The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, is widely regarded as a leading film festival in Africa. Founded in 1979 by Teddy and Ros Sarkin, it is the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa, presenting over 100 screenings, most of which are premieres in this region. The festival also offers workshops, seminars and outreach activities that include screenings in township areas where cinemas do not exist. DIFF offers an opportunity for filmmakers to expand their networks, by attracting local and international stakeholders and is a gateway to global cinematic gems that will enrich South African audience experiences.

The festival has a competition, with the Best Documentary and Best Short Films automatically qualifying for the Oscars race.

The DIFF program includes a section for student films, currently enrolled at any tertiary institution, and is aimed at supporting young filmmakers in shaping their careers as they debut their first films and creating opportunities for them to engage with industry professionals.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film
Best South African Feature Film

Best Documentary
Best South African Documentary

Best Short Film
Best South African Short Film

Best International Student Film
Best South African Student Film

Rules & Terms

1. Entry Form
Films and entry forms must be submitted exclusively through the FilmFreeway website and must only be submitted by an authorised representative for the film.

2. Submission Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline: 9 January 2026
Regular Deadline: 27 February 2026
Notification Date: 01 May 2026

3. Categories
3.1. Features: African fictional films 60 minutes and over. Non-African submissions will be solicited.
3.2. Documentaries: African non-fiction films 60 minutes and over. Non-African submissions will be solicited.
3.3. Short Film: fiction or documentary films that are under 60 minutes. Open to all countries.
3.4. Student Film: fiction and non-fiction films under 60 minutes. The director of the film must be enrolled in a tertiary institution during the year that the film is produced and submitted for the festival. Open to all countries.

4. Competition Films
4.1. The competition section of the festival includes a selection of Features, Documentaries, Shorts and Student Films that will be adjudicated by an independent jury.
4.2. The decisions of the Jury are final, and no correspondence is entered into after the announcement of the Awards.

5. Eligibility
5.1. Feature films, documentaries, short films and student films that have been completed any time after 1 January 2025.
5.2. Films submitted and declined for the previous edition will not be considered for the 47th edition.
5.3. Films must not have been shown on South African television, internet streaming services or released / screened physically in South African cinema before the DIFF2026 presentation.
5.4. Should your film be selected, the festival requires a DCP for the exhibition. This is not applicable to student films.
5.5. Films where the language is not English, must have English subtitles.
5.6. Works solely promotional, educational or scientific in nature are not eligible for selection for DIFF.
5.7. A film selected to participate in the festival cannot be withdrawn from the festival during the event.
5.8. Films for the festival must be submitted by a representative who has the authority to do so.

6 Refunds
6. No submission refunds will be granted, it is the submitters' responsibility to ensure the film is eligible.

Any enquiries about the Durban International Film Festival can be directed to DIFF by email at diff@ukzn.ac.za
29 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sophie SHUI

    For independent filmmakers, the Durban International Film Festival is truly an inspiring and captivating event.

    I am deeply honored that The Taste of Pork Belly has received the Best International Student Film Award.
    It was a tremendous privilege to be part of the festival alongside so many outstanding films.

    The Durban International Film Festival is undoubtedly one of the world’s finest festivals, dedicated to promoting diverse voices and powerful storytelling.

    Although I couldn’t attend in person, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the festival team, as well as Helene Naicker’s warm and efficient communication.

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Sophie,

    Thank you for your kind words and review of our festival and the team. We appreciate the feedback and wish you nothing but the best moving forward.

  • Lebo Magolego

    An absolute dream come true for any emerging filmmaker! Would be an honour to screen at DIFF over and over again!

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the wonderful review, Lebo! We are glad you had a wonderful time.

  • Katie Taylor

    Always a wonderful experience. Our students were so happy to be included. Truly a fantastic festival!

    August 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Katie,

    Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We are glad the students could join us and had a great experience.

  • Alessandra Gama

    I am immensely happy and honored to have Exotismos selected. We were very well received, the curation is exceptional and it goes down as one of the most incredible festivals I have participated in. Thank you DIFF!

    August 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Alessandra,

    Thank you so much for the kind review! We could not be more thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time at DIFF. Thank you and the rest of the team for joining us and we wish you all the best on your future endeavours!

  • Aryasb Feiz

    Attending the Durban International Film Festival to screen my film Tomorrow was an unforgettable experience. The festival's vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality made it an incredible opportunity to connect with filmmakers from around the world. The staff was so friendly and went above and beyond in assisting me with the visa process, ensuring a smooth journey. Being part of such a prestigious event was a great honor, and I can't wait to return in the future.

    August 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Arysab,

    Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback. We try our very best to accommodate our guests. We are so glad you could make it to join us and we are pleased to hear you enjoyed your time at DIFF.

    Best wishes!