates, strengthen stakeholder relationships and continue to boost tourism by showcasing KZN as a prime location for film productions.’ DIFF’s collaboration with the KZN Tourism and Film Authority will also encourage international filmmakers to explore KZN’s rich film location potential, further contributing to the local economy.

DIFF has garnered recognition for its impactful partnerships, winning two Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) Awards in 2023. The CCA continues to invite corporate organisations to sponsor and support the festival, offering tailored sponsorship packages that align with corporate social responsibility goals and branding initiatives. This dynamic partnership will ensure that DIFF remains a vibrant and growing platform for filmmakers from underrepresented communities while promoting KZN and South Africa’s cultural wealth to the world.

The next three years promise to be a transformative period for DIFF, with the KZN Tourism and Film Authority’s support helping to secure its future as a leading film festival on the global stage.