Durban Film City project moves closer to reality after decades of delays

Plans for the Durban Film City, a proposed R7.5 billion world-class film studio complex, are gaining renewed attention after nearly 30 years of delays. The development is set on the former 21-hectare Natal Command site opposite Moses Mabhida Stadium and is expected to create over 50,000 temporary jobs and 4,300 permanent positions, while also promoting tourism and leisure activities. Producer Anant Singh of Videovision Entertainment has been championing the project since 1999. Despite repeated setbacks, including legal disputes with the City over land valuation, utility supply issues, and departmental objections, Singh remains committed to filming locally rather than moving productions like ‘House of Zwide’ to Johannesburg. Recent engagement with the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has helped to bring focus to resolving obstacles, including infrastructure and regulatory bottlenecks. The project has seen some progress, such as approval of a site framework plan and renovations to the old Natal Command building at a cost of R100 million. Singh hopes that with city cooperation on electricity and water provision, construction and local productions can begin soon. The signage proclaiming ‘Hollywood coming soon’ signals confidence in the development’s potential to transform Durban into a major film production hub.