The Durban International Film Festival, taking place from 20-30 July 2023, is taking strides to strengthen skills for upcoming filmmakers. Their development project, Isiphethu, will host a plethora of events and workshops in July. These include an isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop, the International Student Film Festival, Isiphethu on Tour with community screenings, and its Industry Workshop Programme.
The workshop programme, taking place during the festival at KZNSA in Durban and online will open up conversations on topics that are essential to the success of filmmakers, such as funding access, budgeting, representation and Intellectual Property. Through this project, the Durban International Film Festival is encouraging the empowerment of filmmakers in KwaZulu-Natal.
What will be covered on the programme
Highlight headlines for the programme includes “Funding for Film Projects: A Guide to Accessing Funds in SA as Emerging Filmmakers”, covering funding access and providing information on the funds offered to entry-level, semi-skilled and skilled filmmakers.
An important conversation circulating in many festivals globally, is representation. Part of Isiphethu’s programme includes the seminar “Representation Matters in Film: Tackling Diversity and Gender Parity in Filmmaking”, which will create space for directors, producers, and writers to explore why gender diversity and inclusion – also behind the camera – are important in storytelling.
Furthering the dialogue on critical aspects of the industry, “Intellectual Property (IP) for creators”, covers different types of Intellectual Property, the importance of IP protection, the commercialisation of IP, and careers to consider in IP.
Want to be in front of camera?
For those who want to be in front of the camera, “The Role of Casting Agents in the Television and Film Industry” will highlight how talent can work with agents or managers to showcase their work in various productions.
US photographer Lauren Barkume will share her insights, experiences, and examples to highlight the significance of photography in the session “The Significance of Photography in Film Production”. Not forgetting the importance of sound, The National Film and Video Foundation, in partnership with Sheer Publishing Africa, will present a “Masterclass on Music Composition and Scoring.”
Screenings
The Isiphethu on Tour programme will screen short films in the following venues: Wushwini Pan Africa Centre in Inanda, K-Cap in KwaMashu, Cap Studios in Hillcrest, Denis Hurley Centre in Durban Central and Luthuli Museum in Groutville. The International Student Film Festival will screen 31 short films from students worldwide. The screenings can be viewed for free at KZNSA.
For a full overview of the workshop- and screening programme visit the website:
https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/diff2023/isiphethu/
DIFF 2023 lineup
The Opening and Closing film at this year’s DIFF 2023
Films Competing at this year’s DIFF 2023
Iconic SA film Mapantsula gets restored in 4K
Programme and tickets
The 44th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will take place from 20 July to 30 July 2023. Widely regarded as one of the leading film festivals on the African continent, DIFF will showcase an impressive variety of shorts, features, documentaries, and student films. The programme is available on ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za. To stay up to date, follow #DIFF2023 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
