The world of African cinema is evolving rapidly, and at its heart is the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), an incubator for talent, creativity, and business acumen. In a continent bursting with stories yet to be told, the DFMI has emerged as a key player in fostering the growth of filmmakers who can skillfully navigate both the artistic and business sides of the industry. This year, two Kenyan filmmakers, Audrey Tanya and Noelle Luka, have been selected for the prestigious DFMI Business Lab, marking a significant milestone in their careers and underscoring Kenya’s growing prominence in Africa’s film industry.
As part of a group of 30 filmmakers from across the continent, Tanya and Luka will participate in a rigorous, 14-week online programme aimed at equipping them with the business skills necessary to engage with a global market. Running until January 2025, the DFMI Business Lab will provide these filmmakers with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive and dynamic international industry. The programme is a critical element of DFMI’s year-round offerings and is presented in partnership with DW Akademie, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The DFMI Business Lab: Nurturing Film Producers for Global Success
The DFMI Business Lab is more than just an online course; it is a comprehensive training programme designed to address the unique challenges faced by African filmmakers. The film industry, like any other, demands a keen understanding of business principles—financial management, fundraising, coproduction, and public relations are all essential skills for producers. The DFMI Business Lab recognises these needs and has structured its curriculum to provide participants with the tools and knowledge to elevate their work from local recognition to global acclaim.
The 14-week course will cover key areas, including:
- Financial Management: Managing budgets and ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently can make or break a film project. For filmmakers in emerging markets like Kenya, this skill is even more critical, as funding opportunities are often scarce and highly competitive.
- Fundraising and Coproduction: African filmmakers frequently face challenges when it comes to securing funding for their projects. The lab will teach Tanya, Luka, and their peers how to source funding and create partnerships with international producers, making coproductions more viable and ensuring that African stories can be told on a larger scale.
- Business Management: Creative talent must be balanced with solid business strategies to ensure sustainability and success. This module will help filmmakers understand how to structure their projects and companies in ways that will allow them to thrive in a competitive environment.
- Intellectual Property (IP) and Entertainment Law: As African filmmakers gain greater prominence on the international stage, protecting their creative work becomes increasingly important. The lab will provide participants with the legal knowledge to safeguard their intellectual property rights.
- PR and Distribution: The success of a film is often determined not just by its quality but by how effectively it is marketed and distributed. Tanya and Luka will learn strategies for getting their films seen by wider audiences, both within Africa and globally.
Audrey Tanya and Noelle Luka: Kenyan Talents on the Rise
Audrey Tanya and Noelle Luka are no strangers to the film industry. Both have been making strides in their respective fields, and their selection for the DFMI Business Lab is a testament to their hard work and potential. As part of this prestigious programme, they will gain exposure to industry experts and build networks that will be invaluable as they advance in their careers.
Audrey Tanya: Championing Social Change Through Film
Audrey Tanya has always had a passion for telling stories that matter. As a filmmaker, she has focused on projects that explore pressing social issues, particularly those that affect women and marginalized communities in Kenya. Her work reflects a commitment to using film as a tool for social change, raising awareness about issues such as gender equality, access to education, and poverty.
In an interview, Tanya once mentioned that she believes film can be a catalyst for dialogue and action. “Storytelling is powerful—it can shape perceptions, challenge societal norms, and inspire people to take action. I want my films to be more than just entertainment; I want them to spark conversations and make people think,” she said.
With the DFMI Business Lab, Tanya will be able to refine her business skills, ensuring that her films reach the audiences they are intended to impact. By learning how to secure funding, manage budgets, and distribute her work more effectively, she can focus more on the stories she wants to tell, confident in her ability to bring them to life on the screen.
Noelle Luka: Bridging Cultures and Expanding Horizons
Noelle Luka is known for her dynamic storytelling and ability to bring different cultures and perspectives to the forefront. Her films often explore themes of identity, migration, and belonging, drawing on her experiences as a global citizen. Luka’s films are characterized by their nuanced portrayal of the human experience, often focusing on the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating a rapidly changing world.
Luka’s participation in the DFMI Business Lab comes at a pivotal moment in her career. With the increasing demand for African stories on the global stage, filmmakers like Luka are uniquely positioned to bridge cultural gaps and tell stories that resonate across borders. The skills she gains from the programme—particularly in fundraising and coproduction—will allow her to continue producing films that engage with audiences around the world, while staying true to her roots and the stories of her people.
The Role of DFMI in Shaping the Future of African Cinema
The Durban FilmMart Institute has long been a driving force behind the development of African cinema. Since its inception, the DFMI has played a crucial role in supporting filmmakers from across the continent, offering them the resources, training, and networking opportunities they need to succeed. By focusing not only on the artistic aspects of filmmaking but also on the business side, the institute is helping to create a more sustainable and globally competitive film industry in Africa.
In recent years, African cinema has gained increasing attention on the world stage, with films from countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa being showcased at major international festivals. This growing recognition is a testament to the talent and resilience of African filmmakers, but it also underscores the need for continued investment in their development. The DFMI Business Lab is a key part of this effort, ensuring that filmmakers have the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
By partnering with DW Akademie and receiving support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, DFMI is also fostering international collaboration and learning. This global perspective is essential for African filmmakers who want to navigate the complexities of international coproductions, distribution deals, and intellectual property rights.
The Importance of Business Skills in the Film Industry
While creative talent is essential in filmmaking, the business side of the industry is equally important. Many filmmakers struggle not because they lack ideas or vision, but because they lack the business acumen needed to bring their projects to fruition. This is where programmes like the DFMI Business Lab come in, providing filmmakers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a highly competitive market.
For filmmakers like Audrey Tanya and Noelle Luka, the DFMI Business Lab represents a unique opportunity to gain these crucial business skills. By mastering financial management, fundraising, and distribution, they will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the industry and ensure that their films are not only made but also seen by the widest possible audience.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for African Filmmakers
As Tanya, Luka, and their fellow participants embark on this journey, the future of African cinema looks brighter than ever. With the skills they gain from the DFMI Business Lab, these filmmakers will be well-positioned to take their work to the next level, both creatively and commercially.
The success of programmes like the DFMI Business Lab also highlights the importance of continued investment in Africa’s creative industries. By providing filmmakers with the resources and training they need, initiatives like this are helping to ensure that African stories are told—and that they are heard around the world.
As the DFMI Business Lab progresses over the next few months, all eyes will be on filmmakers like Audrey Tanya and Noelle Luka. Their journeys will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of African filmmakers, showing them that with the right support, the possibilities are endless.
