THEATRE BY THE SEA

 

(Above: Sea as a source of recreation. Photo by Shelley Kjonstad)

 Alongside Maritime Museum: Sunday October 25, 2026, 09h00 until 16h00

 

Theatre by the Sea: A special one-off free festival honouring the Sea as a force, a resource, a pantry, a playground, a boundary, and source of endless inspiration, mystery, relevance and joy, will be staged in Durban this Sunday, October 25, in the open space alongside the Maritime Museum off Durban’s Esplanade.

The festival will comprise a free programme of street theatre in different performance genres from drama to music to dance, all honouring the sea in different ways.10 groups will be participating – seven from KZN and three from the Eastern Cape.

Funded by the National Arts Council (NAC); in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and Rooted Twins Community Arts Organisation, supported by the Port Natal Maritime Museum and BAT Centre, the festival comprises a day of performances of around 15 minutes each from 10h00 onwards.

The day will open at 09h00 with participants performing a ritual honouring the sea. Thereafter from 09h00 until 10h00 there will be a participative community clean-up of the area around the Maritime Museum.

 

(Deeply Rooted twins - Vumile and Vuma Madlanga. Pic Shelley Kjonstad)

The festival comes out of the notion that Zulu cultural practices suggest twins should not engage with the sea. Vuma and Vumile Madlanga have spent their lives living close to the ocean but having never actually swam, paddled or submerged themselves into the sea water. They set up the festival for art makers to grapple with the various traditions and cultural responses we have with the sea. 

“We are celebrating theatre that connects us to nature, spirit and the wisdom of our ancestors. We will have one stage by the ocean to tell stories that heal, dances that remember and music that moves your soul,” says Vumile.

 “Bring your family. Bring your spirit. Bring your summer joy. This is theatre that breathes with the sea,” concurs Vuma.

Entry is free and all are welcome!

Bring refreshments, water to drink, something to sit on, sunhats, sunscreen and shades.

Park by the BAT Centre / Maritime Museum / Small craft harbour

For enquiries contact Vumile 084 062 2330 or Vuma 074 011 9369 |or email: pinavumile@gmail.co.za

 

 

DAVID SPURRETT FOR ST CLEMENTS

 

(Left: David Spurrett)

 

On the Pieter Scholtz Stage*, an intriguing focus for the November 2^nd "Mondays at Six" St Clements programme. During the past six months they’ve had elephants, botanicals and bees. 

Now, a gentle transition: to philosophy and human be-ings with Professor David Spurrett, who will share observations and provocations from his new book, Whose Mind is It Anyway?

David Spurrett calls himself a naturalist philosopher of cognitive science and biology. His current research is about how technology of various kinds can subvert our own thinking processes. He has applied this to a variety of examples including electronic gambling machines, high-heeled shoes, cigarettes and mind-controlling parasites.

At the November Mondays at Six, he will introduce two big ideas in thinking about cognition — ‘hostility’ and ‘scaffolding’ — and explain what happens when they come together. He’ll say a little about the book he’s writing on these topics (Whose Mind is It Anyway?) and answer questions.

To share a paragraph from his website: “Bodies and external resources make significant contributions to cognition by living beings and some artificial ones. This is now widely recognised, but not long ago the mainstream view was that cognition was exclusively internal and neural (or computational). The fact that cognition can extend into bodies and environments is generally presented as good news for users of technologies that augment or improve. There undoubtedly are benefits, but extended cognition brings vulnerabilities. Any agent might be useful to others, so we should expect those vulnerabilities to be found and exploited…”

David Spurrett grew up in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the UK. He studied philosophy at the University of Natal and King’s College London, and is professor of philosophy at UKZN where he has received a distinguished teacher’s award, the vice chancellor’s research award, and a fellowship. He has co-written or co-edited books on addiction, problem gambling, cognition and the will, and philosophy of science. Previous book titles include Midbrain Mutiny and what is addiction? His main hobbies, “which I should have started much younger”, include learning to play the piano and studying Kenjutsu.

