Excitement is mounting for the world premiere of the South African/USA documentary When Voices Meet at the Durban International Film Festival. Featuring South African stars John Kani and Abigail Kubeka, it tells the story of The Peace Train’s journey across South Africa during the political violence of the 1990’s and it’s impact on South Africa today.

This compelling and jubilant documentary opens tonight Wednesday, July 22 at Suncoast 6 at 6 pm. On Thursday, July 23 the Denis Hurley Center will be filled to capacity with school children from Nsimbini Primary School in Mayville who are being sponsored by Sharon Katz’s organization “Friends Of The Peace Train” to attend the screening.

And on Friday, July 24 is the culminating event at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, featuring a reception for attendees at 5.30 pm, DIFF screening of the documentary at 6.30 pm, and a reunion concert by Sharon Katz & The Peace Train Band at 8 pm all for the same R25 ticket price.

Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Katz, who founded The Peace Train Project in 1992 in Durban, will perform alongside Peace Train co-founder and singer Nonhlanhla Wanda and Durban musicians who rode on The Peace Train, Dr. Brian Thusi (trumpet) George Mari (trumpet)  Debbie Hayman Mari (keyboards) as well as Philani Ngidi (bass) and S’bu Zondi (drums). They will be joined on stage by The Peace Train singers and dancers for this jubilant celebration.

Katz travels the world with her band and arrived in Durban on Sunday after appearing at a UNESCO Nelson Mandela Day event in Washington DC.  When Voices Meet has been nominated for three awards and selected for eight film festivals.  The US premiere will be in August at the World Music and Independent Film Festival in Washington DC.