The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced the selection of eight animation projects for its 16th annual Pitch and Finance Forum, set to take place from 18 to 21 July in Durban. According to a statement, this year’s lineup highlights the growing prominence of African animation, with projects hailing from Morocco, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Over the past three years, animation has become a cornerstone of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), with the Animation@DFM strand integrating industry discussions and project pitches into its annual programming. The selected projects will undergo a rigorous three-month online masterclass and mentorship programme, focusing on script development, visual representation, finance planning and pitch preparation. This initiative aims to equip creators with the tools needed to succeed in Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market.
Magdalene Reddy, DFMI Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the growing quality of African animation.
“We are honoured to witness the sector’s growth and celebrate the work of creators both on the continent and in the diaspora,” she said. “Animation@DFM has become a permanent fixture, fostering richer conversations and deeper networks by bridging animation and live-action filmmaking.”
The selection process was highly competitive, with applications pouring in from across the continent and the diaspora. The eight chosen projects include animated fiction features such as “Aisha Qandicha” (Morocco), “Crocodile Dance” (South Africa/Nigeria), and “KINTUADI: SIMON KIMBANGU” (DRC), as well as animated series like “Mboudgui” (Cameroon/France) and “Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings” (South Africa).
The DFMI’s commitment to nurturing African talent extends beyond the Pitch and Finance Forum. Its year-round programmes and the recently launched Filmmart.africa platform aim to enhance the visibility of African content and connect filmmakers globally.
For more information, visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za or contact info@durbanfilmmart.com.
