MTN One TV seeks authentic, culturally resonant, and commercially viable stories exploring universal themes including family, ambition, identity, and resilience.
By Adedamola Jones Adedayo
Durban FilmMart and MTN One TV have opened submissions for their 2026 Pitch Session, inviting experienced African producers to present original film and television projects created for mobile-first and digitally engaged audiences.
The initiative targets young audiences between the ages of 18 and 34, alongside mass-market viewers, with a particular focus on South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia. Projects with broader Pan-African appeal are also encouraged.
MTN One TV seeks authentic, culturally resonant, and commercially viable stories exploring universal themes including family, ambition, identity, and resilience. Eligible projects include limited series comprising six to eight episodes of 45 to 60 minutes each; scripted and unscripted series of 13 episodes running between 45 and 60 minutes; micro-dramas consisting of 30 episodes of approximately two minutes each; and feature films running between 60 and 90 minutes.
Submissions can span drama, reality, comedy, action, thriller, romance, and animation. The opportunity is open to experienced producers whose lead producer has at least seven years of professional industry experience and operates through a registered production company.
Applicants must also demonstrate experience managing professional creative and technical teams and delivering productions to broadcast or streaming standards. Applicants must own, control, or have official authorisation for all underlying intellectual property and rights connected to their proposed project.
Each submission must include the project’s title, logline, synopsis, pitch deck, pilot script, and series outline or breakdown. Applicants are also required to provide an estimated production budget, production schedule, financing status, target market strategy, as well as profiles of the lead producer, production company, and confirmed key creatives.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their projects in person at DFM in Durban, South Africa. Selected projects will receive two complimentary DFM accreditations. However, participants will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visa, and daily expenses.
According to the organisers, submitting or pitching a project will not transfer ownership of its intellectual property to Durban FilmMart or MTN One TV. Participation in the pitch session also does not guarantee a commission, although selected projects may progress to negotiations and potential development agreements.
Submissions for the MTN One TV Pitch Session close on 28th September, 2026. Full details are available on the official website of DFM.
Durban FilmMart 2026 will take place in Durban this October, bringing together more than 1,300 international delegates as part of the annual African film industry market.