In preparation for the 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart, the DFMI opens the call for fiction and documentary projects in development. Approximately 20 official projects will then be invited to participate in the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum alongside 8 animation projects.
Project representatives will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of film professionals consisting of potential co-producers, broadcasters, film funds, and distributors who will be gathering in Durban, South Africa from the 24 – 27 July 2026.
“39 cash grants, international market participation and professional consultancy and mentorship awards from 31 partners worth R 2 626 900.00 were presented at the 2025 DFM Pitch and Finance forum to filmmakers pitching in the forum,” says Magdalene Reddy, director of the DFMI “these awards give filmmakers the needed opportunity to further develop their projects. The Durban FilmMart is pleased that we can facilitate this space for African filmmakers to connect with the local and international filmmaking community.”
Filmmakers with projects in development from across the African continent and the diaspora are invited to apply – at least one of the 3 key creatives (Producer, Writer, Director) should be from Africa or African in the Diaspora (with an African passport*). The Pitch and Finance Forum is open to both series and feature-length projects.
Successful project participants will be assigned an individual mentor to assist in preparing for the live pitch and meetings at DFM 2026. To present their project at the 17th DFM, one representative from each of the selected projects will be provided with travel* and accommodation to attend the live Pitch and Finance Forum in July 2026, in Durban, South Africa.
(*Terms and conditions apply for the travel and accommodation support).
Application criteria:
- The programme is open to African filmmakers with an active feature length or episodic live action project in development.
- The programme is open to both fiction and documentary projects.
- At least one of the 3 key creatives (Producer, Writer, Director) must be from Africa or African in the Diaspora (with an African passport).Should you have any questions regarding the acceptability of your documentation which connects you to the continent, especially if it is not an African passport, please write to DFMI via [email protected].
- Project applications must be completed in English, however the language of the project itself is up to the imagination of the filmmaker/ writer.
- At least one representative must be available to participate in the online masterclass and mentorship programme and be physically present in Durban for the duration of the 17th Durban FilmMart.
- Applications can be made through the Durban FilmMart Institute website: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/
Deadline for applications: Sunday, 1 February 2026
To keep up to date on call-outs filmmakers are encouraged to sign up for the DFMI newsletter on the website https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/ or follow on social media.
About Durban FilmMart Institute
Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where professionals and products are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry. The Durban FilmMart Institute runs year round developmental programmes and an annual market (Durban FilmMart). The DFMI has recently launched Filmmart.Africa which is an online tool for filmmakers to connect and which we hope will enhance visibility for African content. For more information about the DFMI programmes visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za
For more information: [email protected]
Deadline for submissions:
Sunday, 1 February 2026 @ 23:59Apply here: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/