The 2025 KZN Film Season – running from October to November – is more than a festival circuit. It is a curated, province-wide celebration of storytelling and creative enterprise that connects township screens to red-carpet premieres on the world’s biggest stages.

With an investment exceeding R2.5 million through the Markets and Festivals Support Programme, KZN Tourism and Film is transforming KwaZulu-Natal’s film circuit into a vibrant ecosystem of opportunity.

This year’s campaign comes at a time when the province’s creative industries are being recognised as vital economic drivers. Film, in particular, stands out for its ability to merge art and commerce – giving rise to jobs, cultural exports and tourism experiences that extend far beyond the screen.

Global premieres, local roots

The Film Season also marks a series of international milestones under the banner “KZN Films on Global Stages.”

• 6SENSE, a 27-minute hybrid documentary following visually impaired Gqom producer Mxshi Mo, premieres at the WOMEX Film Screening in Tampere, Finland (24 October 2025).
• And She Didn’t Die will feature at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA, 13–23 November 2025).
• Several KZN filmmakers will showcase their work at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI, Goa, 20–28 November 2025).

“This is not just about films premiering overseas,” says Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of KZN Tourism and Film. “It’s about building the bridges that allow KwaZulu-Natal’s creative talent to trade, collaborate and thrive globally.”

Festivals that fuel local economies

Back home, the Film Season’s heartbeat lies in its district film festivals – three headline events designed to grow audiences and stimulate township economies.

• Umlazi International Film Festival (24–27 October 2025) offering a cinematic hub of screenings, music and panel discussions.
• uMgungundlovu Film Festival (31 October–3 November 2025) celebrates inclusion and accessibility, championing women, youth and persons with disabilities in film.
• Amajuba Film Festival (7–10 November 2025) in Newcastle partners with local NPOs and SMMEs to deliver screenings, masterclasses and outreach programmes.

For each district, the impact goes beyond the silver screen. Festivals activate local supply chains – from catering, décor and logistics to transport and technical services – turning creativity into tangible commerce. For small businesses, these weekends are often the busiest of the year.

Building capacity, nurturing talent

Through mentorship programmes, festival residencies, and the province’s pioneering 1KZN Made-for-TV Educational Series, the province is equipping emerging filmmakers with real-world experience and the confidence to grow their craft.

Broadcast to an audience of more than three million viewers, the 1KZN series demystifies film production – teaching emerging creatives how to write, shoot, fund and market their work.

“Our educational series teaches how to make a film,” Gumbi adds. “The festivals give filmmakers the stage to show it. Together they create a full value chain – from concept to screen – and ensure that opportunities reach every corner of the province.”

A proven track record

Beyond the energy of festivals and screenings lies a deeper story of sector development. KZN Tourism and Film has built a solid foundation for transformation and professionalisation across the industry.

Its programmes span:

• Film-funding grants for development, production and post-production.
• Incubator and mentorship initiatives connecting emerging filmmakers with seasoned professionals.
• Training and bursary schemes that help students access tertiary qualifications in film and television.
  – Partnerships with schools and universities to create new pathways into the creative economy.

These initiatives have produced measurable outcomes – from job creation and SMME growth to improved representation of women and youth across all levels of film production.

KZN Tourism and Film’s strategy also aligns with the province’s wider tourism agenda: to position KwaZulu-Natal as an authentic storytelling destination, where visitors can not only explore scenic locations but also experience its dynamic creative culture.

Film tourism, already on the rise in the province, offers a unique opportunity to merge the creative economy with visitor experiences – from location scouting tours to cultural exhibitions and heritage screenings.

Experience the magic

The KwaZulu-Natal Film Season is open to everyone.

• Attend screenings, masterclasses and workshops in Umlazi, Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle.
• Engage with filmmakers and industry leaders during Q&A sessions.
• Discover stories that reflect the province’s diversity, resilience and creativity.

Most events are free, giving communities easy access to cinema and storytelling.

For full schedules and updates, visit www.visitkznsa.com or follow @filminkzn on social media.

Because in KwaZulu-Natal, every story begins right here — and every screen shines a little brighter when it tells a local tale.