South African neo-Western crime drama Poachers Moon will make its local premiere at the 47th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) on 25 July 2026, marking a significant milestone for the independently produced feature. While deeply rooted in South Africa through its setting, story and predominantly South African cast and crew, the film was developed and executive produced by UK-based filmmaker Tom Datnow and his wife Kathryn Datnow and their UK production company, DODATNOWFILMS. A South African story told through the lens of a UK-based filmmaker who grew up between South Africa and London, Poachers Moon blends personal experience with pressing social realities. The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing inspiration from Datnow’s own experiences of navigating two cultures and identities.
Filmed in the Northern Cape province, primarily in and around Kimberley, Poachers Moon is a gripping 105-minute neo-Western that explores the devastating impact of poverty, trauma and rhino poaching through the lives of two childhood friends whose destinies become irrevocably intertwined. The film is presented in English, Afrikaans, Southern Sotho and Zulu.
The film stars British actor Tom Datnow as James Hollander alongside South African actor Kwenzo Ngcobo as Michael “Moremi” Zungu. They are joined by an ensemble cast that includes SAG Award nominee Stelio Savante, Andre Jacobs, Muzi Mthabela, Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane, Ntandoyethu Zondi, Thami Mngqolo, Kathryn Datnow, Leroy Gopal, Martez Saporta-Rothuysen, Thomas Janisch and Sabelo Radebe.
Poachers Moon marks the feature directorial debut of Datnow, a UK-based writer, director and producer who also penned the screenplay. Inspired by the memory of a late friend and informed by his upbringing between South Africa and London, the film explores themes of identity, friendship, loss of innocence, resilience and hope amid harsh circumstances. The semi-autobiographical elements lend an additional layer of truth to a story that examines both personal and societal struggles.
Production received support from the British High Commission as well as several Northern Cape government entities, including the Premier’s Office, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Northern Cape Economic Development Agency (NCEDA).
Demonstrating a strong commitment to regional talent development, approximately 70% of the production team was sourced from the Northern Cape, with additional crew members drawn from Gauteng, the United Kingdom and the United States, creating a genuinely international collaboration while maintaining an authentic South African voice and perspective.
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Author: Franco D’Onofrio from Twiga Communications on behalf of Poachers Moon.
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