Durban Film City: The latest update from the eThekwini Municipality has just been released
- Dylan Naidoo
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
By: Dylan Naidoo
In the latest draft annual report by the eThekwini Municipality, new information has surfaced regarding the R7.5 billion Durban Film City project by film producer Anant Singh. After many years of delays, some work on the project has begun, with framework plans being finalised and pending approval from the municipality.
The Man behind Durban Film City
Durban Film City is a planned film studio headed by Anant Singh, chief executive officer (CEO) of Videovision and film producer of many South African films such as Mr Bones and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Singh is also one of our KZN Top Business Leaders, winning our 2016 KZN Top Business Personality of the Year Award. Starting from the young age of 18, Singh entered the film industry, committed to pursuing his dream, and began flying overseas to develop business contacts. Many of the people still work with Anant to this day. His movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom starring A-list actor Idris Alba as Nelson Mandela, has gained critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. To learn more about Anant Singh and his life, click here.
Newest developments to Durban Film City
It would come as no surprise then that Anant Singh would be opening his own film studio here in Durban, dubbed “Durban Film City”. Singh began negotiations to build his studio back in 2003. The site was previously the military base of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Since then, numerous delays have affected the confidence in construction of the studio. However, the new draft annual report may regain confidence in the project.
The Durban Film City project is labelled as a “Catalyst Project”, which is a project where the planning and infrastructure of the development is over R500 million. The development of Durban Film City has crossed R7.5 billion but is expected to bring numerous benefits, including:
● An estimated 50 000 temporary jobs
● An estimated 4300 permanent jobs.
● Established as a world-class film studio that can attract tourism and leisure activities.
Construction Challenges
As previously mentioned, the site used to be owned by the SANDF but was rezoned and transferred in 2022 to Singh. That being said, the building plans are being finalised and approval from the municipality is still pending. As reported by Thami Magubane from IOL, rates have been highlighted as a significant issue for development. A statement from Singh also displays concerns in another issue: “The provision of bulk services is also a challenge, but we are hopeful that these issues will be resolved.” However, Singh has been working with the municipality to resolve these issues.
The Durban Film City project is an attractive prospect for both experienced, young and aspiring film professionals alike. It will provide a place that honours Durban as a hotspot for film making, and with the potential creation of new jobs, the film studio should be an exciting prospect for people that want to join the film industry.
To view the entire draft annual eThekwini Municipality 2024-2025 report, click here.
