This year’s edition aims to break down historical barriers and connect African diaspora and Global South communities
Annual Durban Film Mart Returns to South Africa
BY Oluwatomiwa Ogunniyi
April 16, 2025
9:06 am
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) announces its 16th annual flagship event, the Durban FilmMart (DFM), taking place from Jul.18 to Jul. 21, 2025 in Durban, South Africa. Under the theme “Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite,” this gathering will bring together established industry pioneers and emerging creative voices.
According to Durban FilmMart, the 2025 edition creates a space for meaningful dialogue, breaking historical barriers that have divided the industry and fosters more organic and equitable collaborations. The event recognizes that collective strength comes through connection and shared growth rather than isolation.
The comprehensive program features co-curated sessions with sponsors and professional industry groups, dedicated networking spaces, the Pitch and Finance Forum for official projects, and a central hub for industry connections. Activities span several days and include the Pitch and Finance Forum, Industry Programme, Talents Durban initiative, DFMI Exhibitions, and awards ceremonies.
This year’s theme highlights cinema’s transformative potential as a bridge for genuine exchange and collaboration, enhancing storytelling capabilities throughout the industry. These connections link different African regions while reaching out to diaspora communities and the Global South. The event is designed to nurture high-quality collaborations and provide valuable filmmaking insights.
Key components include fiction, episodic documentary, and animation projects in development, showcased in the Pitch and Finance Forum, while the Industry Programme will feature keynote talks, masterclasses, panel discussions, and lab presentations. Last year’s event drew participants from over 58 countries.
“Building on the success of the 2024 edition and the continued growth of the DFM’s previous editions, DFM 2025 recognises that strength lies in connection rather than isolation. The event will provide an equitable space for change in the Global South film industry, supporting creative visions, creating new distribution pathways, and pioneering audiovisual frontiers.” said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute via Instagram.