— Visit him on his website - https://davidspurrett.com/

The programme takes place at 18h00 on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Table bookings essential: RSVP ST Clements +27 62 582 0980

 Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff.

Single folk are welcome to book for one person and join a table.

When the donation box is passed around, the venue requests generosity and a minimum of R50 per person.

Weather permitting, the programme will be outdoors.

Be there in time to open your tab, order at the counter (yes, back to the usual in November) and settle in before the scheduled 1800 start. Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban.

 

*A Pieter Scholtz (1937 — 2025) ‘Mondays at Six’ legacy soiree.

KAREN AND ME

 (Above: Shannon Kenny & Alan Judd)

 

Karen Carpenter - in her joyful and poignant renditions of songs written for her, and in her collaborations with other others - never failed to garner life-long fans and admirers. Think We’ve only just begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, Close to You, Sing and her reinterpretation of The Beatles’ Ticket to Ride.

There is a Karen Carpenter-voiced song for every occasion - first love, break-ups, make-ups, introspection and sheer joie de vivre.

In Karen & Me, coming to The Old Mushroom Farm, well-known actress Shannon Kenny is accompanied by virtuoso musician Alan Judd on a unique journey to celebrate an international musical great of the 20th Century through snapshots of Karen Carpenter’s life and illustrious career and its indelible imprint on generations of people around the world from the USA to the UK and on Shannon’s life in good old RSA.

The production is directed by Darren King and takes place on November 14 at 15h00.

Tickets R160 (R140 pensioners) booked through Quicket or watsapp Kath on 082 413984

BYOB – food available on site.

 

THIS SHINING NIGHT

(Yosuke Matsui, principal trumpeter at the KZN Philharmonic. Pic Shelley Kjonstad)

Durban Chamber Choir presents This Shining Night - Music Shining Light into Darkness:

November 1 at 15h00: Kloof Methodist Church

November 8 at 15h00: St Thomas, Musgrave

 

This Shining Night: The Durban Chamber Choir invites audiences to celebrate the joy of choral singing in two beautiful November concerts which focus on Music Shining Light into Darkness.

Building on the success of its first two concerts in May and June this year, the Durban Chamber Choir is back with two concerts in November 2026. The first concert takes place at Kloof Methodist Church on Sunday November 1 and the second at St Thomas in Musgrave on Sunday November 8 both at 15h00. Joining the DCC as a special guest is Yosuke Matsui, principal trumpeter at the KZN Philharmonic.

The Durban Chamber Choir presents a carefully-curated programme of music from Renaissance masters to modern jazz standards; Scandinavian composers to traditional isiZulu songs. Highlights include the accessible Ave Verum Corpus from Jenkins and the Sanctus by Sandström - almost plainchant in manner reminiscent of a body of sacred, unaccompanied vocal music used in the liturgies of the Western and Eastern Christian churches. Setting the tone for the afternoon is Barber’s lyrical neo-Romantic art song, Sure on this Shining Night.

Tickets R120 (concessions R80) are available at the door or through Quicket in advance.

MIMI MTSHALI BRINGS KHAYA LAMI TO DURBAN

 

(Mimi Mtshali)

Award-winning Afro-Jazz vocalist to perform live at UKZN’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on October 21, 2026.

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is proud to present acclaimed South African Afro-Jazz vocalist, composer and educator Mimi Mtshali on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Mtshali brings her latest album, Khaya Lami, to Durban for an evening of soulful African jazz, powerful vocals and captivating storytelling. With a career spanning more than two decades, she seamlessly blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary jazz harmonies, exploring themes of love, heritage, resilience and African identity.

A graduate of the University of Cape Town’s jazz programme, Mtshali has earned recognition for her exceptional vocal ability and commanding stage presence. She has performed alongside renowned artists, including Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, Judith Sephuma and international superstar Lauryn Hill, and has appeared at prestigious events such as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival.

