The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has officially announced that the 16th edition of its flagship event, the Durban FilmMart (DFM), will take place from 18 to 21 July 2025 in Durban, South Africa. Themed “Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite,” this year’s edition aims to foster collaboration across the African continent and beyond through cinema.
The DFM aims to use film to connect communities and industries, strengthening networks across Africa, the diaspora, and the Global South. “In a time when division is easily amplified, the DFM offers a space where meaningful connections can be formed and nurtured,” said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “We’re committed to creating a platform that supports creative visions and contributes to a thriving, globally respected African film industry.”
The four-day event will feature a comprehensive programme, including the Pitch and Finance Forum, where fiction, documentary, episodic, and animation projects in development will be presented to potential funders and collaborators. Additionally, the DFM Industry Programme will offer keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, labs, and think tanks focused on emerging industry trends and challenges.
Building on the success of previous editions, the DFM will reflect DFMI’s core values of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. Sessions will be tailored to explore sustainable growth, creative innovation, and new pathways for distribution and investment.
The Durban FilmMart Institute has long been regarded as a vital business hub for the African film and content industries. It aims to provide effective programming that attracts and facilitates investment in African talent and stories.
The Durban FilmMart continues to establish itself as a key catalyst for African cinema’s global visibility and long-term growth, and the 2025 edition will further reinforce that legacy.
