Call for Submissions
Got a bold, fresh African story made for mobile-first, digital-savvy viewers? Durban FilmMart and MTN One TV are teaming up to find compelling film and TV projects! Here is everything you need to know to get pitch-ready.
Target Audience: Youth (aged 18–34) & Mass-Market Viewers
Primary Markets: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia (with broader Pan-African appeal)
Lead Producer Requirement: Minimum 7+ years of professional industry experience
Perks for Selected Pitches: 2 Complimentary DFM Accreditations per project
What MTN One TV is Looking For
We want authentic, culturally resonant, and commercially viable stories exploring universal themes like family, ambition, identity, and resilience.
Eligible Formats & Guidelines:
Limited Series: 6–8 episodes × 45–60 mins
Scripted Series: 13 episodes × 45–60 mins
Unscripted Series: 13 episodes × 45–60 mins
Micro-drama: 30 episodes × ~2 mins (tailor-made for quick mobile watching!)
Feature Film: 60–90 mins
Accepted Genres: Drama, Reality, Comedy, Action, Thriller, Romance, and Animation.
Who Should Apply?
Experienced Producers: Lead producers must have at least 7 years of track record in the industry and operate via a registered production company.
Delivery Track Record: Demonstrated ability to manage professional creative/technical teams and deliver content to broadcast or streaming standards.
Rights Holders: You must own, control, or have official authorisation for all underlying IP and rights to the project.
Submission Checklist
Your pitch package must include:
The Creative: Project Title, Logline, Synopsis, Pitch Deck, Pilot Script, and Series Outline/Breakdown.
The Business & Budget: Estimated Production Budget, Production Schedule, Financing Status, and Target Market Strategy.
The Team: Bios/Profiles for the Lead Producer, Production Company, and confirmed Key Creatives.
Pitching & Attendance
In-Person Pitching: If shortlisted, you’ll pitch live at Durban FilmMart in Durban!
Accreditation: Selected projects get 2 free DFM Accreditations.
Travel & Expenses: Participants cover their own travel, lodging, visas, and daily expenses.
Good to Know
You Keep Your IP: Submitting or pitching does not transfer ownership of your intellectual property to DFM or MTN One TV.
Next Steps: Pitching doesn’t automatically mean a commission, but it opens the door for negotiations and potential development agreements down the line.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 28 SEPTEMBER 2026
Secure your place in
the sun
Join 1,300+ international delegates in Durban this October.
The 17th edition of Durban FilmMart is funded by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation, the
National Film and Video Foundation and IEFTF.
Questions? Drop a WhatsApp message.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Sharlene Versfeld | Publicist | [email protected]
Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where African professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry. The Durban FilmMart Institute runs year-round developmental programmes and an annual market (Durban FilmMart). The DFMI is the custodian of Filmmart.africa which is an online tool for filmmakers to connect and which we hope will enhance visibility for African content.