The performance will feature highlights from her acclaimed discography alongside music from her highly-anticipated third studio album, Khaya Lami. She will be joined by an accomplished ensemble of South African jazz musicians: Mdu Mtshali on piano and keyboards, Zolile Mgqatsa on bass, Sbu Zondi on drums, Thabo Sikhakhane on trumpet and Leon Scharnick on saxophone.

Audiences can look forward to an engaging musical experience celebrating African heritage and the vibrant sounds of contemporary jazz.

 

Event:  Mimi Mtshali – Khaya Lami

Date:   Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Doors open:  17h00. Music starts 17h:30

Venue:   Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN, Durban.

 

Tickets: General admission R130 | Pensioners R100 | Students R70

Payment: Cash at the door or Webtickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Performance.aspx?itemid=1605307624

Campus access: Gate 3 or Gate 8, off Rick Turner Road.

BAROQUE 2000: OCTOBER 25

 

The next Baroque 2000 event will take place on Sunday October 25, 2026, at 15h00 at St Martin's Church in Durban North.

The programme will feature the KZN Youth Choir.

 

Soloists from UKZN Opera School: Asanda Ntuli (soprano) - Zonke Zincume (mezzo-soprano) - Zanele Mndiyata (soprano)

 

Programme:

Handel - Overture

Handel - Arias & Choruses from "Messiah"

Handel - Concerto Grosso

Mozart - "Laudate Dominum" & "Ave verum corpus"

 

Tickets at the door: R200. Children enter free.

Coffee/tea/cold drinks available before and after performance.

Contact: Michel -  sursouth@iafrica.com 082 303 5241

 

SPIGA (famous Italian restaurant at 465 Innes Road. – opposite Mitchell Park) is generously offering a R50 voucher (to be redeemed any day against a R250 spend) to each patron attending Baroque 2000 Sunday's concert.

 

REEL BALANCE

 

(African Film Festival representatives at the signing of the Reel Balance Pledge at the urban FilmMart. Photo Supplied)

 

Pan-African Film Festival Gender Equity project - Launched at the 17th Durban FilmMART

In a first for the African film ecosystem, seven of the most influential women-focused film advocacy organizations have united for one cause: to ensure gender equity at African film festivals.

REEL BALANCE, initiated by The Ladima Foundation and the Durban FilmMart, is being implemented in partnership with Rawiyat SIF (Sister in Film), Sisters Working in Film & Television (SWIFT), Womxn Activating Transformation Africa (WATA), Girls in Film SA, African Female Filmmakers Collective (AFFC), and African Women in Animation.

REEL BALANCE is tangible and collaborative intervention constructively engaging with over 50 film festivals in Africa to secure a commitment to increase the representation of women, both on screen and behind the scenes.  

Informal research conducted by The Ladima Foundation in early 2026 from 12 film festivals on the continent revealed two key challenges. Firstly, it is apparent that it is extremely difficult to access the data required to accurately interrogate and understand the issues of gender representation at film festivals in Africa. Despite this lack of access to data, the research did clearly yield a second insight; the significant need to increase the representation of films directed and produced by women, and particularly African women at film festivals in Africa.

REEL BALANCE has been designed to address both of these challenges, working in partnership with film festivals via a pledge to be signed that will commit signatory festivals to strive for 50/50 representation for films directed or produced by women, but also in management and jury positions, and in terms of participants in panels and workshops at festival events.

Signatory festivals also commit to sharing data on the number of women filmmakers submitting films, as well as the numbers of those selected. The compiling, benchmarking and reporting on this data over the coming years will be an integral part of the initiative and inform best practice solutions to address identified challenges.

To support this process, REEL BALANCE will harness the power of the eight participating partners who will activate extensive networks across the continent to promote participating festivals and encourage women filmmakers to submit their films to significantly increase the pipeline of available films for selection.

