Entertainment

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

Published

12 years ago

11 June 2014

Durbanite

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.

Author: Durbanite

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Entertainment

Your Next Blu Blood Experience Awaits

Published

1 month ago

19 March 2026

Carla Wynne

Durban’s entertainment scene is turning up the heat over the next few months, with a line-up of live shows set to bring music, laughter and big-stage energy to the city. From internationally loved performers to homegrown comedic talent, local audiences can look forward to a vibrant mix of events across some of Durban’s popular venues.

Kicking things off is Atif Aslam, who takes to the stage at the Durban ICC on 27 March, bringing his much-loved hits to what promises to be a memorable night for fans. BUY TICKETS HERE

Comedy lovers can then get ready for an evening of sharp wit and relatable humour when Joey Rasdien performs at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino on 4 April. BUY TICKETS HERE

Rounding off the line-up is Zack Knight, set to perform at Suncoast Casino on 9 May, offering Durban audiences a chance to enjoy one of the most recognisable contemporary voices in the South Asian music space. BUY TICKETS HERE

With a mix of powerhouse music performances and laugh-out-loud comedy on the calendar, these upcoming shows are set to add plenty of excitement to Durban’s social scene. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a date night, or simply looking for your next live entertainment experience, this line-up offers something worth stepping out for.

Author: Carla Wynne

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

Art

BUMP & GRIND – Back By Popular Demand

Published

1 month ago

17 March 2026

Carla Wynne

Back by popular demand, Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to the Northlands Bowling Club, in Durban North for audiences who missed the show the first time around.

Expect old favourite characters and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!

Some characters to expect; Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun night out!

Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.

Venue: Northlands Bowling Club, Durban North
Dates: Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 29 March 2026 – 6:30pm (doors open 5pm)
Tickets: R220pp
Bookings: Webtickets – BOOK HERE

Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for more, this is a musical comedy experience not to be missed.

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