The Power24 International Festival 2025 is making its 2nd debut
“The Power24 International Film Festival 2025 returns on a high note, reaffirming its place as Africa’s fastest-growing and First premiere film Festival dedicated to disability inclusivity and other Vulnerable sectors.”
Dates: 22–24 August 2025
Venue: Southern Sun Garden Court, Marine Parade, Durban, KZN
Theme: Your Story Counts / The Voice of the Voiceless
The Power24 International Film Festival (Power24 IFF) proudly returns for its 2025 edition — a first-of-its-kind African film festival with a strong bias towards disability inclusion and an unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of vulnerable sectors in the film industry.
Now in its latest chapter, the festival serves as a cinematic platform where inclusion, creativity, and advocacy meet, drawing filmmakers, industry experts, and audiences from over 65 countries. The film festival led by women during Women’s Month is one of the August highlights in Durban. Buhle Khumalo, a co-founder and a young woman from KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, has disabilities and won the Best Actress Category at the Africa USA International Film Awards in Los Angeles, Hollywood, making her the first Black woman with a disability to achieve this honour. Her story inspired the beginning of this film festival last year, which started with 177 submissions and 50 countries participating and has expanded to over 60 countries and over 300 submissions this year.
Key Highlights for 2025
- The festival will feature 70 film screenings over three days.
• Representation from 65+ countries worldwide.
• New award categories introduced:
Green Hand Award—recognising films addressing nature conservation and climate change.
Special Jury Award—honouring outstanding creative excellence.
“Best Film of 2025″—the highest honour of the festival.
Opening Night Feature
The 2025 festival will open with the much-anticipated screening of Vutha, directed by Thuso Desmond Mogotsi from Johannesburg. This powerful film explores the complex cycle of drug addiction, greed, and redemption, shedding light on vulnerable sectors central to the festival’s mission.
Venue: Southern Sun Garden Court, Marine Parade, Durban
Time: 19:00
Entrance: Strictly invite only
The Opening Night Gala will also welcome international filmmakers from around the world, touching down in South Africa to spend the three days of the festival in Durban, engaging in screenings, panels, and networking events.
Focus on Vulnerable Sectors
The festival is a celebration of diversity and resilience, featuring films from:
• Historical & Rural Films – Preserving untold stories and heritage.
• Religion & Spirituality Films – Exploring faith, belief systems, and moral journeys.
• LGBTQI+ Films – Championing representation and equality.
• Youth & Children Films – Inspiring the next generation.
• Women Films – Showcasing female-led narratives and empowerment stories.
• Humanitarian films—advocating for justice, peace, and compassion.
• Disability Films —Prioritising inclusive storytelling and accessibility.
• Nature Conservation Films—Assessing Environmental Challenges.
Special Events
- Masterclasses —industry professionals leading sessions on filmmaking, storytelling, and production.
• Panel Discussions – Support opportunities for filmmakers from vulnerable sectors.
• Networking Sessions —connecting creatives with global opportunities.
The expected speakers range from SABC broadcasters, the NFVF, the KZN and Gauteng Film Commissions and many other international, multi-faceted producers and directors in the industry, some with disabilities. This Film festival is the 40% Disability Inclusivity gathering.
Awards Night
On August 23, 2025, the awards ceremony will recognise 27 categories. Among the past highlights, Shakila Maharaj received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for her groundbreaking work in accessible filmmaking for the visually impaired. This year’s ceremony promises breathtaking entertainment, thought-provoking speeches, emotional moments and breathtaking performances with highlights from the disability sector.
About the Festival
Power24 IFF is not just a film showcase—it’s a movement. Founded to address gaps in representation and industry accessibility, the festival continues to inspire dialogue, create opportunities, and push the boundaries of what inclusive cinema can achieve.
Media & Partnership Opportunities
Media houses, journalists, and partners are encouraged to engage with the festival through:
• Press passes for full access.
• Interview slots with organisers and filmmakers.
• Coverage of red carpet events and masterclasses.
Contacts for media enquiries:
📱 Social: #Power24IFF2025 | #Power24IFF | #ThePower24FilmFest | #YourStoryCounts
