The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced dates for the 16th edition of its annual event, Durban FilmMart (DFM). This year, the programme will take place from July 18 to 21. As usual, the South African city will play host.
According to the organisers, this year’s theme, Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite, “underscores the potential cinema serves as a bridge, opening genuine exchange and collaboration that enriches storytelling capabilities across the industry.”
The programme will feature a range of activities, including the Pitch and Finance Forum, where fiction, episodic, documentary, and animation projects in development will be showcased. The DFM Industry Programme will also present keynote talks, masterclasses, panel discussions, lab presentations, and think tanks, providing insights into the filmmaking process.
“Building on the success of the 2024 edition and the continued growth of the DFM’s previous editions, DFM 2025 recognises that strength lies in connection rather than isolation. The event will provide an equitable space for change in the Global South film industry, supporting creative visions, creating new distribution pathways, and pioneering audiovisual frontiers,” Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute said.
She added: “The programme will reflect DFMI’s core values of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, with sessions tailored to address key industry challenges and opportunities.”
For registration, interested persons are encouraged to visit the Durban FilmMart registration page, and register for the event. To complete your registration, applicants are to provide a profile image that will be used on the attendee profile and accreditation badge at the event. Additionally, applicants are to specify their spoken languages and provide links to their social media accounts.
Early bird registration offers delegates a discounted rate for a limited time. Accreditation will grant delegates access to DFM events, which also includes the Pitch and Finance Forum, industry sessions, networking opportunities, masterclasses, and the industry exhibition, as well as the DFM online platform, where they can engage in virtual networking and share content.
The Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry, and its mission is to provide programmes and services to promote, support, and facilitate investment in the film industry.
