Nerusha Maharaj Sadapal poses with the KCAP dancers atbthe 48 Hour Film Project Launch
48 Hour Film Project 2025 calls for inclusivity
By Simon Manda
DURBAN-23 September 2025: – The rhythmic pulse of Zulu drums and the vibrant energy of the Kwa Mashu Community Advancement Projects (K-CAP) dancers set the tone for what promises to be Durban’s most ambitious filmmaking venture yet, as the 48 Hour Film Project officially launched its 2025 edition at a dynamic media event that celebrated both tradition and innovation.
As dancers moved with cultural flair, their performance wasn’t merely entertainment—it was a powerful statement about the 48 Hour Film Project’s mission to weave the rich tapestry of local stories into the global filmmaking landscape.
The 48 Hour Film Project, now in its 24th year globally, challenges filmmakers to write, shoot, and edit a complete short film in just two days. What makes Durban’s iteration particularly remarkable is its unprecedented scale. Last year, the city shattered African records when filmmakers produced 161 films—a feat never before achieved on the continent.
Fezile Peko, Project Manager at the Durban Film Office, reflected on his extensive career in the film industry and what this 48 Hour Film Project represents for the next generation.
“I’ve spent decades in this industry, and I’ve seen how difficult it can be for young people to break through,” he shared. “The 48 Hour Film Project changes that equation entirely. It doesn’t ask youth for experience or expensive equipment—it asks for their stories, their vision, their hunger to create. But the magic? That comes from these young filmmakers who are finally getting the platform they deserve.”
The project’s impact extends far beyond the 48-hour filmmaking frenzy. Londiwe Shongwe, an award-winning filmmaker, director, and owner of Sinairo Creatives in Durban, spoke passionately about how the initiative has become a catalyst for community transformation. “This isn’t just about making films,” she emphasised. “It’s about rallying communities together to tell their own stories, in their own voices. We’re creating a movement.”
That movement is built on a foundation of workshops, training sessions, and inclusive facilitation. Throughout the year, aspiring filmmakers attend skills-development programmes covering everything from scriptwriting to post-production. These aren’t passive lectures—they’re hands-on sessions where participants learn by doing, guided by industry professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the South African context.
Notably, the project’s committed to inclusivity. Nerusha Maharaj-Sadapal, the City Producer, has been vocal about ensuring that disability representation isn’t an afterthought but a central consideration.
Last year’s standout film, Unheard and Unseen, exemplified this ethos—a beautiful narrative exploring the challenges faced by hearing-impaired females, told through sign language and performed by Deaf actors, created by 19-year-old AFDA student Sinethemba Solomzi Mtati.
“We’re calling on all filmmakers to embrace inclusive elements,” Nerusha stressed at the launch. “Disability isn’t a limitation—it’s a perspective that enriches our storytelling. We want films that reflect the full diversity of our communities.”
The project creates tangible opportunities beyond the weekend sprint. The Best Film winner advances to the prestigious Filmapalooza international festival and is eligible for screening at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. Locally, films premiere at Suncoast Casino, with 25 local awards recognising excellence across categories from directing to sound design.
But perhaps the project’s greatest achievement is less tangible: it’s transforming how Durban sees itself. In a city rich with stories but often lacking platforms, the 48 Hour Film Project hands communities a megaphone. From Umlazi to the Berea, filmmakers are discovering that their narratives matter—and that they have the skills to tell them compellingly.
Registration for the 2025 competition is now open, with the filmmaking weekend scheduled for 10-12 October. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone who’s never touched a camera, the message is clear: your story deserves to be told.
Registrations are already open at www.48hourfilm.com/durban
