Durban, South Africa: After careful consideration, the Durban FilmMart
(DFM), Africa’s best loved film finance and co-production market, has
decided to move its 17th edition to 9 – 12 October 2026 due to
significant funding challenges.
The viability of hosting the DFM event in July 2026 has been
considerably impacted by the current global financial crisis which
directly affects funding for film and the arts in general. Significant
changes in key funding partnerships and the ongoing reduction of local
year-on-year funding opportunities presents challenges for planning and
strategic growth.
The Durban FilmMart Institute, a non-profit organisation, plays a
pivotal and significant role in driving African and diaspora film
professionals to convene, do business, build relationships, exchange
ideas and shape the future of filmmaking.
“Rescheduling the market has been a difficult decision but one that
the board and management had to take because we remain committed to the
pan-African film ecosystem we serve,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director
of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “Despite the uncertainty we face
with limited long term, multi-year support for the annual event, we
believe that the space we create for African film professionals must
exist and that it is essential to those who believe in the power and
impact of African independent film. We encourage all those who never
miss a DFM to move with us and join us in October for what they have
come to cherish.”
Those attending this year’s edition are set for a series of
uncompromising conversations under the theme: _Shifting Worlds: Turning
Towards Ourselves_. Inspired by the words of Ousmane Sembène, often
referred to as the “father of African cinema” who said, “Why be a
sunflower and turn toward the sun? I, myself, am the sun,” the 17th
edition of the Durban FilmMart will be the space for discussions that
advance alternative film funding pathways, revise models for
distribution, consider equitable co-production frameworks and create
authentic partnerships. DFM 2026 will encourage looking within to forge
relationships and design new strategies that will brace a world in flux
and endure the economic and social structures that are changing and
destabilising the film industry.
An anchor in the international co-production market calendar and with a
continued focus on African cinema, all DFM market activities including
the Pitch and Finance Forum for live action, documentary and animation,
Talents Durban and the Industry Programme made up of panel discussions,
masterclasses and think thanks go ahead as planned. Industry, attendees,
stakeholders and partners are encouraged to spread the news and show
their support by attending the market during its new dates in October
2026.
More information on this year’s theme can be found on the Durban
FilmMart Institute’s website, https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/ [1]
Delegate registration and programme details will be announced in due
course.
The 17th edition Durban FilmMart is funded by the Durban Film Office,
eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation and the National Film and Video
Foundation.
