DFMI Business Lab Application Information

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Applications are now CLOSED.

Application Dates: 4 June 2025 – 11 December 2025

The fifth edition of the DFMI Business Lab will commence in June 2025. Selected participants will be contacted shortly.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to producers with African passports who have produced films and have no more than 5 years’ experience in the industry.  Directors or script writers who want to change to producing are welcome to apply.

Kindly note that acceptance into the programme will not be based on a specific film project. (You will not need an active film project to participate in the programme).

Participant Evaluation Process

Technical Evaluation – Application will be evaluated according to eligibility criteria

Participant Evaluation – A panel of industry professionals will evaluate the application

Confirming shortlisted participants – Shortlisted participants will be contacted for availability and confirmation

Announcement of official selection – Public announcement of participants

Terms & Conditions / Obligations of Participants
  • All enquiries pertaining to the programme must be directed to DFMI via [email protected].
  • Applicants are not permitted to direct any questions or comments to evaluation panel members in advance of deadlines or following decisions.
  • The Durban FilmMart Institute reserves the right to alter programme guidelines with a general email notification to all potential applicants.
  • Time commitments with specific dates will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of selection.  Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
Important Dates For Participation
June04 June – Call for participation opens
20 June – Call for participation closes
26 June – Evaluation process begins
JulyEvaluation process continues
August5 August – Selected participants are informed
Online Programme (Lab) commences (twice a week)
SeptemberOnline Programme (Lab) commences (twice a week)
OctoberOnline Programme (Lab) commences (twice a week)
NovemberOnline Programme (Lab) commences (twice a week)
DecemberOnline Programme (Lab) commences (twice a week)
Lab ends 11 December 2025

"*" indicates required fields

Have you attended DFM before or participated in any DFMI programmes?
Name*
include country dialing code
Please list the names of the languages you speak
Please list the names of the languages you speak
How many years have you been active in the film industry?*
How many films have you produced?*
List the names of the films that you have produced*
Have you participated at a film festival or film market before?*
If you answered yes to the question above, please elaborate regarding your participation.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 5 MB.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpeg, png, jpg, Max. file size: 5 MB.
Max. file size: 128 MB.
1 page letter to be submitted by industry professionals from other departments
Accepted file types: jpeg, png, jpg, Max. file size: 5 MB.

Thank you

Submission received