KwaZulu-Natal has become one of South Africa’s most versatile filming destinations. Its coastlines, mountains, wildlife reserves and dynamic urban centres have drawn both local and international productions. These films and series showcase how the province has supported storytelling while highlighting its unique settings.
1. Blood Diamond (2006)
While the storyline is set in Sierra Leone, the filmmakers chose KwaZulu-Natal for several scenes. Its rugged landscapes and untamed natural terrain provided a convincing setting for action sequences. The production used the province’s ability to mirror different African environments, demonstrating the adaptability of its locations. Hosting a Hollywood feature of this scale also showcased the region’s growing capacity to accommodate international crews.2. Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior (2008)
The action-adventure film transformed KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse terrain into an ancient desert kingdom. The production made use of the province’s natural features to create visually striking settings that matched the tone of the story. This project reinforced KwaZulu-Natal’s capacity to adapt to a wide range of genres, from historical epics to contemporary dramas.3. Florida Road (2010)
Filmed and set in Durban, Florida Road explored themes of family, identity and belonging. The production highlighted Durban’s architecture, busy streets and multicultural environment. By using the city as more than a backdrop, the film offered audiences a strong sense of place and showed how KwaZulu-Natal’s urban centres can drive cinematic storytelling.4. The Wild (2011 – 2013)
This prime-time drama series from M-Net filmed extensively in KwaZulu-Natal’s private reserves. The natural environment featured prominently in the storyline, with the bushveld providing both visual appeal and narrative weight. Filming in active conservation areas also demonstrated the ability of KwaZulu-Natal’s reserves to support long-running television productions while balancing tourism and environmental management.5. Durban Poison (2013)
This South African film follows two lovers on a violent road trip, weaving through Durban’s coastline and the Midlands. The choice of KwaZulu-Natal added atmosphere to the film, with familiar landscapes grounding the narrative in recognisable South African settings. The film went on to win Best South African Feature at the Durban International Film Festival, reinforcing the province’s role in celebrating local stories.6. Hatchet Hour (2016)
Shot across Durban and Pietermaritzburg, Hatchet Hour combined urban and natural locations to build suspense. The thriller used KwaZulu-Natal’s varied environments to create a sense of unease, proving the province’s suitability for high-tension genres. Independent productions such as this highlight the opportunities available for local filmmakers to make use of accessible and diverse locations.7. Yesterday (2018)
Yesterday was filmed in the village of Eshowe and surrounding areas. The film tells the story of a woman living with HIV and her determination to secure treatment for herself and her daughter. The authentic depiction of rural life gave audiences a perspective rarely seen in global cinema. The production achieved international recognition with an Academy Award nomination, which in turn placed KwaZulu-Natal on the map as a location for socially conscious filmmaking.8. The Woman King (2022)
Starring Viola Davis, The Woman King is a large-scale historical epic inspired by true events. Parts of the production were filmed in KwaZulu-Natal, where forests and natural landscapes helped recreate 19th-century West Africa. The film highlighted the province’s ability to support major international productions requiring expansive outdoor locations, period settings and complex logistics.9. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
The latest instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise brought Tom Cruise and an international production team to KwaZulu-Natal. Filming in and around Durban showcased the province’s ability to support high-intensity action sequences, large crews and complex stunts. Hosting a global franchise of this scale reinforced KwaZulu-Natal’s reputation as a world-class filming destination.10. Jungle Book: Origins (2015)
Although the film was never completed, early production stages included location scouting and work in KwaZulu-Natal forests. The province’s dense greenery offered filmmakers a unique setting with an otherworldly look. While the project did not reach cinemas, it demonstrated how KwaZulu-Natal forests are viewed as viable locations for large-scale productions.Why KwaZulu-Natal Appeals to Filmmakers
KwaZulu-Natal continues to attract filmmakers because of its range of landscapes and reliable support infrastructure. Durban provides a modern cityscape with accommodation, transport and post-production facilities. Within a short distance, crews can access rural villages, mountain ranges, game reserves and coastlines. This variety reduces the need to move productions across provinces, saving time and resources. The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority supports filmmakers through location services, permits and funding opportunities. By promoting the province as a filming hub, the authority strengthens both the local creative economy and KwaZulu-Natal’s position within the global film industry.Exploring Film Locations in KwaZulu-Natal
For visitors, many of these filming locations are accessible as part of travel itineraries.- Eshowe, known from Yesterday, offers cultural tours and rural experiences.
- Durban, featured in Florida Road and Hatchet Hour, remains a lively city for food, entertainment and beachfront attractions.
- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, showcased in Durban Poison, is a favourite for scenic drives and arts routes.
- Private reserves used in The Wild offer Big Five safaris and conservation tourism.
