As a movie lover with a deep appreciation for the history and impact of cinema, particularly in societies undergoing significant social and political change, I find the 45th Durban International Film Festival to be an inspiring celebration of freedom, resilience, and artistic expression. Having grown up in South Africa during the apartheid era and witnessing firsthand the struggles for democracy and artistic freedom, I am deeply moved by the festival’s commitment to reflecting the complex realities of our society while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers from underrepresented communities.
The 45th Durban International Film Festival began on Thursday, coinciding with the birthday commemoration of South Africa’s first Black president and freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. In honor of his legacy, the festival passionately advocated for individual freedoms and emphasized the enduring significance of cinema in our lives.
At the opening ceremony for the 45th Durban International Film Festival, marking 30 years of democracy and taking place on Nelson Mandela Day, festival manager Andrea Voges expressed thoughts on cinema’s impact: “Tonight, as we kick off this celebration, let us ponder the power of films and filmmakers in mirroring our society and painting pictures of a more hopeful tomorrow.”
“Let’s not overlook the value of our freedom and artistic expression. Countless filmmakers and artists worldwide face significant challenges and risks in creating their work. Cinema remains essential in stimulating thought, provoking discussion, broadening perspectives, and providing enjoyment for its viewers.”
During the apartheid era, when South Africa’s oppressive white government censored and prohibited subversive films from being shown to the public as a means of silencing the Black majority, this festival had its humble beginnings.
From its beginning, the Durban festival has mirrored the zeitgeist – during its initial stages, racially diverse crowds risked arrest, with cinemas in South Africa being compelled to enforce segregation regulations. The films chosen for this year’s event continue to highlight the ongoing battles of a nation that is still navigating its democratic path thirty years later. Voges, the festival director, expressed, “South Africans are a tenacious people, and several films in our lineup portray their resilience. They not only shed light on the hurdles we confront as a society but also offer an encouraging perspective for the future.”
The opening film at the festival, titled “Legacy: Uncovering South Africa’s Hidden Past” by American-born, South African filmmaker Tara Moore, is an insightful documentary that delves into the continuing effects of apartheid and the inequalities that have survived since the implementation of majority rule thirty years ago. The closing film, “The Art of Resistance: A Portrait of Zapiro” by director Craig Tanner and producer Anant Singh (“Sarafina!”, “Cry, the Beloved Country”), is a compelling documentary that showcases the life and work of renowned political cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, also known as Zapiro. His unwavering commitment to exposing truth has made his provocative art a powerful force in South Africa’s post-liberation struggle for justice.
In an interview with EbMaster before the start of the event, Voges shared her excitement about the 45th edition of the festival, having returned to Durban last year to lead the team. According to Voges, this year’s lineup demonstrates DIFF’s dedication to presenting films that resonate with local viewers and highlight pressing issues from various parts of the globe.
She expressed her hope that upon examining the program, it would make perfect sense to you and convey Durban’s unique perspective on cinema. Notable entries are Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” which won the Grand Prix at Cannes, Mati Diop’s Golden Bear winner “Dahomey” from Berlin, Sandhya Suri’s standout in Un Certain Regard titled “Santosh,” and Mohammad Rasoulof’s multiple award-winning film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” at Cannes.
Voges’ commitment is demonstrated in the diverse lineup, showcasing emerging filmmakers from Africa, specifically Kenya (“The Battle for Laikipia,” “After the Long Rains”), Mozambique (“The Nights Still Smell of Gunpowder”), Madagascar (“Disco Afrika”), Somalia (“A Village Next to Paradise”), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (“Rising Up at Night”). The home country is also prominently featured, with eight feature films and documentaries for Durban viewers, many of which are having their world premieres.
Many film festivals around the world, including DIFF, are dealing with the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, which accelerated the change in audience viewing habits due to the growth of global streaming services. Cinemas in South Africa have been struggling to recover from a dip caused by COVID-19 – Ster-Kinekor, the largest cinema chain in the country, went through a local version of bankruptcy protection for two years before regaining solvency in 2022. In response, festival organizers are offering discounted ticket bundles to entice Durban residents back into theaters.
For the first time, DIFF (Durban International Film Festival) will be expanding its reach by collaborating with local independent cinemas in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Following the festival’s conclusion, selected program highlights will be screened at these venues. Voges, who is involved with DIFF, expressed the importance of this partnership, stating, “Given the current situation where cinemas are closing down at an alarming rate in South Africa, I believe it’s crucial that we lend our support. By partnering with both large chains and independent cinemas, we aim to make a statement about the value and importance of these establishments.”
In Durban this year, there will be greater emphasis on Isiphetu, the festival’s industry initiative designed for emerging filmmakers. As Voges puts it, Isiphetu serves as a valuable “precursor” to the more established Durban FilmMart, now in its 15th edition. Isiphetu provides free workshops that are not commonly accessible to budding filmmakers in South Africa. The integration of this year’s Isiphetu into the main festival will be more pronounced than before, ensuring that participants do not feel marginalized. Voges stresses, “We don’t want them to feel like they’re on the sidelines.”
These initiatives, including film showings at various Durban locations, particularly in less affluent neighborhoods, demonstrate the festival’s enduring dedication to engaging with the local community. In light of South Africa’s tumultuous political climate, where the African National Congress (ANC), the party behind Mandela’s anti-apartheid struggle, lost its majority in this year’s general election for the first time, the festival is reaffirming its mission rooted in groundbreaking screenings at the iconic Avalon Cinema over 40 years ago. “It’s crucial that Durban, a 45-year-old establishment, remains active amidst these challenges,” expressed Voges.
The Durban Intl. Film Festival runs July 18 – 28.
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2024-07-19 11:17