The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) announces animation project selection for the 16th annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum
Over the past 3 years, animation has become an integral part of the Durban FilmMart annual event in July, Animation@DFM includes both important conversations in the industry programme and the participation of animation projects at the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum.
The online animation masterclass series and one-on-one mentorship offered to projects in development is the first element of the annual programme. The aim of the masterclass programme is to prepare the selected participants to pitch in Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market. The 16th annual Durban FilmMart is scheduled to take place from the 18 to 21 July, in Durban, South Africa.
DFMI director, Magdalene Reddy says:
“Over the years, we have noticed the increase in the quality of animation projects coming out of African continent. DFMI is honoured to witness the growth of the animation sector and celebrate the work that is been done by creators, both on the continent and in the diaspora. Animation@DFM is now a permanent strand of programming at the market, bringing together the worlds of animation and live action in one place creates richer conversations and deeper networks for industry.”
DFMI received applications from animation professionals across the continent and the diaspora which made the selection of 8 projects by the independent evaluation panel very competitive, challenging and exciting. All 8 projects will go through a 3-month period of training and development to ensure they are ready to meet investors in Durban.
8 Official Projects:
Animated fiction features:
Aisha Qandicha (Morocco )
- Producer: Alyssa Harden
- Director: Fatima Mahdar
Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya) (Cameroon)
- Producer: Claye Edou
- Director: Claye Edou
Crocodile Dance (South Africa /Nigeria)
- Producer: Ingrid de Beer
- Directors: Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries
Kamaroza (Egypt )
- Producer: Nouran Abdallah
- Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar
Kintuadi: Simon Kimbangu (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Producer: Giresse Kassonga
- Director: Benny Lusakueno
Tribe (South Africa)
- Producer: Debbie Crosscu
- Director: Tendayi Nyeke
Animated fiction series:
Mboudgui (Cameroon / France)
- Producer: Betty Sulty-Johnson, Lamissa Ouattara
- Director: Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala
Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings (South Africa)
- Producer: Ameera Faber, Sabrina Roc
- Director: Clare Louis
Masterclass and Mentorship Programme
The 3-month online masterclass programme will feature script development, visual representation, finance planning, project packaging, pitching and much more while the one-on-one mentorship will allow individual mentors to assist animators with project packaging and pitch preparation.
More details about the 16th Durban FilmMart will be announced in due course.
The Durban FilmMart 2025 is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute with principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.
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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 the website or contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com
