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It’s baaaack – the 35th Durban International Film Festival

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It’s that time of the year again, the time all discerning movie goers have been waiting for – the 35th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). This international festival all movie buffs have been waiting for will take place right here in Durbs between 17-27 July 2014 with Tsogo Sun named the official event and accommodation partner, for the first time.

Every year celebrates a different theme and this one is sure to bring out our patriotic spirit as the festival reflects on South Africa’s twenty years of democracy with film focusing on our diverse and rich history. Other focus areas for this year include African cinema, British cinema, the Wildtalk Wildlife Film Festival, Wavescape Surf Film Festival and a programme of cinema centred on architecture, in acknowledgement of the city of Durban’s hosting of the International Union of Architects Congress 2014. Some of the must-see features include Khalo Matabane’s Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me, Mickey Dube’s One Humanity, Annalet Steenkamp’s I, Afrikaner, Carey Mackenzie’s Cold Harbour, Diao Yinan’s Black Coal, Thin Ice and Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth’s 20 000 Days on Earth.

The festival is set to light up screens in numerous venues across the city including Suncoast cinema, Ster Kinekor Musgrave, Cinema Nouveau, Luthuli Museum and Ekhaya Multi Art Centre. The opening film this year will be Hard To Get from first-time feature director Zee Ntuli. The film tells the story of TK, a handsome, young womanizer from a small community who falls for a sexy, reckless young thief named Skiets. Thrust into Joburg’s criminal underworld, TK realises that his best bet is to trust her and hang on for dear life. Talking about the film, Festival Manager, Peter Machen, said, “I am very excited about Hard To Get. It’s a beautifully made film that works on every level and will satisfy commercial and art-house audiences alike. I also think that it’s going to make instant stars of its two leads Thishiwe Ziqubu and Pallance Dladla, who are both electrifying, as well as director Zee Ntuli, who is virtually guaranteed a bright future on the global filmmaking stage on the basis of this first feature.”

Fans of Before Sunrise and its sequels will be excited to see Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke working together again in Boyhood, a coming of age film like no other. This groundbreaking offering is filmed over 12 years with the same cast. Not only does it document life’s endless milestones but it also allows audiences to witness young Mason growing up before their very own eyes.

For film schedules and venues, visit durbanfilmfest.co.za. Catch up on the latest DIFF news on Twitter @DIFFest or Facebook on DurbanInternationalFilmFestival.

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

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Art

Watch The Little Mermaid Jr Musical This Easter

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Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr to be staged by The Young Performers’ Project at the Milkwood Theatre, Danville: 2 – 12 April 2026.

Fishy Fable: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from 2 – 12 April 2026.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages – perfect for the youthful 50 strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers, and 21 junior performers.

The Little Mermaid Jr is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.

The cast includes Ariel played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie); Sebastian is Khethukuthula Ngcobo (I.S.P.A) and Flounder is played by Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).

In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother Sindi, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas. Her daughter Azania, who entered the project seventeen years later as a Junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr tells of a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love.

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. Songs include: “Under the Sea“; “Kiss the Girl“; and “Part of Your World“.

Written by Doug Wright, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Tickets are through Webtickets here. Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audience meet the characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities. For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.

Good to Know:

  • Tickets: Webtickets -> click here to buy
  • Their first show is a special Relaxed performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30
  • Scholars and pensioners 10% off any seats throughout.
  • The show runs at 65 minutes – no interval
  • Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show

BUY TICKETS HERE

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Entertainment

KZN Philharmonic – Summer Season Concerts 2026

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The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra presents its 2026 Summer Season with two concerts at The Playhouse Opera on Thursday, 5 and 12 March at 19:00.

Concert 1: 5 March

Under the baton of Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, the opening programme features Canadian cello virtuoso Bryan Cheng performing Saint-Saëns’s demanding and innovative Cello Concerto No. 2. Britten’s Simple Symphony provides a lyrical interlude, followed by Saint-Saëns’s dramatic Cello Concerto No. 1. After the interval, Schubert’s beloved “Unfinished” Symphony brings the evening to a melodic close.

Concert 2: 12 March

Under the baton of South African conductor Conrad van Alphen, this programme features Bulgarian world-renowned virtuoso pianist and chamber musician, Ludmil Angelov.

KZN Philharmonic tickets are available at Quicket here.

Want to go to a concert but don’t want to have to self-drive into town?
Opt for a Park and Ride option:

Park your car in one of our secure designated locations and hop onto the bus which will drop you off at the Durban Playhouse.

1) Upper Highway Area
St. Agnes Anglican Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof, 3610.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs St Agnes promptly at 17h50.

2) Westville
Westville Senior Primary School, Westville Road, Westville, 3629.
R80 a bus ricket return.
The bus departs Westville Senior Primary promptly at 18h10.

3) Berea
Caister Lodge, 264 Musgrave Road, Musgrave, Durban, 4001.
R60 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Caister Lodge promptly at 18h20.

4) Umhlanga
Grace Family Church, 400 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga, 4320.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Grace Family Church promptly at 18h10.

Book bus tickets on 031 369 9438 / info@kznphil.org.za / Quicket here

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Entertainment

Big Top Rock returns to The Barnyard Theatre

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From 21 February – 31 May 2026, Step into a world where the roar of electric guitars collides with the gasp of the crowd — Big Top Rock is back, bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever!

This is no ordinary concert. It’s a full-throttle rock and roll circus spectacular — a high-voltage fusion of iconic anthems, jaw-dropping aerial artistry, and an atmosphere so electric you’ll feel it in your bones. From the first crashing chord to the final heart-pounding encore, you’ll be swept into a whirlwind of sound, light, and pure adrenaline.

The Soundtrack of Six Decades

Let our charismatic Big Top Ringmaster lead you through a sonic time machine — from the thunder of Def Leppard and AC/DC to the soaring harmonies of Heart, the anthemic power of Queen, and the pop-rock magic of Roxette. Along the way, you’ll meet legends like Elvis Presley, Pink, Michael Jackson, Adele, Billie Eilish, Benson Boone, and more — each hit reimagined with the raw energy of a live Barnyard band and powerhouse vocalists.

The Circus Comes Alive

Marvel at fearless performers defying gravity on pole, silk, trapeze, and lyra — every twist, drop, and spin perfectly choreographed to the pulse of the music. It’s a feast for the senses where every beat has a stunt, and every stunt has a story. The Barnyard’s Most Daring Show Yet.

This is the largest, loudest, and most spectacular production in Barnyard history.
Whether you’re a lifelong rock fan or just love a night of unforgettable entertainment, Big Top Rock will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and ready to come back for more.

Step right up — the Big Top awaits!

Book your seats now and step right up to the big top at The Barnyard and get ready to be entertained!

Want to SAVE 5%? use promo code “DURBS” at checkout.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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