The Durban FilmMart (DFM) has recently announced its upcoming industry programme, scheduled to take place from July 18 to 21, 2025, at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban, South Africa. This year’s theme, “Bridges not Borders: Stories That Unite,” highlights the urgent need for collaboration among African filmmakers, featuring a variety of panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities that tackle pressing industry challenges and opportunities.
One of the standout sessions, “Exhibitors and Distributors: Who is Building and Furnishing a Home for Global South Content?” will bring together prominent figures, including Monde Twala from Paramount Africa and Jeanne Deny from MAD Solutions. They will delve into the intricacies of distributing content from the Global South, shedding light on the unique challenges and potential in this area. Additionally, the “Latin American Visions” panel, in collaboration with DW Akademie, will showcase insights from experts like Rodrigo Díaz Díaz and Marcela Lizcano, focusing on alternative models for film circulation that extend beyond traditional box-office frameworks.
Addressing critical representation issues, the programme includes sessions such as “The Disabled Actors Database,” which aims to discuss expanded opportunities for disabled performers and foster more inclusive casting practices. Another notable session, “Power of Programming,” will feature industry leaders examining how programming choices can bridge cultural divides and forge global connections.
International collaboration is a core focus of this year’s DFM. There will be coproduction discussions involving countries such as Senegal, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands, as well as presentations from projects in development with the Palestine Film Institute and the Thutuka Fund, which is a partnership between the National Film and Video Foundation and the Netherlands Film Fund.
The “Durban Does Docs” strand is a key element of the programme, addressing ethical collaborations in documentary filmmaking. Esteemed contributors will discuss impact-driven distribution and filmmaker wellbeing, highlighting the mental health aspects of documentary work.
Complementing creative discussions, the “Talking Cents” series will explore the business fundamentals essential for driving African cinema. Sessions will focus on various financing models, funding mechanisms, and strategies that filmmakers need to navigate the evolving film industry, with insights from organisations such as the Red Sea Film Fund and the Sundance Institute.
In the keynote session series, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with acclaimed filmmakers such as Dora Bouchoucha, Ramadan Suleman, and Roger Ross Williams, who have made a significant impact on contemporary cinema.
Overall, the Durban FilmMart’s industry programme promises to be an enriching experience for filmmakers and industry professionals alike, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the African film landscape. Accreditation is required for participation in the programme.
