God’s Work – Michael James’ Haunting Feature Debuts at 46th Durban International Film Festival

A Portrait of Resilience and Humanity on the Margins: God’s Work Premieres at DIFF 2025

Durban-based filmmaker Michael James makes a powerful debut with God’s Work, a feature that is as visually poetic as it is emotionally harrowing. Premiering in competition for Best South African Feature at the 46th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the film will have its South African premiere on Sunday, 20 July at 7pm at Suncoast CineCentre.

Set in a dilapidated building in central Durban, God’s Work explores the unseen and often discarded lives of a group of unhoused men navigating the brutal intersections of addiction, poverty, performative politics, and the need to be seen. Through the eyes of Simphiwe—portrayed by SAFTA-winning actor Thobani Nzuza (eHostela, Uzalo, DiepCity)—the audience is drawn into a world where reality and hallucination blur, where survival means brotherhood, and where existence itself is resistance.

The supporting cast includes Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Mncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi, and Nduduzo Khowa, each delivering deeply grounded performances that further the film’s commitment to emotional truth. With a haunting score composed by George Acogny, God’s Work lingers long after the credits roll.

“This is not just a film about homelessness, it’s a story about power, loss, resistance—and what it costs to stay human in a world that’s abandoned its soul.”

says producer Sithabile Mkhize

James, who was inspired while filming a documentary at Durban’s Denis Hurley Centre during the pandemic, approaches the narrative with a refusal to sentimentalize or sanitize. Instead, God’s Work offers a meditation on memory, an unflinching gaze into inner trauma, and a reminder of the stubborn humanity that survives despite being ignored by society.

“My intent, is to allow audiences deeper access into the surreal and often troubling recesses of the human mind. It’s storytelling that transcends social realism.”

says James

“From the outset, God’s Work stood out for its bold vision and emotional depth. We’re proud to share this story with the world, beginning with Durban.”

Executive Producer Toni Monty echoes this sentiment:

Screening Dates:

• 20 July @ 7pm – Suncoast Cinecentre, Durban
• 26 July @ 1pm – Denis Hurley Centre, Durban
• 27 July @ 5pm – Watercrest Ster-Kinekor, Durban
• 1 August @ 12 noon – The Bioscope, Johannesburg
• 3 August @ 12 noon – The Labia Theatre, Cape Town

Produced by: Sithabile Mkhize (SA)
Co-Producer: Marco Orsini (USA)
Executive Producers: Toni Monty (SA), Gary Springer (USA)
Production Companies: Maverick Resistance, in association with the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, Amafrika Films, Mojo Entertainment LLC, with support from the Durban Film Office.

For more information, visit: 🌐 www.godsworkthefilm.com
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