A New Vibe for African Cinema
The Durban FilmMart (DFM) is hitting its 17th year, and the energy is shifting. Running from October 9–12, this year’s theme, “Shifting Worlds, Turning Toward Ourselves,” is all about looking inward. According to DFM Institute director Magdalene Reddy, the event is taking inspiration from Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène’s iconic quote: “Why be a sunflower and turn towards the sun? I myself am the sun.”
Why It’s Different This Time
Instead of just running alongside the Durban International Film Festival, DFM is kicking things off with its own screening of Rwandan director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo’s Cannes-winning film Ben’Imana. It’s a major W, as the film actually got its start at the DFM pitching forum two years ago. Reddy notes that showing local content in a local context is a priority this year.
The Big Conversations
The event is packed with panels, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions. Key highlights include:
- Fixing Distribution: Industry leaders are getting behind closed doors to tackle the mess caused by global corporate consolidation.
- Equitable Co-production: Working with the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE), the event is addressing how African producers can sit at the table as equal partners.
- Connecting the Dots: There is a heavy focus on bridging the gap between filmmakers and policymakers, especially as South Africa’s screen industries deal with uncertainty around the 25% cash rebate policy.
Why it matters
As the industry faces global shake-ups, DFM is doubling down on collaboration. By creating a space for filmmakers to connect directly with decision-makers, they’re lowkey trying to build a sustainable ecosystem that works for Africa on its own terms.
