The 47th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) took place from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa, reaffirming its status as the oldest and one of the most influential film festivals on the African continent. Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the festival once again brought together filmmakers, critics and audiences from around the world, with a programme that celebrated both emerging voices and established directors while maintaining a strong commitment to African cinema.
Beyond its screenings, DIFF continued to strengthen its role as an industry hub through the Durban FilmMart and a wide range of workshops, masterclasses and networking events designed to support the next generation of filmmakers. The festival has long distinguished itself by championing stories that challenge conventions and reflect the cultural diversity of Africa, making it an essential stop on the international festival circuit.
Main Awards
- Best Feature Film — Cotton Queen — Suzannah Mirghani
- Best South African Feature Film — Dance With Me — Romanuse Lindelani Langa
- Best Documentary — A Fox Under the Pink Moon
- Best Short Film — Close Your Eyes Hind — Amir Zaza
- Best Editing — Cotton Queen
- Special Mention — Early Winter
- Best Actor — Bongile Mantsai for Knuckle City
- Best Actress — Sisanda Henna for Dance With Me
One of the festival’s biggest winners was Cotton Queen, the Sudanese drama directed by Suzannah Mirghani, which claimed both Best Feature Film and Best Editing. The film further cemented its reputation as one of the year’s standout African productions, continuing an impressive international festival run with another major accolade.
South African cinema also enjoyed a memorable edition. Dance With Me emerged as one of the festival’s highlights, winning Best South African Feature Film, while Sisanda Henna received the Best Actress award for her performance. Meanwhile, veteran actor Bongile Mantsai was recognised as Best Actor, underlining the strength of this year’s local performances.
More than four decades after its foundation, the Durban International Film Festival continues to occupy a unique position within world cinema. While many major festivals compete for the biggest international premieres, DIFF remains firmly committed to discovering new voices, promoting African filmmaking and creating opportunities for stories that deserve far greater global visibility.
For anyone interested in contemporary African cinema, Durban remains one of the most rewarding festivals to follow each year. Its thoughtful programming, commitment to artistic excellence and support for emerging talent ensure that it continues to be an essential platform for some of the most exciting films being produced across the continent.
Check the festival’s official website to get further information.
