The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), in collaboration with Berlinale Talents and with support from the DW Akademie, is proud to open the call for participants for the inaugural edition of the Future Mentors Programme.
The Future Mentors Programme’s mission is to address the scarcity of mentors originating from the African continent and diaspora, while simultaneously equipping the next wave of mentors in Africa with the essential skills they need. Its purpose is to support a capacity-building programme for seasoned film professionals who possess a genuine desire to share their expertise with aspiring film practitioners.
“The Future Mentors Programme follows the DFMI’s eagerness to expand the institute’s reach and to empower a greater number of filmmakers not only to enter the industry but to further create a sustainable industry for the future generation. This stems from a shared belief in the transformative power of mentorship and the immense potential it holds for nurturing emerging talents within the industry” Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.
Beginning in 2022, a group of film experts from across the African continent and diaspora, embarked on an inspiring co-creation journey with the initial plan of designing a programme, however in doing so realised that more was needed to support the larger industry. This culminated in the publication of an invaluable guide tailored for both an emerging generation of film mentors and professionals who have been engaging in mentorship already, the Future Mentors Guide. The Guide was launched at the 2023 edition of the Durban FilmMart annual event. Through the end of 2023, these experts contributed to the development of the official curriculum for the Future Mentors Programme.
The Future Mentors Programme invites producers with African passports who have produced films and have a desire to enter the mentorship space. The programme is looking for filmmakers who have produced at 2 feature-length films in both documentary or fiction, active in the film industry for at least 5 years, have attended development labs and programmes or have a history training experience of working grass root training programmes. The first edition of the Future Mentors Programme is accepting applications from the DFMI alumni only.
Kindly note that acceptance into the programme will not be based on a specific film project. (You do not need an active film project to participate in the programme).
Selected participants will need to avail themselves of two online introductory sessions and five physical days of training taking place in Durban, South Africa in the months of November Specific dates will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of selection.
Filmmakers who are interested in the programme will need to provide a detailed Curriculum Vitae with filmography, a list of minimum 3 references including contact numbers and a 1-page letter of motivation for consideration to participate.
Applications close 13 September 23:59 (SAST). No applications will be considered after the closing date.
For more information: [email protected]
Deadline for submissions:
Sunday, 13 September at 23:59 CAT
The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organises DFM 2024, receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.
The fourth edition of DFMI Business Lab is presented in partnership with DW Akademie, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Developments.
