The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced the selection of eight official animation projects for the 2025 edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), scheduled to take place from 18 to 21 July in Durban, South Africa. This year’s selection features a range of projects from across the African continent and the diaspora.
According to Magdalene Reddy, director of DFMI, the quality of animation projects from Africa has increased significantly over the years. “DFMI is honoured to witness the growth of the animation sector and celebrate the work that has been done by creators, both on the continent and in the diaspora. Animation@DFM is now a permanent strand of programming at the market, bringing together the worlds of animation and live action in one place creates richer conversations and deeper networks for industry,” Reddy said.
The selected films include Aisha Qandicha, a Moroccan project by Fatima Mahdar, and Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya) by Claye Edou from Cameroon.
Other represented countries
Other projects include Shofela Coker and Nadia Darries film Crocodile Dance, a collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria, as well as Kamaroza by Ahmad Abdelhameed and Islam Mazhar from Egypt.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is represented by Benny Lusakueno’s KINTUADI: SIMON KIMBANGU, while Cameroon and France have a collaboration film Mboudgui by Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala. Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings by Clare Louis from South Africa, and Tribe by Tendayi Nyeke, also from South Africa, complete the lineup.
The selected projects will undergo a three-month online masterclass programme, which includes script development, visual representation, finance planning, project packaging, and pitching. In addition, the projects will receive one-on-one mentorship to assist with project packaging and pitch preparation.
The Durban FilmMart in a recent development announced a call for proposals from service providers to deliver various elements of the Durban FilmMart 2025. The institute seeks experts in several key areas, including design, digital marketing, publications, public relations, and event management.
Established in 2020, the Durban FilmMart Institute plays a role in facilitating local and international trade and investment in African film content. The Durban FilmMart itself is a premier film industry event in Africa, offering a platform for filmmakers to network, pitch projects, and access funding opportunities.
List of selected animation projects for Durban FilmMart 2025
- Aisha Qandicha (Morocco) – Producer: Alyssa Harden. Director: Fatima Mahdar
- Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya) (Cameroon) – Producer: Claye Edou. Director: Claye Edou
- Crocodile Dance (South Africa/Nigeria) – Producers: Ingrid de Beer. Directors: Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries
- Kamaroza (Egypt) – Producers: Nouran Abdallah. Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar
- Kintuadi: Simon Kimbangu (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – Producer: Giresse Kassonga. Director: Benny Lusakueno
- Mboudgui (Cameroon/France) – Producers: Betty Sulty-Johnson, Lamissa Ouattara. Director: Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala
- Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings (South Africa) – Producers: Ameera Faber, Sabrina Roc. Director: Clare Louis
- Tribe (South Africa) – Producer: Debbie Crosscu. Director: Tendayi Nyeke
