The Durban FilmMart Institute is scheduled to run from 18th to 21st July, 2025 in Durban, South Africa.
By Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced the return of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) for its 16th edition, themed “Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite.” The event is scheduled to run from 18th to 21st July, 2025 in Durban, South Africa.
This year’s theme, according to the DFMI, “underscores the transformative potential cinema serves as a bridge, opening genuine exchange and collaboration that enriches storytelling capabilities across the industry”.
DFM 2025 will focus on strengthening ties across Africa, the African diaspora, and the Global South, with this year’s edition positioning itself as a catalyst for collaboration through resource sharing, knowledge exchange and creative partnerships.
The four-day programme is designed to encourage organic and equitable collaborations while also providing valuable insights into the filmmaking process. The event will include a Pitch and Finance Forum showcasing fiction, documentary, episodic, and animation projects in development, as well as the DFM Industry Programme comprising keynote talks, masterclasses, panel discussions, lab presentations, and think tanks.
The event will also feature industry exhibitions and networking opportunities, with delegates having access to the DFM online platform for virtual networking and content sharing.
Speaking on the event’s direction, Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Institute, said the upcoming edition builds on the momentum of previous years while embracing inclusivity, diversity and accessibility, core values of the Institute. “DFM 2025 recognises that strength lies in connection rather than isolation”, she said. “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”.
The Durban FilmMart is Africa’s premier co-production and film finance market. Funded primarily by the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality, the DFM has become a critical platform for African filmmakers looking to access international markets, build networks, and secure funding.
Early bird registration for DFM 2025 is now open, offering discounted access to the full event lineup. Details on registration are available on the DFM website.