27 July 2026, Johannesburg – The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), tasked with administering the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP6) for the audiovisual sector, congratulates the filmmakers behind six PESP funded films that have been selected for the official screening programme at the 47th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the longest–running film festival on the African continent.
The six selected films are Fracture, Verses My Brother Taught Me, Perception, Protea, Fosta, and Themba. Their selection reflects the exceptional talent emerging from South Africa’s film industry and demonstrates the impact of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme in supporting local filmmakers to produce compelling stories that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
The NFVF has been entrusted, by the DSAC, with the implementation of six tranches of PESP funding thus far. Through these funding allocations, the NFVF has successfully supported a significant number of projects across Stream 1 (Production), Stream 2 (Skills Development), and Stream 3 (Marketing and Distribution). A notable milestone has now been achieved, with six PESP-funded productions selected for screening at DIFF. This marks the first time that six projects funded through the PESP have been showcased simultaneously at a single festival, particularly at DIFF, one of Africa’s longest-running and most prestigious film festivals. This achievement highlights the growing quality and competitiveness of South African productions supported through the programme.
This milestone is particularly significant as the South African film industry continues to navigate challenges relating to funding, market access, and distribution. The selection of these films demonstrates the positive impact of strategic public investment in the creative sector and serves as an encouraging testament to the talent and resilience of South African filmmakers. Acting Head of Operations at the NFVF, Ms. Lerato Mokopanele, said: “We are thrilled to see the PESP funding administered by the NFVF delivering tangible results and enabling filmmakers across the country to produce high-quality films. These six productions represent various tranches of the programme, from PESP 1 through to PESP 5. It is encouraging to see PESP-funded productions being selected for prestigious local festivals such as DIFF, creating opportunities for wider audience exposure and opening pathways to international markets and film festivals.”
The success of these productions reaffirms the value of the PESP as an intervention that not only supports employment within the film sector but also contributes to the development of sustainable, globally competitive South African content.
Ends.
For media requests, contact:
Lerato Mokopanele
Acting Head of Operations
National Film and Video Foundation
011483 0881
About NFVF
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa’s film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing, and distribution of films, and the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.
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