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27 July 2009: The newly appointed Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana on Saturday 25 July visited the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which celebrates its 30th Anniversary. On her arrival, she was met by the CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation, Mr. Eddie Mbalo and the Director of the festival Mr. Peter Rorvik. The Minister praised the Durban International Film Festival for its 30 years of contribution to the development of the South African film industry.

"The Durban International Film Festival has through the years become South Africa's leading exhibition platform for local and international productions. It has demonstrated excellence in audience development programmes and contribution to the training and development of filmmakers", the Minister said whilst addressing the staff of the festival.

The minister was impressed by how the festival has managed to bring together different stakeholders, at local, provincial and national level. She commented, "I am glad to see the NFVF, IDC, the Provincial and local government all pulling together to deliver an excellent festival".

The Minister managed to watch Izulu Lami (My Secret Sky) which was the official opening film for the festival and Shirley Adams, another DV8 produced film.

During the Minister's walkabout through the festival, she managed to interact with young fimmakers from across the African continent, who are attending the Talent Campus Durban. Talent Campus is one of the most important programmes of the festival, held in cooperation with the Berlinale Talent Campus, which provides intensive programmes of workshops and seminars delivered by film professional, academics and intellectuals.

In its landmark 30th year the DIFF presents over 200 screenings at 27 venues across the Durban district. For more information and programme visit: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

The NFVF will participate at the festival throughout the duration of the 30th Durban International Film Festival, which commenced on Thursday 23 July, and ends on Monday 03 August 2009.

Released on behalf of the NFVF