DIFF rolls around with a focus on African film
THE Durban International Film Festival will feature 101 feature-length films.
THIS year’s edition of the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), which runs from 16 to 26 June, features a strong selection of African titles.Just under half of all the films originate from Africa and South Africa, and much of the rest of the programme deals with diasporic issues and identity politics.
Of the 101 feature-length films to be shown at the festival, 50 are African films, including 17 fiction films and nine documentaries, while there are 24 South African films, including 10 fiction films and 14 documentaries. Additionally, the festival’s programme will include more than 90 short films, the majority of which are African and South African.
Now in its 37th year, DIFF is the continent’s leading showcase of African films. Key titles from the continent’s ever-expanding film industry include ‘As I Open My Eyes’, a powerful personal tale told on the eve of Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution, ‘Naked Reality’, the latest film from provocative filmmaker Jean-Pierre Bekolo, ‘Nakom’, a haunting film about the conflict between tradition, modernity and love, ‘Ghostland’, about the loss of language and identity of indigenous Namibian people, and ‘I Shot Bi Kidude’, the long-awaited feature film about African musical legend, Bi Kidude.
Acting festival director, Peter Machen, spoke enthusiastically about this year’s programme.
“This is my 27th year of attending the festival and it’s been incredible to watch the continual expansion of African cinema as the industry slowly rebirths in the wake of colonialism. In those first years that I attended, there was virtually no African content.”
There will also be a focus on issues around indigenous rights and colonialism, a small programme of films that deal with HIV and a rich programme of films about dance and music.
The festival will take place at The Playhouse, Ster Kinekor Musgrave, Ster Kinekor Nouveau, Nu Metro Pavilion, The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, the KZNSA Gallery, Rivertown Beerhall and the Elangeni-Maharani Hotel, with festival hubs at the Elangeni-Maharani and The Playhouse. There will also be screenings of selected titles in Clermont, KwaMashu, Inanda, Groutville and others areas.
Related Articles:
Film school does workshops at film festival
So what’s your question: Getting to know the iconic Albie Sachs
