Richards Bay and the surrounding Zululand region would be touted as prime areas for filmmaking when stakeholders descend on the city for the upcoming Tourism Investment Forum (TIFA).
The TIFA is collaborating with KZN Tourism and Film Authority (TIFA) to promote Richards Bay, Zululand, and the surrounding Zululand region would be touted as prime areas for filmmaking when stakeholders descend on the city for the upcoming Tourism Investment Forum (TIFA).
The TIFA is collaborating with KZN Tourism and Film Authority (TIFA) to promote Richards Bay, Zululand, and other provincial locations to local and international investors when the event takes place from 27-29 August in Richards Bay.
Themed: “Tourism and Infrastructure Investment: Driving Economic Transformation and Enhancing Community Well-Being,” the Forum plans to go beyond spotlighting the tourism splendours KwaZulu-Natal has to offer. In fact, organisers plan to entice investors with the province’s potential as a filmmaking destination.
Tourism Investment Forum explains why KZN is ideal for filmmaking
In the past, KwaZulu-Natal had the privilege of hosting film makers of the Bollywood movie, Dhoom 2, which was filmed in 2006. Filming locations included: Shongweni, Howick Falls, Oribi Gorge, Durban’s CBD, Durban’s beachfront, and Suncoast Entertainment World.
Port Edward, along the South Coast, was one of the locations for the movie Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo De Caprio and filmed in 2006. Locally produced movie, Keeping Up with the Kandasamy’s, was filmed in Durban and surrounding areas in 2017.
The magnificent Drakensberg mountain ranges, pristine coastlines, and a world-class hotel industry make KwaZulu-Natal ideal for filmmaking.
According to the TIFA, KwaZulu-Natal’s beautiful locations, vibrant cultures, and skilled professionals position the province as a haven for filmmaking.
Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Authority, said: “The KZN Tourism and Film Authority is dedicated to nurturing this potential by empowering local filmmakers, supporting emerging talent, and providing platforms for storytelling that resonate globally.”
Gumbi said KwaZulu-Natal was not just a destination, but a dynamic investment hub with immense potential.
“TIFA 2025 is our chance to show the world that our province is not only a land of incredible natural and cultural wealth but also a smart, strategic place to invest. We are particularly excited to showcase the symbiotic relationship between our tourism and film industries, and how they can be leveraged to drive sustainable economic growth and community empowerment,” he added.
A range of decision-makers are expected to be among the attendees. They are: international and local investors, ministerial representatives, and financial institutions.
Some of Richard’s Bay investment sites will be showcased to role-players during site visits. They will have the opportunity to view the Ridge Development, the Steel Bridge infrastructure project, Richard’s, the Waterfront Precinct Development, and the Central Industrial Area.
What are your thoughts about filmmakers shooting their films in KwaZulu-Natal?
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