The 18th edition of Talents Durban features participants from 16 African countries, who collectively reflect the continent’s diversity of emerging film professionals.
By Joseph Jonathan
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced the lineup of projects and participants for the 18th edition of Talents Durban, taking place during the Durban FilmMart (DFM) in Durban from 18 – 21 July 2025. Talents Durban is the African satellite programme of the renowned Berlin International Film Festival and Berlinale Talents, and continues to carve its niche within the DFMI’s programming portfolio.
Speaking on the participants, DFMI Director, Magdalene Reddy said, “This year’s cohort demonstrates remarkable innovation in form and content, with projects that naturally embody our theme of building bridges. Throughout the intensive four-day in person programme and the 2-month online programme , these emerging talents will not only develop their technical skills but also forge lasting connections with industry professionals and fellow creators from across the continent – connections that will sustain African cinema’s growth for years to come”.
The 18th edition of Talents Durban features participants from 16 African countries, who collectively reflect the continent’s diversity of emerging film professionals. The selection process was highly competitive, with over 500 applications resulting in the choice of 26 distinctive projects and 5 film critics, each bringing a fresh perspective to features, documentaries, shorts, series, animation, and film criticism.
This year’s talents will be mentored by Domoina Ratsara, Francis Brown, Joel Karekezi, Karabo Lediga, Laza Razanajatovo, Mamounata Nikiemai, Mayye Zayedi, Mmabatho Kau, Rumbi Katedzai and Tarek Mohamed.
The official participants and projects for the event are listed below:
FICTION FEATURES
- The Most High by Samuel Kizito (Uganda)
- Menelik III by Hassan Zaroug (Rwanda/Sudan)
- No Man’s Land by Sean Mongie (South Africa)
- Nuusiku by Laudika Hamutenya (Namibia)
- The Prophecy by Rehanna Ngom (Senegal)
- Let This Day End by Karim Berrhouma (Tunisia)
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
- Designing Divide by Jessie Ayles (South Africa)
- Green Island Girls by Rogena Tarek (Egypt)
- One Man’s Dream by Chisomo Kawaga (Malawi)
- Mwiba (A Thorn) by Gwantwa Lucas Mwakalinga (Tanzania)
- Ghana Must Go! by Joewackle Kusi (Ghana)
- Kumfoga by Dissirama BESSOGA (Togo)
SHORTS
- The Soil’s Silent Smell by Melkamu Haile (Ethiopia)
- My Chicken (Huku Yangu) by Dereck NZIYAKWI (Zimbabwe)
- Based on Future Events: Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? by Bassma Farah Nancy (Egypt)
- Delivery Man by Ani ELIAM (Côte D’ivoire )
- Butterflies by Aghogho ‘Tega’ Onobrakpeya (Nigeria)
- Trucker Man by Shiefaa Hendricks (South Africa)
SERIES
- Mad Bounty and The Midnight Gun by Talemwa Pius (Uganda)
- Guess what? by Hayat Aljowaily (Egypt)
- Watching Over You by Stephen Nagel (SOUTH AFRICA)
- Survivors of Tromelin by Raissa Loussouf (MADAGASCAR)
ANIMATION
- Zein by Nermeen Salem (Egypt)
- Sisonkhe Kids Habits by Mfanelo Masuku (Eswatini)
- Akiki’s Adventures in Azania by Fatuma Abdullah (South Africa)
- Rutu by Mary Njoroge (Kenya)
TALENT PRESS
- Gloria Nkatha (Kenya)
- Tshi Malatji (South Africa)
- Alice Johnson (Ghana)
- Riley Hlatshwayo (South Africa)
- Mohamed Sayed (Egypt)