Singh committed to Durban film studio project despite delays

DURBAN businessman and film-maker Anant Singh has reiterated his commitment to bringing the city its first movie studio, despite challenges that have hindered the progress of this catalyst project for more than 20 years.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

After a protracted legal battle over the old Natal Command Defence Force site with another businessman and then the SANDF, Singh eventually acquired the North Beach property in 2022.

However, the R7.5 billion eThekwini Film City project has faced delays.

He told The Mercury yesterday, “We are still committed to our vision of creating eThekwini Film City, a creative hub in KZN. We need all parties in the City’s departments to recognise the multitude of opportunities and the potential the development brings, and find solutions to the challenges.”

Singh was commenting after he raised the delays in an engagement with ANC KZN leaders on Tuesday. The ANC leadership vowed to investigate the matter.

Former city officials, aware of the project's value, noted that the Durban Film Studio was envisioned as a catalyst that could attract significant movie projects and spur economic growth.