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 NEFTi Film Competition is set to ignite collaboration, spark creativity, and provide unparalleled exposure within Africa’s leading film market. Finalists will not only gain invaluable industry networking opportunities and access to professional equipment, but they’ll also have the chance to present and discuss their work at the prestigious Durban FilmMart event, taking place from July 18-21. As an added incentive, a cash prize of $3,000 will be awarded to the winning filmmaker. 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.
“I’m very excited about this new and unique version of the NEFTi Competition,” says NEFTi Competition Founder Paul Robinson. “This programme has always been about challenging filmmakers to become better filmmakers, giving them the resources to realize their goals, and teaching them skills they may not have had the opportunity to learn in the past.”
Application Details
Ready to share your story with Africa and the world?
Applications are officially OPEN!
Application Dates: June 02, 2025 – June 20, 2025
Support & Prizes for Finalists
We’re excited to announce the support and prizes available for the NEFTi Short Film Competition!
For Our Finalists
Three exceptional finalist teams will be selected to bring their cinematic visions to life. Each of these teams will receive:
- Professional Film Production Kit Access: Gain access to high-quality cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and other essential tools to ensure your short film meets professional standards.
- Production Grant of $1,500: A financial grant to help cover the costs associated with your film’s production, from securing locations and props to talent and post-production needs.
The Grand Prize
The winning team, selected from the three finalists, will be awarded a grand prize of $3,000! This prize is designed to further support the filmmakers’ journey and future projects.
Competition Highlights:
- Theme: “Bridges Not Borders” – encouraging narratives that connect rather than divide.
- Format: A 6-minute fiction short film (excluding credits).
- Timeline: An intensive production schedule from July 18-20, 2025, culminating in a presentation and discussion on July 21, 2025, with prize announcement at DFM awards that evening.
- Location: Films must be shot entirely in Durban, with one scene filmed at the Durban FilmMart venue.
- 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.
Eligibility:
The NEFTi Film Competition welcomes emerging African filmmakers – producers, directors, or writers – who are citizens of an African country, including those living in the Diaspora. To be eligible, applicants must plan to attend the Durban FilmMart in person in July 2025. Please note, flights and accommodation will not be covered. Three selected finalist teams will receive access to a professional film production kit and $1,500 each for the production of their short film.
Projects are eligible for official selection if they meet the following criteria:
- 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
- Previously selected NEFTi Competition projects/participant may not be resubmitted
- Proof of intellectual property ownership must be submitted upon selection
Key Dates:
- Applications Open: June 02, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
- Official Selection Announcement: July 01, 2025
- Production & Post Dates: July 18-20, 2025
- Final Film Submission: July 20, 2025, 6 PM
- Panel Discussion and Presentation at the Durban FilmMart: July 21, 2025
For Competition Rules, Eligibility, Terms and Conditions, and How to Apply, please visit [Click Here].
The NEFTi Short Film Competition stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge divides and inspire change. We eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking narratives that will emerge from this challenge, showcasing the depth of talent within African cinema and cementing Durban’s role as a pivotal hub for film innovation. Join us in celebrating the future of African filmmaking. The programme is presented in partnership with NEFT Vodka, with support from Panavision and sound equipment supplied by DT Film Services.
The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.
About the Durban FilmMart Institute:
Durban FilmMart Institute is a premier business hub for African film industry professionals and products. Its mission is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industries.
Contact: [email protected]
For more information on the Durban FilmMart Institute – the annual market and year round programmes, visit: https://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/ to secure your attendance.
