Future Mentors
In 2022, a group of film experts, selected by the Durban FilmMart Institute, embarked on an inspiring co-creation journey that culminated in the publication of an invaluable guide tailored for an emerging generation of film mentors.
The Future Mentors Programme’s mission is to address the scarcity of mentors originating from the African continent, while simultaneously equipping the next wave of mentors in Africa with the essential skills they need. The Future Mentors Programme Guide, crafted in collaboration with partners DW Akademie and Berlinale Talents, acts as a training tool that caters to individual needs and empowers mentors to actively engage within the film industry. Its purpose is to support a capacity-building programme for seasoned film professionals who possess a genuine desire to share their expertise with aspiring film practitioners. The guide caters to individuals with a background in mentorship, as well as those seeking to enhance their mentorship skills using a structured and comprehensive methodology. It is particularly beneficial for film industry practitioners who have successfully nurtured and delivered projects to fruition and are now seeking to transition into the role of mentor or trainer. Access to the Future Mentors Programme Guide will be freely available through the Durban FilmMart Institute’s online offering, ensuring that aspiring mentors and industry professionals can readily benefit from this tool.
The Future Mentors Programme Guide is as a precursor to the launch of The Future Mentors Programme to take place in 2024. The programme follows the DFMI’s eagerness to expand the programme’s reach and empower a greater number of filmmakers not only entering the industry but to further create a sustainable industry for the future generation. This stems from a shared belief in the transformative power of mentorship and the immense potential it holds for nurturing emerging talents within the industry.
To view the Future Mentors Guide click here.
2024 Participants

Bongi Ndaba
South Africa
Bongi Ndaba is a South African born and bred writer, director and producer who has developed, created and head written various award winning and AR crushing shows on South African television. Currently a new Showrunner for Generations The Legacy and in development for her own series. Also a filmmaker with award winning short movies and feature films. Also passionate about mentoring, teaching and giving opportunities to young people especially those from disadvantaged communities.

Hayat Aljowaily
Egypt
Hayat Aljowaily explores the intersection between film and social change. After having completed a Bachelor in Social Sciences at Sciences Po in the south of France, Hayat completed a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies at Columbia University. Whether working on the Marvel series “Moon Knight” or producing shorts through her Paris-based label Le Hangar, Hayat delves into themes such as migration, identity, and climate justice. Hayat also founded Kalam Aflam, an initiative which promotes emerging MENA artists in France. She also works as a creative producer and programmer with various clients including Crtve Development and El Gouna Film Festival.

Mamounata Nikiema
Burkina Faso
Mamounata NIKIEMA, a specialist in creative documentary filmmaking and Communication for Development, has been a director since 2007 and producer since 2011 through Pilumpiku Production. She has also served as a trainer in documentary writing and launched initiatives like the Ciné-équipement event and the digital platform Sulunsuku.com. In 2021, she was honored as a Knight of the Order of Merit in Arts, Letters, and Communication during FESPACOx

Mayye Zayed
Egypt

Mmabatho Kau
South Africa
In her 20-year strong creative journey, Mmabatho has worked as a producer, broadcaster, development executive as well as a script consultant. She considers herself a story nomad; contributing to script development programmes in Uganda, South Africa, Brazil, The Philippines, Indonesia, Canada and Italy, to name a few.

Nicole Schafer
South Africa
Nicole Schafer (1980) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker based in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands of South Africa. Her films explore themes around identity through intimate, character-driven narratives. She also lived in Malawi, contributing stories to a pan-African magazine program. She holds an MFA in Film and Television from the University of Cape Town (2005) and is the founder of Thinking Strings Media.

Perivi Katjavivi
Namibia

Sihle Hlophe
South Africa
Sihle Hlophe is an award-winning filmmaker and story development consultant trained at the Torino
Story Lab (Italy). She is an alumni of programs such as the IDFA Academy, the Hot Docs Story Lab
and the Durban Film Mart. With her work having been showcased at over 70 international film
festivals, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her craft. Over the last 15 years, she has directed,
produced, and written documentaries, fiction films and TV shows. Sihle is passionate about
providing professional support to both emerging and experienced filmmakers.

Tapiwa Chipfupa
Zimbabwe
Application Information
Applications are now CLOSED.
Application Dates: 29 August 2024 – 20 September 2024
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