RICHNESS, diversity, and the global appeal of Indian cinema will be the centre of attraction from March 26-28, as the inaugural Durban Indian Film Festival graces the Suncoast CineCentre. This initiative from the Indian Consulate General was launched on Friday (March 6).

The festival will showcase a selection of acclaimed films across multiple Indian languages, allowing audiences to experience Indian storytelling on the big screen.

Niteen Subhash Yeola , the Consul General of India in Durban, said, “The festival aims to create a vibrant platform for film enthusiasts, students, and the wider community to engage with Indian cinema, interact with filmmakers, and celebrate the deep cultural connections between India and South Africa.”

Local award-winning film-writer and producer Rani Sitaram said the launch of the festival was a wonderful concept. “I hope it has longevity. The reason I am so happy and encouraged by this move is that we need to encourage bilateral relations between India and South Africa, in the film and culture sectors.”

She is hopeful that the launch will attract Indian films to be shot in South African locations and vice versa, highlighting that this would grow the local film market to international heights.

Dr. Eubulus Timothy, another award-winning writer, director, and producer of film and television, is excited about the project. “The festival allows us an opportunity to see Bollywood stars coming to Durban. We will also get to meet directors and filmmakers, and we will learn how they do their craft. Hopefully, we will forge a synergy, allowing us to one day go to India as well.”

The line-up will include high-energy Tamil thriller Vikram, an emotional drama inspired by a true story, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, as well as Munna Bhai MBBS, a Hindi comedy-drama which will be screened in a special isiZulu version.

Film-making workshops, interactive sessions, competitions, and discussions will be held on the sidelines of the festival. Entry to all screenings is free to the public, subject to prior registration.

The festival is organised by the Consulate General of India, Durban, in partnership with Suncoast CineCentre, and supported by Zee TV and the National Film Development Corporation.

For more information visit India in South Africa (Facebook), CGIDurban (X) and indianinindia (Instagram).

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