Submissions of projects for the 8th edition of The Durban FilmMart (DFM), which takes place in Durban, South Africa from 14 to 17 July 2017 will open on October 12, 2016.
The DFM is a joint project of Durban Film Office, the City’s industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), and aims to raise the profile and visibility of African cinema, encourage increased production in Africa, and stimulate collaboration across borders between African filmmakers.
The DFM, which takes place over four days during the Durban International Film Festival (13 – 23 July, 2017), is a significant global player in providing a springboard for filmmakers with projects in conceptual stages in the African film industry. Since it began in 2010 the DFM has supported the promotion of over 150 African co-production projects, many of which have been developed into viable film products with cinema and festival release.
Ten documentary and ten fiction feature length film projects will be selected from the submissions, and these projects will undergo a two-day packaging and mentoring programme followed by two days of one-on-one meetings with a panel of film financiers, buyers and distributors from across the globe. Besides the project mentorships and pitching sessions, the DFM also offers project- and general delegates with an opportunity to network, and attend workshops and seminars conducted by film industry experts.
The DFM is open to full length feature and documentary films projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors and producers) that are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents and funders. All film projects submitted are reviewed by a selection committee for consideration. All projects must have both a producer and director attached to them, and must be submitted by 12 December 2016.
“The success of the DFM is seen in the number of films we have seen go from concept stage to the big screen, so we appeal to African film-makers to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the DFM by making their submissions.” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty. “The opportunities at the DFM to network with global and continental industry players have proved to be invaluable for film-makers. It is truly inspiring to see many DFM alumnis secure further funding grants for their films at other markets and to see their works screened at cinemas and festivals around the globe.”
For more about the DFM 2017, project submission criteria and how to submit your project, visit www.durbanfilmmart.com.
