FAQs

About the Durban FilmMart

What is the Durban FilmMart?
Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African Film industries in a world where African film Industry professionals and products are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services in order to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industries, so that African film industry professional and products are competitive and celebrated globally.
What is the difference between the Durban International Film Festival and the Durban Film Mart?

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is an annual film festival that takes place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. It is the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa and presents over 250 screenings celebrating the best in South African, African and international cinema. Most of the screenings are either African or South African premieres. The festival also offers filmmaker workshops, industry seminars, discussion forums, and outreach activities that include screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent, and much more.  The Durban FilmMart (DFM) is a four-day film finance and co-production market, where national and international film producers, buyers, sales agents, broadcasters and film financiers meet one-on-one with potential co-producers from around Africa, to discuss an array of pre-selected film projects. The programme will feature high-profile speakers, lead experts and industry professionals. Networking events, media visits and sightseeing events are also held in conjunction with the four-day workshop and seminar programme.

Where can I book tickets for the DIFF screenings?

You can book your tickets by contacting the Durban International Film Festival by calling, +2731 260 2506 or kindly send an email to: [email protected]

What is the Finance Forum?

A four day closed forum where selected African filmmakers engage in a two-day pitching and packaging training programme prior to the one-on-one meetings with investors where filmmakers pitch their projects.

What is Talents Durban?

Talents Durban is the Durban FilmMart’s annual 5-day training and development programme, that brings together Africa’s rising film professionals.

Talents Durban aims to coordinate a streamlined programme for emerging screenwriters, directors, film critics, producers and other film-related individuals that focus on project development and to host mentorship and hands-on training for emerging film critics/journalists.

What is DFM Content Shop?

The DFM Content Shop is a curated digital catalogue of film projects that aims to create opportunities, engender inclusivity, and champion access to markets for African filmmakers.

Selected projects will be presented exclusively to international programmers, sales companies, broadcasters, distributors, exhibitors, and talent agents.

What are the operational hours of the DFM?

The Durban FilmMart begins at 09h00 every morning and ends at 17h30 in the evening, followed by the DFM networking functions. Please see programme for more specific times.

Where and when can DFM participants pick up festival tickets?

DFM participants with a DFM registration tag can visit the DIFF management office, which be allocated in the DFM venue.

Who is eligible to submit projects into the DFM?

The following are eligible to submit:

  • Projects in which either the producer, director or writer is an African citizen. Proof of African citizenship or birth must be provided through a certified copy of a valid African passport/ birth certificate;
  • Africans living in the Diaspora, but who still have African citizenship or have proof of birth in Africa;
  • Projects with a producer and director attached.

 

NB: Non-African industry professionals – producers, directors and writers – with projects looking for African partners can participate in the market as delegates. Admission to the  DFM is by registration and payment of a registration fee. 

When is the deadline for submissions?

Submission Deadline: 20 FEBRUARY 2022

No late or incomplete submissions will be considered.

What are the submission requirements?

Kindly refer to the Durban FilmMart Fact Sheet here.

What kind of projects can be submitted?

Fiction and creative documentary projects, in the following formats can apply:

  • Feature length
  • Episodic
Are projects without finance eligible?

Yes, projects without finance are eligible. However, the project will be advantaged if it can demonstrate funds already committed to the project.


I do not have a producer attached to my project. Can I still submit?

No, you may only submit if you have a producer and director attached, if you are both the producer and director of the project please complete both producer and director sections on the form.

 

I do not have a director attached to my project. Can I still submit?

No, you may only submit if you have a producer and director attached, if you are both the producer and director of the project please complete both producer and director sections on the form.

I am a writer looking to meet producers, how do I participate?

You are welcome participate in the market as delegates, there are many networking opportunities at DFM where you will be able to meet producers. Admission to the DFM is by registration and payment of a registration fee.

We also have partner labs, JUMPSTART and TALENTS DURBAN which offer mentorship and upskilling for writers. 

Can I apply with more than one project?

Yes, you can. However, please note that should both projects be short listed, only one (1) project will be considered for the Finance Forum.

I had submitted my project for the previous DFM, but it was not selected. Can I submit again?

Yes, but remember to update your package.

I have completed the application process. When can I expect to hear from you regarding the status of my entry?

Selected Projects are announced in May every year. Please note that the selection of projects for DFM is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

What is required of me upon selection?

If your application is selected, the Durban FilmMart requires the following:

  • A single representative must be present during the entire Durban FilmMart (travel and accommodation for one person will be provided).
  • Once the project is completed, the credits must mention that the project was presented at the Durban FilmMart.
What if my project is not selected?

You are welcome participate in the market as delegates, admission to the DFM is by registration and payment of a registration fee. Please note that the selection of projects for DFM is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

DFM Delegate registration opens in April every year.

Can I still attend the Finance Forum if my project was not selected?

No, admittance to the Finance Forum is by invitation to selected projects only but you can register to attend the industry programmes.

Can I still attend DFM if I don’t have a project to enter?

Yes. You can register as a delegate to attend the industry programmes with the payment of a registration fee. Registration opens from April.

My project has been selected for the Finance Forum, what will happen once I arrive at the market?

You will:

  • Register at the DFM registration desk,
  • Collect your delegate name tag,
  • Collect a DFM delegate bag with your information pack (DFM programme, schedules of the networking functions, DFM project dossier, industry manual etc )
  • Collect your meeting schedules for one-on-one meetings with pitching and packaging experts and potential investors detailing times and venues.
What are the benefits of having my project selected at the DFM?

You have an opportunity to pitch your project to international financiers, which take place during a closed pitching forum in the form of one-to-one meetings:

  • Each financier in your schedule will meet with you for a period of 30 minutes.

You will also have the opportunity to consult with international experts. Your consultancy meetings will be:

  • Allocated to one venue.
  • Scheduled for 30 minutes per meeting.
Can I make a presentation during the one-to-one meetings?

You are welcome to make a presentation on your laptop. The duration of your presentation must be kept within the allocated time of all meetings, which are 30 minutes. Note that that all projects will also pitch during the Pitch Forum. 

Delegate Registration

Who is eligible to register as a delegate for the Durban FilmMart?

The Durban FilmMart is open for registrations to the local and international film industry.

What do I get if I register as a delegate?

As a registered delegate, you will have access to the four (4) day DFM industry programme, access to the industry lounge and networking events and screenings at the Durban International Film Festival (tickets subject to availability).

How do I register as a delegate

Registration Will be Open Soon

  • Step 1: Click on the link provided
  • Step 2: Complete the application form and ‘Submit’
  • Step 3: Pay for registration
How do I pay for my delegate registration?

You will have the options of paying via credit card payment system or an electronic transfer system.

When does delegate registration open?

Delegate registration opens in April.

What is the fee for Early Bird registration?

Please check the website for updates.

What is the fee for late registration?

Please check the website for updates.

Are there any penalties imposed for late registration?

Delegates who register late will not be included in the DFM Industry Manual.

I have made a mistake on my delegate registration form. What should I do?

Please do not start a new submission. Send corrections to: [email protected]

Media Registration

When does media registration open?

Media registration opens in June each year.

How do I get accreditation to attend the DFM as media?

Registration will be Open Soon

  • Step 1: Click on the ‘Media Registration’ link
  • Step 2: Complete the application form
  • Step 3: ‘Submit’

Please note: Submission of an application does not guarantee media accreditation. Accreditation to the media will be granted at the sole discretion of the DFM and is final; no correspondence will be entered into. Accreditation is not transferable.

How will I know whether or not my application for media registration has been successful?

You will be notified of the result of your application within two weeks. For more information, contact [email protected]

Thank you

Submission received