The Durban FilmMart Institute and FilmMart.Africa announce: Partnership with the 46th Durban International Film Festival

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between Filmmart.Africa and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF)—Southern Africa’s oldest and most prestigious film festival. As DIFF marks its 46th edition, this collaboration brings the festival experience into the digital realm, expanding its reach and fostering deeper industry connections through the Filmmart.Africa platform.

DIFF 2025: Now Available on Filmmart.Africa

The 46th edition of the Durban International Film Festival takes place from 17 to 27 July 2025, presenting a diverse selection of over 80 films, including features, shorts, and documentaries from around the world. Screenings will be held in Durban at:

Commercial Venues

  • Suncoast CineCentre

  • Pavilion Nu Metro

  • Ballito Nu Metro

  • Watercrest Ster Kinekor

Outreach Venues

  • CAP Studios

  • Denis Hurley Centre

  • K-CAP

  • Luthuli Museum

  • Wushwini Pan African Arts Centre

This year’s programme reflects a commitment to bold, resonant cinema that speaks to contemporary social, political, and personal realities. It includes curated sections spotlighting African innovation, youth voices, global stories, and experimental forms, inviting audiences into rich, complex conversations about the world we live in.

The full festival schedule is now live on both the DIFF website and Filmmart.Africa. Audiences and industry professionals can browse the film lineup, access filmmaker profiles, and engage with the programme through the Filmmart.Africa platform. Tickets are available  here.

Durban FilmMart Institute Alumni at DIFF 2025

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is proud to celebrate several alumni projects featured in this year’s DIFF programme. These works, incubated and supported through DFMI’s labs, mentorships, and markets, are a testament to the institute’s role in elevating African voices

  • “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” by Morad Mostafa

  • “Black Burns Fast” by Sandulela Asanda

  • “Fleas (Amazeze)” by Jordy Sank

  • “God’s Work” by Michael James

  • “The Home” by Jessie Zinn

  • “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos” by The Agbajowo Collective: James Tayler, Ogungbamila Temitope, Okechukwu Samuel, Mathew Cerf, Tina Edukpo, Bisola Akinmuyiwa, A.S. Elijah

These films are part of a growing catalogue of DFMI alumni making meaningful contributions to African and global cinema.

Filmmart.Africa Partnership

Through this partnership, Filmmart.Africa serves as the essential digital extension of DIFF 2025, providing users with comprehensive access to filmmaker profiles, detailed project information, curated festival insights, and valuable networking opportunities. This collaboration strengthens the African film ecosystem by broadening access to compelling stories, industry professionals, and meaningful opportunities well beyond the physical festival venues.

Partnerships like the one between Filmmart.Africa and DIFF illustrate the transformative power of uniting platforms, institutions, and storytellers to amplify visibility and accelerate industry growth. In today’s interconnected landscape, digital tools are indispensable—they transcend geographical and logistical barriers, fostering the collaborative networks that drive sustainable, long-term success.

Whether you are a filmmaker, producer, or dedicated film enthusiast, Filmmart.Africa is your gateway to engage, connect, and thrive within Africa’s vibrant and evolving film community.

Sign up today at www.filmmart.africa to explore the DIFF 2025 programme, connect with filmmakers, and access valuable industry insights.

About Filmmart.Africa

Filmmart.Africa is a dedicated online platform for Africa’s film industry. Users can:

  • Explore the filmmakers and documentary projects featured at Encounters 2025

  • Discover companies, producers, and collaborators working across the continent

  • Access curated industry resources and insights

  • Film events and markets from Africa and around the world, including major festivals, labs, and networking opportunities

  • Build connections with professionals at every level of the industry

Signing up is free and gives you full access to the Encounters showcase and the broader Filmmart.Africa network. Visit www.filmmart.africa to register.

Registration for the 16th Durban FilmMart is OPEN.

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

Thank you

Submission received