June 2025 · Durban Film Office
CREATIVES, filmmakers, funders, content creators, and industry experts converged at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre for the inaugural three-day Durban Screen Summit.
The summit, hosted by the Durban Film Office from 8 to 10 June, forms part of ongoing efforts by the City to empower emerging and micro-budget filmmakers while positioning Durban as a leading hub for the creative and screen industry.
The summit delivered a dynamic and comprehensive programme across both the Main Stage and Film Services platforms, offering a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, presentations, screenings, and networking sessions. Attendees engaged with industry leaders, academics, policymakers, broadcasters, and service providers on critical topics shaping the film and television sector.
Day One: Innovation & Craft
The programme officially opened with a keynote address and reflections on the Durban Film Office’s 22-year contribution to the industry, followed by high-level discussions such as Harnessing AI in Filmmaking, which explored innovation, creativity, and authenticity in the digital era. Other sessions addressed crafting local content for global audiences, screenwriting and pitching, and animation as a growing niche, equipping emerging filmmakers with both creative and technical skills.
Day Two: Opportunities & Inclusivity
Day two focused on unlocking opportunities and bridging gaps in South Africa’s film and television industry, with engagements on film regulations, intellectual property, and the role of funders in growing South African cinema. Participants also explored inclusivity through discussions on the experiences of filmmakers with disabilities and attended masterclasses on navigating music rights, contracts, and legal compliance.
Day Three: Broadcasters & Markets
On the final day, the emphasis shifted to connecting filmmakers with broadcasters, providing practical insights into licensing, commissioning, and content innovation. Broadcasters and commissioning editors shared direct guidance on accessing platforms and markets. Sessions also explored the economic impact of reality television on tourism and included live case studies, screenings, and cast engagements.
Film Services Programme
Complementing the Main Stage, the Film Services programme provided practical, industry-focused training under themes such as operational readiness and industry growth. Topics included on-set safety, insurance, compliance for drones and traffic control, location management, and navigating film permits and by-laws. Additional sessions tackled digital distribution and monetisation strategies, regulation of web-based content, and addressing exploitation within the industry, ensuring that filmmakers are equipped with both creative and business knowledge.
The summit provided a platform for industry stakeholders to share creative ideas through masterclasses, screenings, and panel discussions about the film industry, unpacking how it works and how to turn talent into profitable and sustainable careers.
The theme of the summit, ‘Telling Our Original Stories’, emphasised the importance of authentic, locally driven narratives while positioning South African content for global markets.
A Vision for Durban’s Creative Future
Director of the Recreation and Parks Directorate, Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu, said it was important to invest in the film industry and create spaces for young creatives to thrive. He added that job creation was a vital objective of the summit by linking creatives with opportunities.
“It is important to build facilities and incubators for filmmakers, unlocking new opportunities, promoting industry growth, and providing skills development,” he said.