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.
“Over the years, we have noticed the increase in the quality of animation projects coming out of African continent”, says DFMI director, Magdalene Reddy, “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
Producer: Alyssa Harden
Director: Fatima Mahdar
Morocco
Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya)
Producer: Claye Edou
Director: Claye Edou
Cameroon
Crocodile Dance
Producer: Ingrid de Beer
Directors: Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries
South Africa /Nigeria
Kamaroza
Producer: Nouran Abdallah
Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar
Egypt
KINTUADI: SIMON KIMBANGU
Producer: Giresse Kassonga
Director: Benny Lusakueno
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe
Producer: Debbie Crosscu
Director: Tendayi Nyeke
South Africa
Animated fiction series:
Mboudgui
Producer: Betty Sulty-Johnson, Lamissa Ouattara
Director: Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala
Cameroon /France
Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings
Producer: Ameera Faber, Sabrina Roc
Director: Clare Louis
South Africa
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.
About Durban FilmMart Institute
Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where professionals and content 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 www.durbanfilmmart.co.za
For more information contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com
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