NEFTi Short Film Competition

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The NEFTi Short Film Competition is back but in an exciting and different format. Celebrating the Art of Guerilla Filmmaking, a high-energy challenge for emerging African filmmakers to create a 6-minute fiction short film in just a few days during Durban FilmMart (DFM) 2025. Selected finalists will write, shoot, and edit a short film in line with the theme:“Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite.”

The competition fosters collaboration, creativity, and exposure within Africa’s leading film market. Finalists will benefit from industry networking, professional equipment, and a chance to showcase their work at a prestigious screening event.

Support: Three selected finalist teams will receive access to a professional film production kit and $1,500 each for the production of their short film.
Prize: $3000
 

This competition proudly champions NEFTi’s “Art of Guerrilla Filmmaking,” supported by Panavision. Worldclass storytelling. Sound equipment provided by DT Film Services. NEFTi is further solidifying its commitment to empowering emerging talent.

Applications are OPEN

Application Dates: 02 June – 20 June 2025

SELECTION CRITERIA

Projects are eligible for official selection if they meet the following criteria:

  • The producer, director, or writer must be a citizen of an African country
    • African citizens living in the Diaspora are eligible with valid proof of citizenship
  • The project must have both a producer and a director attached
  • Applicants must be emerging filmmakers who have not produced more than two short films
  • Only applicants who intend to attend the Durban FilmMart in person in July 2025 will be considered
  • Non-African professionals may apply to register as delegates only; they are not eligible for official selection
  • Previously selected NEFTI Competition projects/participant may not be resubmitted

Proof of intellectual property ownership must be submitted upon selection

APPLICATION PROCESS
  1. Call for Submissions Opens
    Date: May 30, 2025
    Platform: www.durbanfilmmart.com
  2. Application Requirements
    All applicants must submit:
    • A complete project dossier (treatment, synopsis, director’s vision and budget)
    • Certified proof of African citizenship for director, writer, or producer (valid passport or ID)
    • Bios/CVs for key creative team members
    • Statement of intent and goals for attending DFM
    • Submit a 1-minute intro video telling us about yourself
  3. Eligibility Screening (Technical Evaluation)
    Projects are first assessed for eligibility, ensuring:
    • Proper documentation is submitted
    • The application meets the African citizenship or partnership criteria
    • Producer and director are both attached to the project
  4. Creative Evaluation (Project Evaluation)
    A curated panel of industry experts evaluates based on:
    • Originality and relevance of the story
    • Artistic and market potential
    • Team’s capacity and experience
    • Project feasibility (budget, timeline, clarity of vision)
    • Relevance to African audiences or themes
  5. Shortlisting & Confirmation
    • Shortlisted applicants will be contacted in June 2025
    • Confirmation of participation must be made within 7 days of notification
  6. Official Selection Announcement
    • Date: 01 July 2025
    • Public announcement via Durban FilmMart channels and partners
COMPETITION RULES
  • Final film must be 6 minutes max (excluding credits)
  • Must be fiction (any genre welcome)
  • Must be shot entirely in Durban
  • One integral scene must be filmed at the Durban FilmMart venue with dialogue
  • No phone cameras allowed
  • Films not in English must include subtitles
  • Filmmakers are responsible for sourcing their own cast and crew
  • Film must be produced on a budget of no more than $1,500 USD

All films must be submitted by 18h00 on 20 July 2025

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • Multiple applications may be submitted, but only one project per applicant will be selected per cycle
  • Projects selected in previous years cannot be resubmitted
  • A single representative must be present at the Durban FilmMart in July 2025
  • No travel or accommodation support will be provided
  • All communication must go through [email protected]
  • Applicants must not contact evaluation panel members
  • Final projects must include logos and credits for Durban FilmMart, NEFTI, Panavision.
  • Durban FilmMart reserves the right to modify these guidelines with public notice
FINALIST SUPPORT & EQUIPMENT

3 Selected Finalist Teams will receive access to a professional film production kit. Each finalist must bring their own editing laptop and software.

CAMERA PACKAGE

  • 1x Sony FX6 Camera Body
  • 3x Sony CFexpress A 160GB Cards
  • 3x Sony CFexpress USB-C Card Readers

POWER & CHARGING

  • 3x Anton Bauer Dionic XT 99Wh Batteries
  • 3x Anton Bauer Quad TM4 Chargers

LENSES

  • 1x Sony G Master 24–70mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens (E-mount)

SUPPORT SYSTEM

  • 1x O’Connor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head
  • 1x Flowtech 100 Carbon Fibre Tripod
IMPORTANT DATES

 

MilestoneDate
Call for Submissions OpensJune 02, 2025
Submission DeadlineJune 20, 2025
Shortlisting June 30, 2025
Official Selection AnnouncementJuly 1, 2025
Online Mentorship ProgrammeJuly 2025
In-Person Programme at DFM18-21 July 2025 
Orientation DayJuly 18, 2025
Production DatesJuly 18-20 2025
Final Film SubmissionJuly 20, 2025, 6pm
Panel Discussion and ScreeningJuly 21, 2025 at 09h00am
Awards July 21, 2025 evening

Thank you

Submission received