REEL BALANCE is founded on partnership and collaboration, as The Ladima Foundation’s Executive Director Lara Utian explains: “Since its inception in 2018, The Ladima Foundation has worked to address the significant gender imbalances within the film landscape in Africa. We understand that lasting and impactful change takes place only through collaborations and partnerships. This is why we are particularly excited to have initiated REEL BALANCE along with the DFM, and to have been able to partner with so many other like-minded organizations on the continent.

“The fact that so many festivals have already signed the pledge is inspiring and, with our partners, we will continue to engage more festivals over the coming weeks and months. We will also work closely with signatory festivals to support them and to find constructive solutions to address issues of gender imbalance. In partnership with these signatory festivals, we believe that change can and will happen and that we will see more African women represented both on and off screen in the years to come.”

Some 19 festivals have already signed the pledge, reflecting the commitment of their leadership teams to supporting gender equality and transforming Africa’s film festival landscape. These festivals are to be applauded for their willingness to be leaders in the industry and to make intentional efforts to ensure gender parity at their events and REEL BALANCE will work to support and promote these festivals as we work together in the coming years. 

Film festivals that have signed the pledge to date include:

 

● Kitale Film Week (Kenya) https://kitalefilmweek.org/

● Bantu Film Festival (Botswana) https://filmfreeway.com/BantuFilmFestival

● Juiced Short Film Festival (Kenya) https://filmfreeway.com/JuicedFilmFestival

● Kilifi Creek Festival (Kenya) https://kilificreekfestival.com/

● Mashariki African Film Festival (Rwanda) https://www.masharikifestival.org/

● Ethiopian International Film Festival (Ethiopia) https://www.facebook.com/ethioiff/

● Animatex Animation Festival (Egypt) https://animatex.net/

● Fak'ugesi Festival (South Africa) https://fakugesi.co.za/

● Cameroon African Animation Film Festival (Cameroon) https://canimaf.org/index.php/en/

● AVIJOZI (South Africa) https://avijozi.com/

● Durban International Film Festival (South Africa) https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/

● Joburg Film Festival (South Africa) https://joburgfilmfestival.co.za/

● Encounters South African International Documentary Festival (South Africa) https://encounters.co.za/

● FESPACO (Burkina Faso) https://fespaco.bf/en/welcome-to-fespaco/

● Zanzibar International Film Festival (Zanzibar) https://www.ziff.or.tz/

● FAME Week Africa (South Africa) https://www.fameweekafrica.com/

● LIFANIMA - Nigeria’s Animation Festival (Nigeria) https://lifanima.com/

● Luxor African Film Festival (Egypt) https://www.luxorafricanfilmfestival.com/

● Festival International du film de l'océan Indien (Reunion Island) https://fifoi.re/

 

All film festivals within the African continent are invited to become part of this movement and to sign the pledge. Interested festivals can contact lara@ladima.africa for more information.

REEL BALANCE was officially launched on October 10, 2026, at the Durban FilmMart who are co-founders of the initiative with Magdalene Reddy, Director of Durban FilmMart Institute explaining their support: “Since its inception, the Durban FilmMart's purpose has been to develop, support and sustain the African film industry, and to shape how African storytelling is represented in the global market.

“Partnering with The Ladima Foundation on REEL BALANCE is a natural progression of that mission. Lasting change in on-screen representation begins behind the scenes, with the people who select, programme and decide. As the leading film market in Africa, we can speak directly to festivals and industry players in a way advocacy alone cannot. We are using our platform to open the pipeline for African women filmmakers, and to ensure that the commitment is measured, not merely stated.”

REEL BALANCE will continue to engage with film festivals across the continent to sign the pledge as well as to encourage women filmmakers to submit films to signatory festivals. Updates will be issued via media and across partner organization social media platforms.

