A Journey Through Africa’s First UNESCO City of Literature
Renowned South African playwright, novelist, and filmmaker Ashwin Singh is turning heads globally with his latest documentary, Durban: Creolized Creative City. The film shines a spotlight on Durban’s vibrant literary and creative scene, exploring what makes the city Africa’s first UNESCO City of Literature, a title it earned in October 2017.
Singh’s documentary is already generating international buzz, debuting at the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival and set to screen at festivals in Canada, India, and the Netherlands.
“There is a huge interest in this film,” Singh said. “No one has ever made a film about Africa as a destination for literature, which makes it unique. Durban is the first African city to earn this recognition.”
From Local Voices to Global Conversations
The film goes beyond a simple city portrait, capturing the pulse of Durban’s literary world. Singh interviews a wide range of voices—from celebrated authors like Gcina Mhlope and Menzi Mbuli to performance poets, publishers, and booksellers. Cultural managers such as Ismail Mahomed and Kiru Naidoo also provide insight into how Durban’s literary programmes continue to shape the city’s creative identity.
Through these perspectives, Singh explores not only Durban’s achievements but also the challenges it faces in sustaining its literary prominence. The documentary questions whether the city fully lives up to the UNESCO recognition and why only two African cities—Durban and Buffalo City, have received this distinction.
Blending Fiction with Reality
Adding a creative twist, Singh weaves a fictional narrative into the documentary. The character Lerato Sibisi navigates her school years while attending real-life literary events, tracing her growth as a young Black woman immersed in Durban’s oral and written traditions.
“Lerato’s journey reflects the incredible changes in modern South Africa, showing that it’s now possible for a young Black woman from a small village to dream big—and achieve those dreams,” Singh explained.
This narrative choice bridges the documentary’s factual content with personal storytelling, making the city’s literary culture accessible and engaging for audiences worldwide.
Building a Platform for African Literature
Durban: Creolized Creative City follows Singh’s previous award-winning documentary, The Cane Cutters’ Transcendence, which garnered three international accolades and screened across four continents. With this new film, Singh hopes to ignite discussions about Africa’s place in global literature and inspire young creatives to explore their own literary potential.
“Durban is not just a backdrop,” Singh said. “It’s a symbol of Africa’s creative possibilities on the world stage. I hope the film sparks debates, conversations, and a deeper appreciation for our literary heritage.”
A Proud Moment for South African Creativity
For locals and international audiences alike, the documentary serves as both a celebration and a critical examination of Durban’s evolving creative landscape. By highlighting the city’s authors, poets, and institutions, Singh cements Durban’s status as a hub of African literary innovation while encouraging a broader dialogue about culture, representation, and creative opportunity.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: IOL
