FilmMart (DFM) which will take place virtually from 16 to 25 July 2021,
with its call for submissions of film projects in development closing
on 21 February.
“Given that there is no absolute clarity on what the global situation
will be with the Covid-19 pandemic in the foreseeable future, the DFM
Institute board has taken a decision to implement a virtual DFM for 2021
following on the success of the 2020 DFM,” says Magdalene Reddy, acting
General Manager of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “As much as we would
love to work, network and engage with filmmakers in a physical format,
we need to proceed with some level of caution in continuing to service
our mandate of developing African film content, and ensuring everyone’s
safety whilst doing so.”
Key to the DFM is the bringing together of filmmakers with thought
leaders, film funders, festival programmers, agents, buyers, and
distributors to get down to the business of making films. Included in
this is the internationally regarded finance and pitching forum which,
in 2020, saw 80 film projects in development connect with possible
markets and partners and funders.
“It’s a robust and highly dynamic market, that has seen countless film
projects reaching festivals and screens big and small – which is
ultimately the aim for developing content,” continues Reddy. “Some of
the successful projects that had their beginnings at the DFM have been
officially selected as submissions for the 2021 Academy Awards – this
includes Lift like a Girl (Egypt) directed by Mayye Zayed, This is Not a
Burial, It’s a Resurrection (Lesotho) directed by Lemohang Jeremiah
Mosese, You will Die at 20 (Sudan) directed by Amjad Abu Alala, Softie
(Kenya) directed by Sam Soko and The Letter (Kenya) directed by Maia
Lekow and Christopher King.
Fifteen feature-length documentary and fifteen fiction projects will be
selected by a DFM independent adjudication committee for the pitching
forum where the director and producer will participate in a packaging
and mentorship programme. This will be followed by one-on-one meetings
with international film financiers, buyers, and distributors.
Full details about project submissions, criteria, and how to submit a
project, can be found on this link
http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.z
21 February 2021.
The Durban FIlmMart Institute is supported by the Durban Film Office,
eThekwini Municipality.