Violence opens Durban Film Fest

Durban - The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced that its 31st edition will open with the World Premiere of the South African film State Of Violence directed by Khalo Matabane.

State of Violence is the story of a man whose wife is murdered in what seems like a random act of violence. He embarks on a search for the killer, only to discover that the killing is linked to the darkness in his past. State Of Violence stars Fana Mokoena, Presley Chweneyagae and Neo Ntlatleng and is produced by DV8 Films.

Peter Rorvik, Director of the Durban International Film Festival, commented: “The festival is committed to the promotion of South African cinema, and we are proud to open our 31st edition with State Of Violence, a powerful, brave and thrilling film by a very talented director.”

Affirming DV8 Film’s commitment to launching new cinematic voices on the global stage, Jeremy Nathan, the film’s producer said: “The DV8 team is honoured to have State Of Violence invited as this year’s Opening Night Film at the Durban International Film Festival. The film is Khalo Matabane’s first fiction feature film and stars several of South Africa’s leading actors.”

Nathan continued: “The film explores the consequences of violence on contemporary South African life. Through the eyes and point of view of the lead character, Bobedi, the film reveals how acts of violence in the past can affect family life today. It asks more questions than provides answers, but reveals how complex the issues of forgiveness and revenge are in any society with a violent political past.

The Durban International Film Festival takes place from 22 July to 1 August, and the complete programme will be released in early July.

The Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre For Creative Arts (University Of KwaZulu-Natal) with principal support by the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, City Of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, Commonwealth Foundation and a range of other valued partners.

On the web
www.cca.ukzn.ac.za