The Durban FilmMart (DFM), recognised as Africa’s premier film finance and co-production market, has moved its 17th edition to October 9–12, 2026.
This decision followed careful consideration of significant funding challenges exacerbated by the current global financial crisis, which has heavily impacted the arts and film sectors.
The Durban FilmMart Institute, a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving the African film industry forward, noted in a statement that shifts in key funding partnerships and a reduction in local year-on-year support created obstacles for the original July 2026 schedule.
Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, emphasised that while rescheduling was a difficult choice, it was necessary to maintain the board’s commitment to the pan-African film ecosystem and ensure the continued existence of a space essential for independent filmmakers.
Under the theme “Shifting Worlds: Turning Towards Ourselves,” inspired by the words of Ousmane Sembène, the 17th edition will focus on advancing alternative funding pathways, equitable co-production frameworks, and authentic partnerships. The event aims to encourage the industry to look within to design strategies capable of enduring a destabilized global economy. Despite the date change, all core activities will proceed as planned, including the Industry Programme’s masterclasses, Talents Durban, and the Pitch and Finance Forum for fiction, documentary, and animation.
Funded by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation, and the National Film and Video Foundation, the DFM continues its mission to provide year-round developmental programs and enhance the visibility of African content through tools like Filmmart.africa.
