The African film and television industry stands at a critical juncture, facing a technological revolution that is reshaping everything from content creation to global distribution. To equip professionals for this seismic shift, the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) and Filmmart.Africa are hosting a crucial, strategic webinar: “Future-Proofing Your Career with Tech and Film Innovators.”
Scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, from 14h00 – 15h00 SAST, this 60-minute session will provide actionable insights for creatives, producers, and technicians aiming for sustained success in the global market.
The discussion is framed by the DFMI’s mission to champion globally competitive African content, with Director Magdalene Reddy opening the event to set the stage on the session’s vital importance.
A panel of industry leaders will dive into three core topics shaping the future of African storytelling:
Current Technological Shifts: An examination of emerging tools like Virtual Production, advanced VFX, and how these innovations are democratizing content creation while driving down traditional barriers to entry.
Ethical & Creative Crossroads: Navigating the complex risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging tools, specifically focusing on the protection of human creativity, jobs, and Intellectual Property (IP).
Strategies for a Sustainable Future: Actionable steps for professionals to future-proof their careers through upskilling, policy advocacy, and strategic investment.
The discussion will be followed by a live Q&A session, allowing attendees to pose direct questions to the experts. The event will also feature a demonstration of Filmmart.Africa, an online platform designed to connect industry professionals, streamline development, and facilitate market access for African content.
The expert panel brings a wealth of experience across technology, production, and festival programming:
Zoe Ramushu: Co-founder of Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT) and creator of Wrapped, an app designed to streamline hiring and training for film freelancers and companies.
Themba Sibeko: Director of Enterprise Development at Light Seed VFX, overseeing South Africa’s First VFX Incubator, and a veteran producer with credits on major features like District 9 and Marvel’s Fantastic Four.
Ibee Ndaw: A seasoned professional in the Pan-African film space, currently serving as the coordinator of the Yennenga Center in Dakar, bringing expertise as a sales agent, festival manager, and programmer.
Registration is essential to participate in this pivotal conversation on building a resilient, competitive, and future-proof African film industry.
