The Durban FilmMart (DFM) Institute has officially opened the doors for African filmmakers to submit their projects in preparation for the 16th edition of the DFM, set to take place in Durban, South Africa, in July 2025. As one of Africa’s premier film markets, the event offers filmmakers a unique platform to showcase their work, build international connections, and secure funding for the development and production of African cinema.
Regarded as the flagship event of the Durban FilmMart Institute, the DFM has earned accolades for its role in elevating African film talent and content. In fact, it was named “the continent’s best film market” in UNESCO’s 2021 Film Trends in Africa Report. The event continues to draw attention as a vital hub for the African film industry, and this year’s edition promises to be no different. The DFM provides filmmakers with the opportunity to present their projects at the prestigious Pitch and Finance Forum, where they can attract the interest of co-producers, financiers, sales agents, broadcasters, and other stakeholders crucial to bringing their films to life.
Magdalene Reddy, the director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, emphasized the long-term impact of the festival on filmmakers. She explained that many filmmakers who pitch their projects at DFM have gone on to participate in international film labs and markets, expanding their networks and gaining further support for their films. “Over the past 16 years, over 80 DFM alumni projects have been developed into films that have gone on to screen and win awards at festivals across the world,” Reddy said. The continued success of past participants, including recent alumni whose films premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, underscores the growing significance of DFM on the global stage.
For the 2025 edition, the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum is calling for feature-length fiction and documentary film projects, as well as episodic/series content that is still in development. A key requirement is that at least one of the three main creative roles writer, director, or producer must be held by an African citizen. This ensures that the event stays true to its mission of promoting African storytelling and talent. However, the forum is also open to filmmakers who are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents, streamers, and other collaborators, expanding its reach to include potential international partnerships.
Filmmakers interested in submitting their projects to the Durban FilmMart must ensure their films are in English, although they are welcome to create their films in any language. The deadline for submissions is set for January 19, 2025, and the final list of selected projects will be announced in early May 2025. This timeline offers ample time for filmmakers to refine their submissions and gain the support they need to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
The DFM serves not only as a pitch platform but also as an essential networking event. It brings together African filmmakers, international distributors, funders, and industry professionals, providing an environment where relationships are formed and future collaborations are born. By fostering such partnerships, the DFM plays a crucial role in the continued growth and global recognition of African cinema.
As African filmmakers look ahead to the 2025 edition of the Durban FilmMart, the event stands as a beacon of opportunity for those looking to take their projects to the next level. With its focus on nurturing talent, facilitating international connections, and advancing the visibility of African cinema, the DFM continues to solidify its position as one of the most important film markets on the continent. For aspiring filmmakers eager to participate, the clock is ticking, and the opportunity to be part of this prestigious event is one that should not be missed.
