The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced its lineup of masterclasses and sponsored sessions for the 2025 edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), taking place from July 18–21. The programme aims to empower African filmmakers with practical tools, expert knowledge and critical industry networks.
Highlights include a Netflix-sponsored masterclass on sound design titled “Good Sound Starts Before the Mix”, featuring industry veterans Guy Steer (Rechord Post) and Michael Broomberg, known for work on War of the Worlds, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Venom. This session will guide directors and producers through the sound process from pre-production to post, with an emphasis on early planning for high-quality audio outcomes.
Animation also takes centre stage, with “A Special Touch with Sébastien Onomo” (Special Touch Studios) exploring co-productions in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Another masterclass featuring Bruno Felix (Submarine) and Isaac Mogajane (Diprente Studios) presents a case study on animated co-productions.
DFMI alumni project God’s Work, directed by Michael James and produced by Sithabile Mkhize, will be spotlighted in a candid session on post-production challenges and international preparation strategies.
The Durban Film Office will lead a session on “Marketing and Distribution Tactics for Made-for-TV Productions”, offering insights into local and global markets for content like telenovelas, reality shows, and documentaries.
MTN will present “Powering Africa’s Stories”, detailing its investments in local content, creative platforms, and VOD services. A new addition to the programme, the Law Clinic, offers free legal consultations through Irish MacLeod Inc and Lawyers for the Arts South Africa.
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) will host a session focused on financing strategies and opportunities for the film value chain.
Climate Story Lab Africa will return with Climate Cinebar and Impact Café One-on-One consultations—15-minute sessions connecting filmmakers with impact producers to explore funding, distribution, and partnerships.
These sessions, delivered through partnerships with global and regional organisations including Netflix, MTN, and the IDC, affirm DFM’s role as Africa’s premier film industry platform—bridging creative talent with global opportunity.
Durban FilmMart is principally funded by the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality, with support from the Ford Foundation, Afreximbank, NEFTi, the French Institute of South Africa, and many others.
