DIFF Project #Stars4Change project launched

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The 36^th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) in the College of Humanities, recently launched the #Stars4Change project, spearheaded by Festival Director, Mr Pedro Pimenta, and renowned South African actress, Ms Xolile Tshabalala.

‘The #Stars4Change Project intends to bring together several of the continent’s great acting talent as well as a few international stars, to collaborate in empowering the communities during the Festival and establish another level of connection of the festival with audiences,’ said Pimenta.

‘This is an attempt to realise gradually that the success of a film industry is always closely linked to talent that makes audiences dream and aspire to a better world through story-telling.

‘Actors are at the core of the success of this business. With the intention of connecting with and empowering the community from a grassroots level, the actors and artists involved spent several days giving back to the communities of KwaZulu-Natal’ he added.

The actors involved in the project include legends such as Janet Suzman, Thoko Ntshinga, Desmond Dube and Vusi Kunene, and the new generation of African acting talent including Fulu Mugovhani, Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje (all starred in opening night film Ayanda), Nomzamo Mbatha and Maps Maponyane of Tell Me Sweet Something by Akin Omotoso, as well as Tunisian actress Anissa Daoud of Tunisian Spring. 

Hlubi Mboya, Kgomotso Christopher and representatives from the successful star system from Nollywood, graced DIFF with their presence. #Stars4Change also had the honour of hosting international film actress and producer Terry Pheto, as well as Uzalo talent, Dawn Thandeka King and Nay Maps.

The actors were at events alongside the eThekwini Municipality officials on Mandela Day, including a handover of blankets to the elderly and outreach screenings in Claremont at the Sizakala Centre.

Some of the stars co-hosted with well-known radio personality Zookey Zarling on her Teatime to Lunchtime show on Gagasi Fm .

‘It’s imperative that actors support each other and engage with the community, particularly reaching out to the audiences who have been a pillar for their careers over the years, said Tshabalala.  ‘DIFF is doing a stellar job in enabling the artists’ community to give back to the greater Durban community.

‘With a host of talent coming together from across our shores and beyond, #Stars4Change made a great impression at this year’s festival.’

Melissa Mungroo