For more information: www.ladima.africa

 

THE BAMBOOZLED BREAK-IN

 

(Above: Cara Roberts & Marion Loudon)

Fun comedy frolic - The Bamboozled Break-In

Seabrookes Theatre, DHS: October Friday 30 & Saturday 31

An original, boisterous, fun comedy frolic, The Bamboozled Break-In with Marion Loudon and Cara Roberts, presented by first-time producer, AfriArtsConnect, comes to the Seabrookes Theatre at DHS for one weekend only on Friday 30 and Sat 31 October. 

Two burglars. One house. One very inconvenient coincidence. Vivian (Marion Loudon) is a seasoned professional with years of experience and a reputation for getting away clean. Zanie (Cara Roberts) is a first-time thief whose approach is considerably less polished.

When their carefully-planned heists collide, chaos erupts. With tempers flaring and plans falling apart, the two must decide if they can trust each other. In this high-energy comedy, working together may be the only way out. 

Their unexpected encounter turns a straightforward burglary into a night of confusion, comic misunderstandings, physical chaos and revelations. Based on Jacolien Lüneburg's Dubbeldief - a comedic, satirical play translated from the Afrikaans and adapted by Ilana van den Berg, the production is directed by Ilana van den Berg and produced by AfriArtsConnect. 

 

Good to Know:

Tickets - Webtickets

October 30 – 18h30

October 31 – 12h00 &18h:30

Seabrooke’s Theatre, DHS, Musgrave

Tickets: R140 / Webtickets

80 minutes No interval

Age 9+

THIS IS US

 

One studio. One family. One stage.

Get ready for a heartwarming celebration of dance, friendship and togetherness as Hayley Howie Dance Studio proudly presents This Is Us, a vibrant production showcasing the passion, creativity and talent of its dancers.

Featuring a beautiful blend of ballet and modern dance, this entertaining showcase brings the studio family together for a special celebration where every dancer gets their moment to shine.

Through captivating choreography, graceful movement and joyful performances, This Is Us celebrates the bonds that make dance so special.

Two performances. One unforgettable day.

DATE              Saturday, October 31, 2026

TIMES             14h00 and 17h00

VENUE           The Playhouse Company, Drama Theatre

TICKETS        R210

Book on Webtickets

NB: No children under 4 years.

 

17TH EDITION OF DURBAN FILMMART (DFM) WRAPS UP

 The 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) has wrapped up, concluding with the presentation of the 2026 DFM Awards

The premier film industry event in Africa, the Durban FilmMart (DFM) 2026, took place from October 9 to 12 in Durban, under the theme Shifting Worlds: Turning Towards Ourselves successfully bringing together 1131 film professionals and filmmakers from 56 countries across the world.

Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), says: “We are delighted to have hosted such a dynamic array of filmmakers and industry leaders in Durban. Delegates entrusted us with their projects and ideas, and had honest, uncompromising conversations about alternative funding pathways, equitable co-production and authentic partnerships. The talent showcased in this year’s programme and film projects exemplifies the strength of African cinema; networks expanded, and partnerships forged will extend DFM’s legacy and impact. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their support in celebrating and elevating African storytellers, producers and content creators.”

“The quality of the projects presented in this year was exceptional, with filmmakers bringing bold, original and well-developed work to the table,” adds Reddy. “That calibre was matched by the generosity of the organisations, funders and festivals who came to Durban to recognise it. Every prize - whether it is a cash grant, a place in a lab or market, or a mentorship - opens a door for these filmmakers, and we are deeply grateful to our partners for their continued belief in African storytelling.”

The event ended on a high with the presentation of 39 awards from 30 partners, valued at over R2 million (over $120 938,00).

 

Category – Cash Awards:

The JustFilms Documentary Award (Ford Foundation) – Award of 10,000 USD

The Thread And The Wall - Le Fil Et Le Mur (Algeria)

Producer/Director: Mouni Bouallam

Al Jazeera Co-production Award of 10,000 USD

 

On The Sea Road (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

 

Climate Story Labs Award of 10,000 USD

The award is on behalf of Climate Story Labs Africa and Doc Society, in collaboration with UMI Fund.

