Durban Filmmart Announces 16th Edition Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite”

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) announces the 16th edition of its annual flagship event, Durban FilmMart (DFM), themed “Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite,” set to take place from 18 to 21 July 2025 in Durban, South Africa.

This year’s theme underscores the transformative potential cinema serves as a bridge, opening genuine exchange and collaboration that enriches storytelling capabilities across the industry.

In an industry still navigating fragmentation, DFM 2025 aims to create pathways for shared resources, knowledge exchange, and creative partnerships. These bridges connect not only different regions of the continent but also reach out to the African diaspora and Global South communities. Through meaningful dialogue, the event seeks to break down the artificial barriers that have historically separated our worlds, allowing for more organic and equitable collaborations.

The 16th DFM will feature a comprehensive program designed to foster high-quality collaborations and provide valuable insights into the filmmaking process. Key components include fiction, episodic, documentary, and animation projects in development showcased in the Pitch and Finance Forum. The DFM Industry Programme will present keynote talks, masterclasses, panel discussions, lab presentations, and think tanks.

“Building on the success of the 2024 edition and the continued growth of the DFM™s previous editions, DFM 2025 recognizes that strength lies in connection rather than isolation. The event will provide an equitable space for change in the Global South film industry, supporting creative visions, creating new distribution pathways, and pioneering audiovisual frontiers. The program will reflect DFMI’s core values of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, with sessions tailored to address key industry challenges and opportunities. says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.

Early bird registration is now open, offering delegates a discounted rate for a limited time. Accreditation provides access to DFM events, including the Pitch and Finance Forum, industry sessions, networking opportunities, masterclasses, and the industry exhibition. Delegates will also gain access to the DFM online platform for virtual networking and content sharing.

For more information and to register, please visit our website HERE

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality. For further inquiries, contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com

About the Durban FilmMart Institute:

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where film professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programs and services to promote, support, and facilitate investment in the African film industry.