Cinema Without Walls,
Storytelling Without Limits
A story starts with a single voice. A single idea that refuses to be ignored. What happens when that idea moves? When it crosses borders? When it sparks a conversation that changes everything?
At DFM 2025, we design a space for meaningful dialogue, we break down the barriers that have historically fragmented our worlds, allowing for more organic and equitable collaborations. We create bridges, not borders.
Join us in celebrating the industry’s pioneers and its new voices – those who are forging a new vision, those who dare to dream beyond limits.
DFM 2025 Takes Place from 18 – 21 July 2025
At The Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotels, Durban
The 16th Durban FilmMart recognises that our strength lies in our ability to connect and grow together, rather than in isolation – supporting each other’s creative visions, creating new pathways for distribution and pioneering new audio-visual frontiers.
Expect co-curated sessions with sponsors and professional industry groups, networking spaces, the Pitch and Finance Forum for official projects, and a hub for industry connections.
It’s More Than an Event.
2024 Results
Days
Delegates
Partners
Speakers & Panellists
Durban FilmMart 2025
Africa’s Premier Co-Production and Film Finance Market
The Full DFM 2025 Experience:
What to expect
Pitch and Finance Forum
Industry Programme
Talents Durban
DFMI Exhibitions
Awards
Programme Streams
DFM Conversations
Masterclasses
Durban Does Docs
Animation@DFM
Co-Production Focus
Talking Cents
SA In Focus
Creating Pathways for Shared Resources, Knowledge Exchange and Creative Partnerships
A truly Pan-African meeting place for the continent and diaspora… a space that connects film professionals of the Global South.
At this year’s DFM we position cinema as a bridge to genuine exchange and collaboration that enriches our storytelling capabilities.
DFM Project dossier
We welcome you to find out more about the official projects participating in the 2025 Pitch and Finance Forum. We hope that you can connect with them to help further their project.
Early Bird Special
Cost: R 1600.00 (ZAR)
Closing Date: 31 May
DFM Normal Pass
Cost: R 2000.00 (ZAR)
Available: 01 June
DFM Day Pass
Cost: R 500.00 (ZAR)
Day Pass only available
for the day of purchase
The 46th Durban International Film Festival will take place from 17 – 27 July
This year, DIFF will showcase almost 100 films, all premieres in this region. Screenings will take place at Nu Metro Pavilion, Ster Kinekor Gateway and Suncoast CineCentre. DIFF is your gateway to global cinematic gems that enrich audiences.
Need Help with Accommodation or Airport Transfers for DFM 2025?
Accommodation
Our team is happy to assist you with finding convenient accommodation options for the Durban FilmMart 2025, taking place from 18–21 July.
Airport Transfers
We can also guide you in arranging reliable airport transfers to and from your accommodation.
Latest News
Focus on the South African Film Industry at DFM 2025
The Durban FilmMart remains a gateway to the African and global film industry for local film professionals. The 2025 industry programme dedicates significant focus to
The Durban FilmMart Institute and FilmMart.Africa announce: Partnership with the 46th Durban International Film Festival
The Durban FilmMart Institute and FilmMart.Africa announce Partnership with the 46th Durban International Film Festival The Durban FilmMart Institute and FilmMart.Africa announce Partnership with the
THE DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES SELECTED PARTICIPANTS FOR THE 4th EDITION OF DFM ACCESS 2025
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is proud to announce the selected participants for the fourth edition of DFM Access, an 8-week development platform for early-career
TALENT PRESS
Red Umbrellas and the Weight of Choice
A Reflection on Shanelle Jewnarain’s Documentary on Sex Work Activism in South Africa By: Alice Johnson Sex work remains criminalised under South Africa’s Sexual Offences
Before 16 – Loic Niyonkuru’s film is a lament on inherited trauma
by Riley Hlatshwayo May 30th, 2025 ‘I used to see her as an enemy…’ is a line that resonates throughout the strikingly arresting eleven minutes
Khartoum Review: A Mirror to Pain, Resistance, and Hope
Khartoum is a bold, experimental documentary directed by a collective of Sudanese and British filmmakers Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim “Snoopy” Ahmed, Timeea M. Ahmed,