First Time in Africa: Alternativa Team Heads to Durban

The Oscar-qualifying Durban International Film Festival is the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa. Each year, it premieres more than 100 African and international films. Beyond the screen, DIFF expands access to cinema through community township screenings. The festival's Industry Programme brings together filmmakers and professionals from around the world, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and build new partnerships.

During the festival, which runs from July 23 to August 2, Alternativa’s Program Director Natalia Pylaeva and Executive Producer Polina Ovsiannikova will meet filmmakers, festival professionals, and industry partners to explore opportunities for collaboration ahead of the fourth edition of Alternativa Film Festival, which will take place in Africa in 2027.

Additionally, Polina Ovsiannikova will serve as a mentor in the Film Festival Residency, a programme that brings together festival organizers from across South Africa to strengthen their festivals and foster collaboration across the country's film sector. She will join an inspiring group of industry leaders from organizations including Durban FilmMart Institute, Movies that Matter, Luxor African Film Festival, Maisha Film Lab, and Creative Africa Lab. During the residency, Polina will lead a workshop on festival budgeting, team management, and adaptive leadership, sharing practical insights drawn from Alternativa's experience.

Interested in meeting the Alternativa team during DIFF? We'd love to connect. Get in touch at info@alternativa.film to arrange a meeting.