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
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has opened the call for applications for the 5th edition of DFMI Business Lab.
DFMI Business Lab is a 18-week online business skills development programme aimed at nurturing and empowering producers with the necessary skills to effectively engage in
NEFTi Short Film Competition Opens Doors for Emerging African Filmmakers at Durban FilmMart 2025
The NEFTi Short Film Competition is back but in an exciting and different format. Celebrating the Art of Guerilla Filmmaking, a high-energy challenge for emerging
DURBAN FILMMART ANNOUNCES PRESTIGIOUS LINEUP OF HEADLINE SPEAKERS FOR 16TH EDITION
The 16th Durban FilmMart (DFM), scheduled from 18 – 21 July 2025 in Durban, is set to deliver a programme under the theme “Bridges Not
TALENT PRESS
The Wait – Review by Bob Perfect
An Uncomfortably Familiar Situation Imran Hamdulay’s short film The Wait is a deft and sharp look at modern day South Africa through the microcosm of
LEGACY: THE DECOLONIZED HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA – Review by Timothy Niwamanya
INTERSECTIONALITY AND RESISTANCE Decoloniality, as a school of thought and action, has been central to dismantling the vestiges of cultural, economic and psychological imperialism among
Keba, Interrupted – Review by Tony Asankomah
A Heartfelt Exploration of Grief and Responsibility “Keba, Interrupted” is a well-put-together short film by director Meja Shoba, telling quite a poignant, relatively simple story