The 16th annual Durban FilmMart (DFM) concluded on a high note, leaving a legacy of strengthened connections and celebrated storytelling. The premier film industry event in Africa wrapped up on Monday, July 21st with the presentation of awards totalling over R1.5 million (approximately USD $80,000) in cash and prizes, underscoring the event’s role in fostering and funding African cinematic talent.
This year’s DFM, held from July 18-21, brought together 1,364 film professionals and filmmakers from 63 countries under the theme “Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite.” The theme resonated throughout the event, which served as a dynamic platform for filmmakers to pitch projects, network with international partners, and secure vital funding.
“We are delighted to have hosted such a dynamic array of filmmakers from across the African continent,” Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), reflected on the event’s success. “They entrusted us with their projects and ideas and generously shared their time, expertise, and passion through enriching conversations, creating a truly African event.”
Reddy emphasised the high calibre of work on display, stating, “The talent showcased in this year’s programme and film projects exemplifies the strength of African cinema. The memories made, networks expanded, and partnerships forged have significantly contributed to DFM’s enduring legacy and impact. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their support in celebrating and elevating African storytellers, producers, and content creators.”
A Global Stage for African Voices
The DFM Awards highlighted a diverse range of projects from across the continent, with multiple films receiving recognition from prestigious international and regional partners. The awards were divided into several categories, including cash prizes, market/event participation, and mentorship opportunities.
One of the standout projects was “The Second Coming” (South Africa), which secured multiple cash awards. The fiction film, produced by Siyabonga Xaba and directed by Michael James, received the Best Fiction grant of R100,000 from the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF), a $5,000 award from the Red Sea Film Fund, and the Inkaba Award of $5,000 from Stained Glass TV.
Another project that garnered significant attention was “Plastic Atlantis” (Cape Verde), a powerful documentary produced by Pedro Soulé and directed by Samira Vera-Cruz. The film, which addresses a critical environmental theme, received the Climate Story Labs Award of $10,000, the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund New Voices Award of $5,000, the OIF-ACP-EU Award of €2,500, the Sheffield Doc Fest Award for festival participation, the Doc A Award for consultation and an impact campaign, and the Women Make Movies Award for best pitch by a woman filmmaker. The Women Make Movies award includes fiscal sponsorship and a year of comprehensive support, providing a crucial boost for the project’s journey.
In the non-fiction category, “The Salt of the South” (Tunisia), produced by Ramzi Laâmouri and directed by Rami Jarboui, received the NFVF’s Best Non-fiction grant of R100,000 and the EURODOC Award, which includes a tuition waiver and membership for their 2026 program.
The animation genre was celebrated with “Crocodile Dance” (South Africa, Nigeria), which earned the Best Animation grant of R100,000 from the NFVF. The project was produced by Ingrid de Beer and co-directed by Shofela Coker and Nadia Darries.
Partnerships Bridge Gaps
The DFM’s success is built on a foundation of strong partnerships. International funders and organizations provided crucial support, enabling African projects to gain global visibility and access.
Algerian project “Climbing the Mountains,” produced by Kenji Accard and Sabrina Chebbi, and co-produced by Oualid Baha, was a prime example of this international collaboration. The film, directed by Sabrina Chebbi, received a $5,000 award from the Red Sea Film Fund, the prestigious Al Jazeera Co-production Award of $10,000, and the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Award of CAD $2,000.
Zimbabwean filmmakers Rumbi Katedza and Ingrid Martens, with their project “Golden,” also benefited from these partnerships. The project received a $5,000 award from the Red Sea Film Fund, a €5,000 development grant from CANAL+, and participation in the DOK.fest München market.
Libyan-Algerian-Canadian co-production “The Guardian,” produced by Lynda Belkhiria and directed by Muhannad Lamin, secured the TRT Award of $5,000. South African projects were also well-represented, with “Nomvula (She Who Brings the Rain)” winning the MTN Group Digital Award of $5,000 and the TFL Next IEFTA Award for an online workshop.
Mentorship and Market Opportunities Pave the Way
Beyond cash prizes, DFM’s awards provided invaluable access to mentorship, residencies, and international markets. These opportunities are often the most significant for emerging filmmakers.
The Wrapped Talents Durban Prize went to South African director Shiefaa Hendricks for “TRUCKER MAN,” providing a cash prize, a premium subscription, and a featured spotlight. Other notable mentorship awards included the Isiziba Award from Stained Glass TV to Stephen Nagel for his project “Watching over you,” and the Triggerfish Mentorship Award to Fatima Mahdar for “Aisha Qandicha.” These awards are designed to nurture emerging talent by offering direct, hands-on support.
Market and festival participation awards were critical for expanding the reach of African films. “Baptism of Silence” (South Africa) received the Sørfond Award, granting the team flights and accommodation to participate in the Sørfond Pitch. Sudanese film “Samaa Gafa (Dry Sky)” received an invitation to the CineGouna market, and Togolese project “KUMFOGA” was awarded a spot in the FIDADOC Pan African Writing Residency.
“Space Maasai” (Tanzania) and “Tribe” (South Africa) received accreditations to the Rotterdam Lab and Animation Production Days, respectively, while the Moroccan project “Akal” was granted participation in both the Visions du Reel Market and the DOK Leipzig festival.
As the 16th edition concludes, the Durban FilmMart Institute, which receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality, looks forward to building on this success. The institute’s mission to be a business hub for the African film industry, where content is globally competitive and celebrated, has been resoundingly affirmed. DFM 2025 has once again proven its vital role in creating bridges for African storytellers to reach a worldwide audience.
