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
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
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
TALENT PRESS
A Waking Film | God’s Work Review
By Tshi Malatji God’s Work merges fiction and reality through surreal dream sequences and satirical commentary, overshadowed by the dramatic portrayal of a group of
Fleas: A Harrowing Allegory of Xenophobia in South Africa
By Tshi Malatji Amazeze are fleas, considered nuisances to their community. Jordy Sank’s short film could not be more on-the-nose as its main character is
Coming out to come-of-age | Review of Black Burns Fast
By Tshi Malatji Black Burns Fast is a coming-of-age romance set in a South African all-girls religious boarding school, where scholarship student Luthando Mthimkhulu studies