Deadline: 28 September 2026, 23:59PM SAST
MTN One TV Closed Pitch at DFM 2026 provides established African producers and production companies with an opportunity to pitch bold, authentic and commercially viable African film and television projects to MTN One TV.
MTN One TV is seeking stories that are locally rooted, universally resonant and created for youth and mass-market audiences across its key African markets.
Participation in the Pitch Session does not constitute a commission, option, development agreement, production agreement, licence agreement or financial commitment by MTN One TV, Durban FilmMart (DFM) or any associated partner.
Any project that MTN One TV elects to pursue will be subject to separate negotiations, due diligence and formal written agreements.
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FAQ |
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Prize package | This is not positioned as a guaranteed prize, funding award or commission. Shortlisted projects will have the opportunity to pitch directly to MTN One TV. Following the session, MTN One TV may elect to enter into further discussions with one or more applicants, request further development/materials, or explore a potential option, licence, acquisition, development or commissioning arrangement. Any such arrangement would be subject to separate negotiation and formal written agreement. |
IP ownership | Applicants retain ownership of their IP. Submission or participation does not transfer ownership to MTN One TV or DFM. Any future rights or commercial arrangements would be negotiated separately in writing. |
Who can apply? | The opportunity is intended for established producers operating through registered production companies. The lead producer must have a minimum of seven years’ professional industry experience and a relevant track record. |
Nationality / geography | The opportunity is focused on African producers and African stories, with projects expected to be locally rooted while having the potential to resonate across African markets. |
Participants in other DFM programmes | Participants in other DFM programmes (Talents, pitch and finance forum, partner spotlights and African lab showcase) are welcome to apply, as this is a closed pitch |
Project categories | Eligible formats are Limited Series, Scripted Series, Unscripted Series, Micro-drama and Feature Film. Genres may include Drama, Reality, Comedy, Action, Thriller, Romance and Animation. |
Evaluation process | Eligible projects will be assessed against a consistent framework covering Story, Market Fit, Team, Production and Impact, including originality, audience appeal, ability to travel across African markets, commercial viability, producer capability, feasibility and cultural relevance. |
Shortlisted projects | Shortlisted producers will be required to pitch in person at Durban FilmMart in Durban. Further details on pitch duration, format, scheduling and the number of shortlisted projects can be confirmed jointly with DFM. |
Flights & accommodation | Unless we agree otherwise as part of the final DFM mechanics, participants should not assume that travel, accommodation, local transport or related attendance costs will be covered. We should make this explicit in the final call. |
Publicity | Shortlisted producers will be expected to participate in reasonable publicity associated with the Pitch Session, including use of approved names, bios, headshots, project information and imagery for promotional/editorial purposes. This does not transfer ownership of the underlying project/IP. |
Important dates | TBA |
Disclaimer / separation from DFM Pitch and Finance Forum | The MTN One TV Closed Pitch at DFM 2026 is a separate initiative from the Durban FilmMart Pitch and Finance Forum and other DFM programmes, with its own eligibility, selection process and Terms & Conditions. |
Click here to view the Terms & Conditions.
Please upload all required project materials into one Google Drive folder and paste the shareable folder link.
The folder must contain:
• Pitch Deck – maximum 12 pages, PDF
• High-resolution project still or concept artwork
• Proof of African citizenship
• Production company Registration
• Production company logo
• Lead Producer headshot(s)
The maximum 12-page pitch deck should include:
For micro-drama submissions: The pitch deck must demonstrate how the story can sustain 30 × approximately 2-minute episodes.
Your Google Drive folder must be shareable.
Set the folder permissions to:
“Anyone with the link” → “Viewer”
DFM and MTN One TV must be able to access the folder without requesting permission.
We strongly recommend testing the link in an incognito/private browser before submitting.
Applications with inaccessible Google Drive folders may be considered incomplete.
Submission received
