For over a decade, the Durban FilmMart (DFM) has stood as Africa’s preeminent platform for film financing, strategic industry partnerships, and cross-continental storytelling.
Now entering its 16th edition, DFM returns to the Elangeni Hotel in Durban from 18–21 July 2025, offering unmatched access to funding pipelines, global distributors, and co-production opportunities for African filmmakers.
The core of DFM’s business focus remains the Pitch and Finance Forum, where selected documentary, fiction, and animation projects are pitched directly to leading international and local financiers, distributors, and co-producers.
Running in parallel is the “Talking Cents” series—an incisive business track tackling African cinema’s most pressing challenges.
Panels such as “A New Black Film Ecosystem” and “Talking Private Equity Partners” bring together heavyweight voices including Joel Chikapa-Phiri (Known Associates Group), Akunna Cook (Next Narrative Africa), and Paul Garnes (ARRAY).
These discussions explore innovative financing models, from equity investments to blockchain-powered distribution, and lay the groundwork for economic sustainability within the industry.
The summit also takes a bold look at the future of grant funding with voices from the Red Sea Film Fund, Sundance Institute, and the British Council.
A special spotlight on blockchain financing—led by Holocene Films and 4th Avenue Pictures—examines how technology is reshaping film financing dynamics across Africa and beyond.
Distribution takes center stage in sessions like “Distribution for Impact and Income” and “Who Is Building a Home for Global South Content?”, featuring speakers from Canal+, Paramount Africa, and Doc Society.
The panels interrogate how African content can reach global audiences while maintaining local integrity and impact.
Dedicated programming such as “Accessing the Next Narrative Africa Fund” and “Unlocking Global Funding for Black Cinema” reinforces DFM’s commitment to inclusive growth. Meanwhile, the I.M.P.A.C.T. fellowship brings Black producers from across the diaspora—Canada, the UK, and Africa—into dialogue on ownership and international collaboration.
Networking and deal-making remain at the heart of DFM.
The IDC Deal Room and Exhibition Hub host an impressive slate of industry players, including MTN, Panavision, Film Cape Town, Sunshine Cinema, and the Namibia Film Commission.
These exhibitors facilitate access to co-production deals, infrastructure investment, and equipment support.
Under the leadership of Magdalene Reddy, the Durban FilmMart Institute continues to evolve into a high-powered marketplace, bridging African stories with global platforms.
With a sharpened focus on financial innovation, market access, and equitable partnerships, DFM 2025 promises to be a catalytic space for the future of African cinema.
About The Author
