The Durban FilmMart has announced the 16th edition of Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite.
Image: Supplied
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has launched the 16th edition of its annual flagship event, which will take place from Friday July 18 to Monday July 21.
The theme this year is Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite.
The mission of the DFMI is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry.
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, said Magdalene Reddy, director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.
“In an industry still navigating fragmentation, DFM (Durban FilmMart) 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 reaches out to the African diaspora and Global South communities,” Ms Reddy said.
“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 programme designed to foster high-quality collaborations and provide valuable insights into the film-making 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 recognises 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 programme will reflect DFMI’s core values of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, with sessions tailored to address key industry challenges and opportunities.” Ms Reddy said.
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, visit: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/ or email info@durbanfilmmart.com