The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced the selection of 36 African film projects for the 17th Durban FilmMart, scheduled to take place from October 9 to 12 in Durban, South Africa.
The cohort includes eight animation projects, 10 fiction features, 10 documentary features, and seven series currently in development. These projects will participate in the Pitch and Finance Forum, a primary component of the continent’s leading film finance and co-production market.
DFMI director Magdalene Reddy stated that the market provides a platform to showcase creative work while supporting filmmakers in building a cross-continental community. She noted that the selected stories represent a unique collection of African voices and cultures.
To prepare for the in-person event, the 36 selected teams will receive online one-on-one mentorship from industry experts. This training is designed to ensure projects are ready for potential collaborators and investors. Additionally, the animation projects will receive specialised support through the Digital Lab Africa programme in partnership with the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct.
The 2026 selection features a broad geographical spread, including entries from South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Morocco. Notable fiction projects include the Sudanese feature “Four Months and Ten Days” and the South African production “Fairway to Freedom”. The documentary category includes “Urban Zulu: The Busi Mhlongo Story,” while the animation slate features projects such as “Juju Soccer” from Nigeria.
Funding for the 17th edition is provided by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, the Ford Foundation, the National Film and Video Foundation, and the IEFTF. Further details regarding the industry programme and delegate registration are expected in the coming months.
