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
Please note that accommodation in the market hotel is now fully booked.
Airport Transfers
We can also guide you in arranging reliable airport transfers to and from your accommodation.
Latest News
The 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) has wrapped up, concluding with the presentation of the 2025 DFM Awards on Monday 21 July
The premier film industry event in Africa, DFM 2025, took place from 18 – 21 July in Durban, under the theme “Bridges Not Borders: Stories
ANIMATION@DFM 2025: CELEBRATING AFRICAN ANIMATION VOICES AND FOSTERING INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is pleased to highlight the animation programming at the 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), taking place from 18
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
TALENT PRESS
Ancestral Visions of the Future: Lemohang Mosese’s sacred docufiction
By Tshi Malatji Ancestral Visions of the Future is a meditative and deeply poetic work that transcends conventional storytelling, blending autobiography, ethnography, documentary and myth
When the Body Becomes Scripture: Inside Danse Macabre
By Alice Johnson In Danse Macabre, the body becomes scripture. Drawing on Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, Yoruba cosmology, and fragments of global performance history, the
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, when memory clings to silence and place
There is something ghostly about Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight. Not in the horror sense, but in the way memory clings to silence