The Birth Of Derna (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF)

 

Best Fiction – Grant of R100,000

The Boy Who Spoke Static (Nigeria)

Agbajowo Collective: Temitope Ogungbamila, Samuel Okechukwu, Mat Cerf (Lead Producer) and Bisola Akinmuyiwa

National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF)

 

Best Non-fiction – Grant of R100,000

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF)

 

Best Animation – Grant of R100,000

Sunday Morning (Ethiopia)

Producer: Nahom Abiy

Director: Minasie Terefe

 

Inkaba Award (Stained Glass TV) – Award of R30,000

Daddies (South Africa)

Producer: Catharina Weinek

Director: Sean Mongie

 

NEWF Natural World Storytelling Grant of 5,000 USD

A Touch Of Paradise (Tunisia)

Producer: Sarra Ben Hassen

Director: Houcem Slouli

 

Red Sea Film Fund Award – Non-Fiction of 5,000 USD

Heirs Of No Regret (Kenya)

Producer: Mumo Liku

Director: Saitabao Kaiyare

 

Red Sea Film Fund Award – Fiction of 5,000 USD

The Boy Who Spoke Static (Nigeria)

Agbajowo Collective: Temitope Ogungbamila, Samuel Okechukwu, Mat Cerf (Lead Producer) and Bisola Akinmuyiwa

 

Docubox Award of 5,000 USD

Where Do I Belong? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal AfifI

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

 

TRT Award of 5,000 USD

On The Sea Road (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

 

RRImpact Pitch Prize (DocA) of 5,000 USD

My Djomélé Night (Burkina Faso)

Producer: Cinema Salama

Director: Barkima Nafissatou Laguempedo

 

Sundance Institute Documentary Fund New Voices Award of 5,000 USD grant

Where Do I Belong? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal Afifi

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

 

The Whickers Bursary Award of 3,000 GB POUNDS

Green Island Girls (Egypt)

Producer: Amrosh Badr

Director: Rogena Tarek

 

Sunshine Cinema UCT Impact Development Award

The award comprises a bursary to the University of Cape Town Sunshine Cinema Film Impact Online Course of 2027 to the value of R18,000 and a R7,500 grant towards a first impact screening of the film.

Includes optional inclusion in the Sunshine Cinema distribution catalogue.

Pülö: Bloodstream Of The Kirike (Nigeria)

Producer/Director: Christina Ifubaraboye

 

Sunshine Cinema UCT Impact Development Award

The award comprises a bursary to the University of Cape Town Sunshine Cinema Film Impact Online Course of 2027 to the value of R18,000 and a R7,500 grant towards a first impact screening of the film.

On The Sea Road (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

 

Category – Market/Event Participation Award

 

DFMI Talents Durban Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum 2027

The Basement (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Director: Mélanie K. ZAWADI

 

The Wrapped App Award: Wrapped premium subscription of 3 months’ worth R31,500

Second Bloom (Zimbabwe)

Director: Tendaiishe Chitima

 

Sørfond Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the Sørfond Pitching Forum and a pitch course

The Boy Who Spoke Static (Nigeria)

Agbajowo Collective: Temitope Ogungbamila, Samuel Okechukwu, Mat Cerf (Lead Producer) and Bisola Akinmuyiwa

 

Sørfond Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the Sørfond Pitching Forum and a pitch course

Where Do I Belong? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal Afifi

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

 

Rotterdam Lab Award

5 nights’ accommodation and accreditation to participate in the Rotterdam Lab

Four Months And Ten Days (Sudan)

Producer: Samo Hussein

Co-producer: Anna Stylińska

Director: Alyaa Musa

 

The DOK Leipzig Award

3 nights’ accommodation and 2 accreditations to participate in DOK Leipzig 2027 as the selected project in the DOK Co-Pro Market

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

 

The FIDADOC Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the FIDADOC Pan African Writing Residency 2027

The Birth Of Derna (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

 

The FIDADOC Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the FIDADOC Pan African Writing Residency 2027

