Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has selected 32 participants from 14 African countries and the diaspora to participate in the 5th edition of the DFMI Business Lab.
DFMI Business Lab, supported by the DW Akademie, is an 18-week online business skills development programme aimed at nurturing and empowering producers with the necessary skills to grow their careers and effectively engage in a global market. The lab will focus on modules such as Financial Management, Fundraising, Coproduction, Business Management, IP & Entertainment Law and PR and Distribution.
The DFMI Business Lab provides career development skills and capacity building of business management for filmmakers on the continent” says DFMI director, Magdalene Reddy, “the knowledge gained through this programme enables filmmakers to create more sustainable companies and develop greater confidence in their ability to present themselves as independent film producers.”
The programme will run from August 2025 to January 2026 with simultaneous French interpretation.
Selected Participants
After reviewing 309 applications from across the continent, the successful participants were selected:
Amina Arafa (Egypt)
Aminata Sarr (Senegal)
Amisha Mukasa (Uganda)
Ara Bhabha (South Africa)
Arnold Setohou (Bénin)
Atir Berriah (Maroc)
Bakoro Koné (Côte d’Ivoire)
Banke Bakare (Nigeria)
Cecimercy Wanza (Kenya)
Dagmawe Tamirat Demissie (Ethiopia)
Dancurf Obwogi (Kenya)
Danielle Retief (South Africa)
Dennis Ngango (South Africa)
Dja Damien Dally (Côte d’Ivoire)
Hassan Zaroug (Sudan)
Khumiso Rebabedi (Botswana)
Marlène Alamissi (Bénin)
Michelle Umobong (Nigeria)
Mkaiwawi M. Mwakaba (Kenya)
Mnena Akpera (Nigeria)
Mohau Mannathoko (Botswana)
Nalunga Lukodda (Uganda)
N’doko Delphine Victorine Yao (Côte d’Ivoire)
Nedem Malm (Togo)
Neo Kebiditswe (Botswana)
Nomcebo Ngema (South Africa)
Ogochukwu Umeadi (Nigeria)
Salma El Sharnouby (Egypt)
Samuel Kizito (Uganda)
Shaeera Kalla (South Africa)
Usaku Robinson Wammanda (Nigeria)
Yuhi Amuli (Rwanda)
The programme is presented in partnership with DW Akademie and supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.