Durban FilmMart Unveils Animation Selections for 2025 Pitch and Finance Forum

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced the selection of eight animation projects for the 16th annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum, scheduled to take place from July 18 to 21 in Durban, South Africa.

Animation has become a growing focus at Durban FilmMart, with Animation@DFM now an established part of the industry programme.

This year’s selected projects will participate in an intensive three-month online masterclass and mentorship series, equipping them with the skills needed to pitch to industry investors.

“Over the years, we have noticed an increase in the quality of animation projects coming from the African continent,” said DFMI Director Magdalene Reddy. “DFMI is honoured to witness the growth of the animation sector and celebrate the work being done by creators, both on the continent and in the diaspora.”

The selected projects include six animated fiction features and two animated fiction series. Representing a diverse range of storytelling and cultural influences, the chosen projects are:

– “Aisha Qandicha” (Morocco) – Producer: Alyssa Harden, Director: Fatima Mahdar

– “Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya)” (Cameroon) – Producer/Director: Claye Edou

– “Crocodile Dance” (South Africa/Nigeria) – Producer: Ingrid de Beer, Directors: Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries

– “Kamaroza” (Egypt) – Producer: Nouran Abdallah, Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar

– “KINTUADI: SIMON KIMBANGU” (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – Producer: Giresse Kassonga, Director: Benny Lusakueno

– “Tribe” (South Africa) – Producer: Debbie Crosscu, Director: Tendayi Nyeke

– “Mboudgui” (Cameroon/France) – Producers: Betty Sulty-Johnson, Lamissa Ouattara, Director: Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala

– “Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings” (South Africa) – Producers: Ameera Faber, Sabrina Roc, Director: Clare Louis

The masterclass programme will cover key aspects of animation development, including scriptwriting, visual representation, finance planning, and project packaging. The selected creators will also receive one-on-one mentorship tailored to refine their pitch presentations.

DFMI received applications from across Africa and the diaspora, making this year’s selection process highly competitive. The chosen projects will be presented at Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market in July.

Durban FilmMart 2025 is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute with support from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.