16:00 - 17:30  Marketing - Garden Court
A talk on how to expand distribution channels and have access to local and international markets.
Panel: Joy Sapieka

Sunday 16 July
09:00 - 11:00 International Festival Access - Congella
A public lecture for filmmakers looking to break through into other international film festivals.
Panel: Per Eirik Gilsvik, Heidi Tao Yang, Phad Nile, Per Sorfond, Sifiso Gcabeshe (redbull), Darryl Els

Monday 17 July
10:00 - 10:30 Press Conference: Red Cargo - Congella
11:00 - 12:30  Producers Corner - Congella
A discussion with producers discussing the intricacies of producing.
Panel: Wason Homsangpradit, Cait Pansegrouw

14:00 - 15:30  Building Blocks of Scriptwriting - Congella
This workshop will focus on writing the short film: how to take that 'big' story and turn it into a shorter work that can be used as part of your fund raising process or that can act as an introduction of your style and approach. The session will have particular focus on i) finding the 'point of impact' of your story, i.e. the point at which the drama/humour/action/tension is most heightened, and developing a short script leading to or around that moment
ii) finding the voice of your main character protagonist. Each participant should bring with them an idea for a film (not written, just in their head!), as the session will be run as a workshop.
                        Panel: Palesa Shongwe; Teboho Pietersen

Tuesday 18 July
14:00 - 15:30  Why Study Film - North Ilanga
A workshop to unpack the benefits of studying film looking specifically what film schools offer.        
Panel: Palesa Shongwe (Wits), Kevin Palium (Academy of Arts), Brent Quinn (AFDA)

Wednesday 19 July
14:00 - 15:30 Writing music for film in the 21st Century
How the demands on the modern film composer have shifted in the Digital Age; and how to turn Technology's Curse (do more, quicker, cheaper) into a blessing.
A Master Class by Paul Hepker, assisted by long-time friend and collaborator Megan Gill.
                        Panel: Paul Hepker and Megan Gill
                      
15:45 - 17:00 Audience Development
A presentation on the findings and recommendations of the Audience Development Survey conducted across the province by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission from January to March 2017.
                        Panel: Paul Jones
                      
Thursday 20 July
15:45 - 17:00  To Cut or Not - North Ilanga
To Cut or Not is a discussion about different editing styles, how they serve story and emotion, and how some techniques are an invisible part of the narrative, while others call attention to it. When is it better to use a long take rather than a montage, or jump cuts rather than seamless continuity? What is the emotive effect on the narrative? Join award-winning editors Nick Costaras and Megan Gill S.A.G.E. for a thoughtful conversation about the impact of different editing styles on a story.
Panel: Nick Costaras and Megan Gill
Thando Lamula introductions

Friday 21 July
11:00 - 12:30 How to be a Film Critic - North Ilanga
This workshop is devoted to the development of film critics and give an understanding of what makes a good critic of the performing arts.
Panel: Charl Blignaut and Sihle Mthembu
Thando Lamula Introductions

14:00 - 15:30  Opportunities for a Young Film Maker - North Ilanga
A public lecture giving in depth details on opportunities that are available for aspirant filmmakers.
Panel: Simphiwe Nxobo, Buhle Sithela, Sibongiseni Shangase

For media related queries contact
Samukele Ngubane- DIFF 2017 PR Manager
Tel: 031 260 1145 |Cell: 078 556 0965 | E-mail: sam@unamiconcepts.co.za

For more information on the DIFF 2017 and the Centre for Creative Arts please contact
Noluthando Lamula- Centre for Creative Arts Publications Officer
Tel: 031 260 1650 | E-mail: lamulan@ukzn.ac.za

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is one of the biggest festivals of its kind and the longest running film festival in Africa. The festival is organized by the University of KwaZulu Natal's Centre for Creative Arts, which falls under the College of Humanities, in partnership with the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, the KZN Film Commission, the National Film and Video Foundation and other esteemed stakeholders.

Over the years DIFF has been successful in bringing together different filmmakers and industry experts from around the globe, recognizing talented filmmakers whose work may not have made it onto the mainstream, creating platforms for learning and a breeding ground for growth within the industry.

The 38th Durban International Film Festival is organized by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the National Film and Video Foundation, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, and a range of other valued partners.