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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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Entertainment

Ndlovo Youth Choir are Back!

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Following their sold-out performances at The Playhouse in 2024, this global super-choir returns for three unforgettable shows on the weekend of 18 and 19 October 2025.

If you haven’t experienced them live yet, you’re missing out on one of the most energetic, uplifting and inspiring performances you’ll ever see. E
xpect powerful vocals, vibrant rhythms and an explosion of joy that will leave you on your feet.

Show Times:

18 October 2025 – 14:30 & 18:30
19 October 2025 – 14:30

Duration:
2 hours

Buy Tickets Here.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Community

Candlelight Concerts in Durban

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Durban has recently joined the ranks of cultural hotspots hosting Candlelight Concerts – an immersive live music experience famed globally for its warm glow and intimate ambiance. Fans of classical and contemporary music alike are gathering in elegant settings bathed in flickering “candles” (actually safe LED-style lighting), creating magical evenings that linger in memory.

Venues:

  • The Playhouse Company in central Durban offers a grand, historic setting—its ornate architecture and superb acoustics elevate performances like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Hans Zimmer-inspired compilations.

  • The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks provides an intimate, colonial-era charm. Its gracious interiors set the stage for impactful tributes to Coldplay, Queen, Phil Collins, Adele, and more.

What’s Playing and When

Here’s a curated selection of upcoming (and some recent) concerts around Durban:

  • At The Playhouse Company:

    • The Best of Hans Zimmer: From R290 on 6 Sept (also 25 Oct)

    • Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More: Same dates and pricing as above

    • Tribute to Adele: 25 Oct at R290

  • At The Oyster Box Hotel:

    • Tribute to Coldplay: R795, multiple dates starting 5 Oct onwards

    • Tribute to Queen: Around R600–R630, 28 Sept to 28 Dec, including 28 Sept at 6pm

    • Tribute to Phil Collins: From R600, on 5 Oct and select dates

    • Christmas Classics: 21 Dec from R600

    • Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Combo: 23 Nov from R600

For all dates and performances, click here.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Businesses

80s Friday Flashback at Westown Square

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Looking for the perfect way to kick off your weekend? Say hello to 80s Friday Flashback – your new weekly ritual at The Barn, Westown Square.

On Friday nights, we’re dialing back the clock to the decade of big hair and neon flair with a DJ on the decks every week spinning iconic 80s anthems that’ll have you moonwalking into the weekend.

 Every Friday | 16:30–21:30
DJ Spike & James VN on the decks
 Free entry
Food & Drink specials from our amazing tenants.
Bonus: Ask about the Stayin’ Alive loyalty card and start earning your free cocktail or meal discounts.

Whether you’re looking to dance, dine, or just unwind from the week — we’ve got you sorted with our 80s Friday Flashback.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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