Fitampoha, The Return Of The King Of Menabe (Madagascar)

Director: Ramaroson Anatole

 

Movies that Matter Award

Accommodation and accreditation to attend Movies That Matter 2027

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

 

Animation Production Days (APD) Award

3 nights’ Accommodation and Industry badge (producer accreditation) to participate in Animation Production Days 2027

Sunday Morning (Ethiopia)

Producer: Nahom Abiy

Director: Minasie Terefe

 

DOK.fest München Award

4 nights’ accommodation and 2 accreditations for the project team and to attend DOK.fest München 2027 and participate in the DOK.forum marketplace

Where Do I Belong? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal AfifI

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

 

Sheffield Doc Fest Award

4 nights’ accommodation to attend the Sheffield DocFest 2027 with an Industry pass and a full waiver to submit to the MeetMarket

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

 

NEWF Post-Production Residency Award

A post-production residency at eKhaya, NEWF’s Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre (maximum 3 team members)

The Birth Of Derna (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

 

NEWF Summit Attendance Award

NEWF Summit attendance, including flights and accommodation (maximum 2 team members)

Second Bloom (Zimbabwe)

Director: Tendaiishe Chitima

 

El Gouna Emerge Award

7 nights’ shared accommodation, ground transport and accreditation for El Gouna Film Festival 2026

The Birth Of Derna (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

 

El Gouna Emerge Award

7 nights’ shared accommodation, ground transport and accreditation for El Gouna Film Festival 2026

Cause, Effect & Maybe Consequences (Nigeria)

Director: Cheyi Okoaye

 

Talents Press Award presented by CIFF and FIPRESCI

Flights, 5 nights’ accommodation and accreditation for Cairo International Film Festival 2026 for the selected Talents Press participant

NEYA Harouna (Burkina Faso)

 

TFL x IEFTF Next Award (TorinoFilmLab)

A place in the TorinoFilmLab programme, with the stage of development to be determined with the Lab

Four Months And Ten Days (Sudan)

Producer: Samo Hussein

Director: Alyaa Musa

 

Visions du Reel Award

Accommodation and accreditation and to participate in the Visions du Reel Market 2027

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

 

Category – Mentorship, Distribution and Membership

 

Women Make Movies Award

Best Pitch by a Women Filmmaker. Acceptance into the Production Assistance Program, which includes fiscal sponsorship allowing filmmakers to raise grants in the U.S.; individualised fundraising, distribution and ongoing project consultations, including feedback on rough cuts; a project page on WMM’s website to facilitate online donations; access to WMM’s catalogue of more than 700 films; social media support for crowdfunding campaigns, screenings and events; promotion of the completed film; one year of free WMM webinars on the business side of the business and case studies; and scheduled use of WMM’s NYC office, including the conference room for meetings or rough-cut screenings.

On The Sea Road (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

 

Impronta Films Consultancy Award

Distribution consultancy

Waiting For Evolution (South Africa)

Producer/Director: Karin Slater

 

Impronta Films Consultancy Award

Distribution consultancy

Designing Divide (South Africa)

Producer/ Director: Jessie Ayles

 

[support@durbanfilmmart.com]

The 17th edition of Durban FilmMart, in association with MultiChoice and principal funding from the National Lotteries Commission, is supported by the following funders and partners:

eThekwini Municipality, Durban Film Office, Ford Foundation, National Film and Video Foundation, Hollywood Foundation, MTN Group, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Expertise France and GIZ, The International Emerging Film Talent Fund, NEFTI, Industrial Development Corporation, Netflix, CNC, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Arab Culture Fund, Avalon Group, French Institute of South Africa, Animation SA, African Producers Accelerator, Berlinale Talents, Canada High Commission of South Africa, Caribbeantales and the Cross Continental Forum, Chiriseri Studios, Climate Story Labs Africa, Cape Town International Animation Festival, Department of Communication and Digital Technology, Disabled Audio-Visual Worker's Network, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Durban International Film Festival, Doc Society, Documentary Africa, Durban University of Technology, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, FIVA, FIPRESCI, Gauteng Film Commission, Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, IMPACT (Canada), Independent Producers Organisation, Habesha Creative, Ladima Foundation, Nature Environment Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), South African Audio Visual Cluster, South African Guild of Actors, South Africa Guild of Editors, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Storyboard Collective, Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), Palestine Film Institute, Tunga Media Afrika, WGSA, WiC. Media Partners include Arena Holdings and Variety.

