The 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to present the #Stars4Change project, spearheaded by festival director, Pedro Pimenta, and renowned South African actress 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 Durban International Film Festival and establish another level of connection of the festival with audiences. 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,’ explains Pedro Pimenta DIFF Director. “With the intention of connecting with and empowering the community from a grassroots level, the actors and artists involved will spend several days giving back to the communities of KwaZulu-Natal.’
The actors involved in the project include legends such as Janet Suzman, Thoko Ntshinga, Desmond Dube and Vusi Kunene. The new generation of African acting talent includes South Africa’s Fulu Mugovhani, Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje (all of which star in 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 representation from the successful star system from Nollywood also be in attendance.
In addition, #Stars4Change also has the honour of hosting international film actress and producer Terry Pheto, as well as Uzalo talent Dawn Thandeka King and Nay Maps.
The actors have been participating in a number of events alongside the Ethekwini Municipality surrounding Mandela Day – such as a handover of blankets to the elderly – as well as outreach screenings in Claremont at the Sizakala Centre.
Some of the stars will co-host with well-known radio personality Zookey Zarling on her “Teatime to Lunchtime’ show on Gagasi Fm from 09h00 to 12h00 from 20 to 24 July.
To follow the stars look for #StarsForChange on Twitter or follow @GagasiFm or @ZookeyZarling.
