Power24 International Film Festival

Durban is playing host to a film festival with a difference this weekend, and we were fortunate enough to be invited to experience it firsthand.

The POWER24 International Film Festival is from 21 to 23 August 2026 at Southern Sun Garden Court, Marine Parade, bringing together films, filmmakers, creatives and industry voices around one important idea: stories that have been overlooked deserve to be seen and heard.

With 24 films from around the world, Power24 focuses on stories from previously marginalised and under-represented sectors, including women, people with disabilities, widows, rural filmmakers, emerging filmmakers, LGBTQIA+ communities, historic and religious stories, and other voices that don’t always get a platform.

More Than Just a Film Festival

What makes Power24 particularly interesting is that it is about creating a space for conversation, connection, recognition and opportunity.

The festival brings together people who are using film and storytelling to challenge perceptions and open doors for communities that have traditionally had fewer opportunities within the arts sectors

There are awards, trophies and certificates for selected filmmakers, but Power24 also recognises the effort that goes into simply making a film. With filmmaking requiring significant financial, creative and personal investment, the festival acknowledges that completing and submitting a project is an achievement in itself.

Meeting the People Behind the Movement

One of the highlights for us has been meeting some of the inspiring people who are doing the work behind the scenes and within their communities.

People who are talking about inclusion and actively creating opportunities, telling stories and building platforms.

One of those people is Simon Manda, managing editor of THISABILITY Newspaper, a South African disability-awareness multimedia platform.

Simon has spent years working in disability media, arts and advocacy, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to tell their own stories and develop their voices. Through THISABILITY’s training initiatives, young people with disabilities have been supported in developing journalism and media skills and contributing their own narratives.

And this is exactly the kind of person you hope to meet at an event like Power24.

Someone who isn’t just discussing representation but has made it part of his life’s work. What an inspiring man.

Simon Manda and the Bigger Picture

Simon is also closely connected to the broader movement for disability inclusion within the film and television industry.

He was involved in the launch of the Disabled Audio-Visual Workers Network (DAWN), which aims to create a more accessible and inclusive ecosystem for disabled professionals and disability perspectives within film and television.

This work is particularly relevant to what Power24 is trying to achieve, ensuring that disabled people have opportunities to work behind the camera, tell their own stories, develop careers and participate meaningfully in the industry.

Why This Festival Matters

Having a child with special needs myself, the disability focus of Power24 feels particularly personal. I understand some of the struggles, barriers and, most importantly, the lack of opportunities that families can face. So sitting in a room surrounded by people who are actively working to change that reality has been incredibly moving.

And I’ve met some genuinely inspiring people.

People who have taken personal experiences, challenges and frustrations and turned them into something constructive ….. platforms, organisations, films, advocacy and opportunities for others.

That has probably been one of the most powerful parts of being here.

And yes… I’ve Been Emotional

I’ll admit it.

I’ve been a bit emo.

Okay… A LOT emo. 😂

There has been crying. There has been messed-up makeup. There have been moments where I’ve tried very hard to pretend I’m absolutely fine when I’m very clearly not.

But sometimes you need to let the emotions come.

Because when you hear people’s stories, meet the people behind the work and understand just how much effort goes into creating opportunities for others, it’s difficult not to feel something.

And perhaps that’s exactly what good storytelling is supposed to do.

Giving Emerging Filmmakers a Platform

Power24 also provides an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to have their work seen and recognised.

The festival’s programme deliberately moves beyond mainstream storytelling, creating space for films and filmmakers who may not always receive the same exposure or opportunities.

That matters because talent isn’t necessarily the problem.

Access is.

Access to funding.
Access to networks.
Access to audiences.
Access to industry opportunities.

The festival’s industry conversation on Support & Funding Opportunities in the Film & Creative Sector is therefore particularly relevant, providing practical insights for filmmakers and creatives looking to develop their projects and grow within the industry.

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Durban, Film and Stories That Matter

For Durban, having an international festival focused on inclusion and under-represented voices is something worth celebrating.

It allows local audiences to experience films and perspectives from around the world while creating a meeting point for filmmakers, creatives, advocates and people working to make the industry more inclusive.

And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that there are still so many stories waiting to be told.

Stories about disability.

Stories about widowhood.

Stories from rural communities.

Stories from women and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Stories from emerging filmmakers who are only just beginning to find their voices.

These stories aren’t side stories.

They are part of the story.