The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has opened applications for the fifth edition of its DFMI Business Lab, an 18-week online business skills development programme designed to equip emerging African film producers with the tools needed to navigate the global film industry.
Presented in partnership with DW Akademie and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the DFMI Business Lab covers a wide range of topics including business management, equitable co-production, distribution, financial management, fundraising, intellectual property law, and marketing. Sessions are led by seasoned industry professionals from Africa and around the world.
DFMI Director, Magdalene Reddy, emphasized the importance of business training in the film sector, stating, “We have found that amongst the training programmes in Africa, upskilling in the area of business development needs more focus, therefore DFMI is pleased to present the 5th edition of the Business Lab programme.”
She noted that 125 producers have participated in previous editions, contributing to the growth of the film ecosystem across the continent.
The programme is open to producers with African passports who have less than five years of experience. Professionals from other departments, such as directors or scriptwriters, may also apply with a one-page motivation letter. Applicants based outside Africa must specify how much of their work is focused on the continent.
Alumna Hayat Alijowaily praised the programme, saying it gave her the tools and confidence to turn her creative ideas into viable projects: “Participating in the DFMI Business Lab gave me the confidence boost I needed to feel like I could crack that code.”
Participation does not require an active film project. Selected applicants must commit to two 90-minute Zoom sessions per week from August 2025 to January 2026. Sessions will be available with simultaneous interpretation in French and Portuguese if needed.
The application deadline is Friday, 20 June 2025, at 23:59 CAT.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/dfmi-business-lab-application-information/
