The film sector’s influence extends beyond filmmaking, generating significant demand in tourism-related industries.
South Africa’s film industry is making a significant impact on the economy, bringing in billions of rands, creating jobs, and boosting tourism.
During a press conference on Tuesday at the Hotel Sky in Sandton, the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFA) and its partners discussed the significant impact the industry is having on the South African economy.
ITFA celebrates storytelling through film and through collaborations and initiatives like the Young Creatives Challenge, the organisation empowers filmmakers and highlights Africa as a premier tourism destination.
Between November 2023 and June 2024, international film productions brought R2.52 billion into the country, according to ITFA.
By October 2025, this number is expected to grow to over R6 billion.
James Byrne, co-founding director of ITFA International, shared that production crews alone booked over 59,000 hotel bed nights, contributing nearly R148 million to …