At this year’s Durban FilmMart, the panel “The Future of Female Filmmakers: Trends and Opportunities” brought together dynamic voices shaping the next chapter of African cinema: moderator Noluthando Mnguni, and panelists Avuzwa Ntshongwana and Natalie Paneng.
Going into the session, many expected a conversation centered on the opportunities available to women in the film industry; from funding and festivals to mentorship and leadership. Surprisingly, the conversation took a different, provocative turn. Rather than focusing solely on existing opportunities, the session honed in on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—its growing role in filmmaking and the implications it holds for female creators across the continent.
Here are some key Takeaways from the Session:
1. The AI Disruption: Threat or Opportunity?
The panel tackled how AI is reshaping creative industries, including screenwriting, editing, and even performance. Avuzwa Ntshongwana questioned who controls these technologies and how they might impact access, creativity, and representation for African women. There was a general sense that female filmmakers must proactively engage with AI, not just react to it.
2. Redefining Opportunity in a Tech-Driven Industry
Rather than relying on traditional models of opportunity, Natalie Paneng highlighted the need for digital fluency. For her, platforms like social media and emerging AI tools offer new avenues for content creation and audience engagement, especially for women often excluded from mainstream funding or studio systems.
3. Representation beyond the Screen
The discussion went beyond gender parity on screen and addressed the ethics of data, voice, and image ownership in the age of AI. Who gets to train AI? Who profits from it? These were some of the critical questions raised, especially as African creators seek to retain control over their narratives in a rapidly evolving digital space.
4. Collaboration in Uncertain Times
Despite the unexpected focus on AI, the panelists returned to the need for solidarity. Noluthando Mnguni emphasized that whether navigating AI or traditional filmmaking challenges, community and collaboration among women remain central to any future progress.
Looking Ahead, while the session’s AI focus came as a surprise, it was a timely reminder that future opportunities for women in film may not come in traditional forms. The evolving digital landscape, particularly AI, will undoubtedly influence how stories are told, who gets to tell them, and how female filmmakers can adapt and thrive.
This conversation, though unexpected, served as an important prompt to seize the future, women in film must not only seek opportunity- They must help shape it.Watch highlights of the session here: Instagram Post Link