As the World Shifts,
We Choose Where to Stand
“Why be a sunflower and turn toward the sun? I, myself, am the sun!” – Ousmane Sembène
The world is in flux; economic and social structures are changing,
destabilised by political actions that redefine and re-evaluate the future and culture of our communities.
Now is the time to choose where we stand and reclaim our history, vision, and craft.
Creating the Space
to Do the Work, As One
In these uncertain times, DFM creates a space for centring global perspectives united around a shared commitment to fund, finance, and co-produce leading audiovisual content. This work requires more than good intentions and can only happen together. Every breakthrough in one co-production becomes a template for others. Every successful negotiation for fair terms raises the standard for us all.
Centred on Africa. Connected to the World.
We believe authentic partnerships are possible. We invite co-producers, funders, distributors, and creative partners who understand that centring African and Global South expertise is essential to the creative and commercial success of our stories. Together, we can create new possibilities for success where collaboration does not mean compromise of vision or ethics, and where mutual respect and shared responsibility are built into our practice of working.
The 2026 DFM Pitch and Finance Forum brings together a diverse selection of projects in development, including feature films, documentaries, series, and animation from across Africa and the diaspora. Discover the projects set to connect with global audiences at this year’s market.
DFM 2026 Takes Place from 9 - 12 October 2026
Hosted at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotels, Durban
Where the Industry Meets to Rethink the FuturE
The 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart is the space for these conversations. Discussions highlighting alternative film funding pathways, revised models for distribution, and equitable co-production frameworks will help shift the industry’s direction. DFM supports African and the diaspora film professionals to convene to do business, build relationships, exchange ideas, and shape the future of filmmaking. Relationships forged at the DFM seed the future of independent film and television from Africa and beyond.
Need Help with Accommodation or Airport Transfers for DFM 2026?
Our team is happy to assist you in finding convenient accommodation options for the event, taking place from 9-12 October 2026, and can also guide you in arranging reliable airport transfers to and from your accommodation.
This is Where We Reclaim, Together.
We invite you to come as you are, whether an experienced producer, emerging filmmaker, funder, financier, distributor, or creative partner ready to work differently. Join Africa’s boldest, brightest and most insistent voices in conversation on how we co-create the future of film.
Latest News
Durban FilmMart Strengthens Global Partnerships for Critics and Palestinian Cinema
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) continues to expand opportunities for filmmakers, film critics and industry professionals through strategic international partnerships that support talent development, industry
Durban FilmMart Institute and Filmmart.Africa Partner with Encounters South African International Documentary Festival
We’re pleased to announce a strategic new partnership between Durban FilmMart, Filmmart.Africa and the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival—Africa’s leading platform for documentary film.
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) announces the project selection for the annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum 2026.
Thirty-six African film projects have been selected for the 17th Durban FilmMart Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market that will now take place from
TALENT PRESS
The Future of Female Filmmakers: Bold Voices and New Frontiers at Durban FilmMart 2025
At this year’s Durban FilmMart, the panel “The Future of Female Filmmakers: Trends and Opportunities” brought together dynamic voices shaping the next chapter of African
My Father’s Shadow – A Conversation with Funmbi Ogunbanwo
Historic Firsts and Telling African Stories Globally At this year’s Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the African premiere of My Father’s Shadow marked a poignant
Being You – A conversation with Minenhle Luthuli
Director and filmmaker Minenhle Luthuli had her short film, Being You, premiered at 2025 DIFF, a film that deals with real and hard topics in