 

For more information visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za [http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/]

 

 

 

JAGGED LITTLE TRIBUTE

 

Due to perform at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban and Northlands Bowling Club in Durban, North, Jagged Little Tribute covers the music of Alanis Morissette. The show will feature Marion Loudon on vocals with Paul Cassels on drums, Colin Peddie on guitar and Tory Dup on keys and bass.

Direct from the Hilton Arts Festival, it’s time to rewind to the raw energy, electric emotion, and unforgettable sound of the 90s.

Come ready to sing, reminisce, and rock out to the soundtrack of the decade with a stellar local line-up, as they promise to honour the iconic singer-songwriter whose breakthrough album Jagged Little Pill helped define a generation.

Audiences can expect to hear all the favourites, including Ironic, You Oughta Know, Hand in My Pocket, Uninvited, and many more anthems that dominated the charts and left a lasting mark on music history. Whether you grew up with her music or discovered it later, this show will reignite everything you love about the 90s.

Don’t miss this tribute to one of the most influential artists of our time!

Performances will take place as follows:

Durban:           Saturday, October 24, 2026. Show starts 19h30

                        Sunday, October 25, 2026. Show starts 14h00

Northlands       Saturday, November 14, 2026. Show starts 19h30

(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

 

Tickets: R220 (R200 pensioners and R180 under 13). R180 for Northlands Bowling Club Members

Bring food picnic baskets (Northlands & Durban) or buy at the venue (Northlands & Durban)

Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Limited secure parking available

Booking is essential – on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets

For more information visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ or phone 0824998636.

 

Rhumbelow Theatre is located at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban

and Northlands Bowling Club is at 50 Margaret Maytom Avenue, Durban North

 

UKZN CELEBRATES 21 YEARS OF THE AFRICAN CULTURAL CALABASH FESTIVAL

 

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Arts, Music, African Music Project, will present the 21st African Cultural Calabash Festival on October 15, 2026, at 19h30 at the Howard College Theatre under the theme, 21 Years of Togetherness – Emsamu Wabomdabu. The event is part of The AMD@30 Celebrations

The annual festival celebrates African music, culture, heritage, and cuisine while providing a platform for emerging artists and cultural practitioners. Organised by third-year students in the African Music Outreach: Community Development programme under the supervision of Dr Patricia Opondo, the event continues to promote cultural preservation and community engagement through the arts.

This year's programme features a diverse line-up, including:

- uNgena (Mdumiseni Thwala), known for hits such as Emagqumeni, Uvalo and Emabaleni

- Nomakhosi (Sbahle Dladla), a vocalist and UKZN AMD student, celebrated for her storytelling and traditional influences;

- Somnyamakazi, the emerging Afropop artist behind the anti-GBV single Isililo;

- Umlazi Tremendous Boys, a 28-member isicathamiya ensemble;

- Amashiya Kubuswa, a 40-member UKZN group dedicated to preserving ushameni dance traditions.

 

Guests will also enjoy the popular African Cuisine Function following the concert, featuring a variety of traditional African dishes.

 

Event Details

Date: October 15, 2026

Time: 19h30

Venue: Howard College Theatre, UKZN Howard College Campus

Tickets: R100 (R60 students)

 

Ticket Enquiries:

Nosipho Zuma: 073 786 6591

Philangezi Bhengu: 081 001 2498

 

For more information contact Dr Patricia Opondo on email: opondop@ukzn.ac.za