2023 DFM Programme Information

Friday, 21 July 2023

African Constellations: Highlighting Success Infront and Behind the Camera

Presented in partnership with the Durban International Film Festival.

With the film industry growing due to the emergence of new platforms for content viewing and consumption, the African continent has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years. African content has become highly consumed across various festivals, streaming platforms, theatres, and home screens. In this session we aim to highlight and zoom in on the individual successes within this realm. It brings together actors and directors of projects that have gained both local and international recognition.

Start Time: 09:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

SA in Focus: State of the South African Audio Visual Industry

As the South African film and television industry continues to navigate the current climate, including infrastructure issues, restarting the industry, and a global financial crisis, while it continues to expand with new voices emerging every day, this panel will look at the state of the South African film industry and initiatives by film commissions and institutions key to the South African industry as they continue to work to make South Africa a pillar of the global film industry.

Start Time: 09:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

DFM Pitch and Finance Forum: Animation Pitch

The Durban FilmMart’s selection of animation storytellers have the opportunity to pitch their projects to co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funds. This session includes public pitching as a culmination of one-on-one meetings with decision makers, and personalised mentorship leading up to the market. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films and to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 10:00
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
3h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

DFM in Conversation with Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri

The DFM in Conversation will serve as the FilmMart’s keynote conversation, a one-on-one session where experts from various fields of the film industry unpack their journeys, lessons learned, and the ethos that drive their work.

In this session with Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, CEO and founder of Known Associates, we follow her unique career path in the media industry, from being in front of the camera to producing numerous successful fiction, factual, and episodic productions. She has also been involved in the purchase of the country’s biggest servicing company, working on international projects such as The Woman King, and recently securing a multi-picture licensing deal with Amazon Prime. Here, she shares her unique journey and growth as she joins the group of the continent’s most successful women film professionals.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
12:15
Duration:
1h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Music & Film: Synch Licensing, Production and Bespoke Music

Presented by Sheer Publishing.
This masterclass offers firsthand experience from industry leader Sheer Publishing on the inner workings of licensing music for film. The session will cover and introduce the audience to copyright within the music business. It further uses this knowledge as a catalyst to educate music users on the various protocols, rights holders, and usage details necessary to secure a piece of music in a film or audiovisual production. This will include music supervision, master and publishing rights, locating rights holders, usage detail negotiations, and, lastly, contractual work. The session will cover the various music types one can utilise within a film, namely commercial music, production music, and commissioned music.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
12:15
Duration:
1h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Durban Does Docs: Cross-Continental Collaboration: Barriers, Catalysts, Successes

The Durban FilmMart and The African Real Collective have partnered to co-curate discussions around documentary filmmaking that are pertinent to the African Film Industry. The African Real Collective (ARC) is the brainchild of an alliance of documentary organisations working within the African continent, the diaspora, and worldwide. Its aim is to create and nurture strong links among the filmmaking community.

The African Real Collective collaborates with African storytellers from every corner and persuasion of the continent, uniting to share knowledge and increase opportunities for the multiplicity and diversity of African voices and narratives to rise. In this session, we bring together documentary filmmakers from across the continent to discuss the process of collaboration in the documentary space. We explore why collaboration is crucial, not only in connecting the film community but also in connecting the continent.

Start Time: 12:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

SA in Focus: Writers Guild of South Africa - The Working Modern Writer

The Durban FilmMart, in partnership with the Writers Guild of South Africa, co-curates a session for film professionals from the country that is pertinent to the South African industry. As South Africa becomes a source for new content in the global market space, the demands on writers from across the film, episodic, and factual landscape are increasing. This session will bring together writers for film, television, and factual content to have a discussion around the pros and cons of different types of writing while still maintaining an authentic voice in the global marketplace.

Start Time: 12:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Durban FilmMart Pitch and Finance Forum: Documentary Pitch

The Durban FilmMart’s selection of documentary storytellers have the opportunity to pitch their projects to co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funds. This session includes public pitching as a culmination of one-on-one meetings with decision makers, and personalised mentorship leading up to the market. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films and to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
3h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

Talking Cents: Chasing Waterfalls - Financing Masterclass

John Giwa Amu is a film producer known for his work in the sci-fi thriller genre, including notable films such as The Machine, Little White Lies, Don’t Knock Twice, The Call Up, and The Party. He co-manages Red and Black Films, a production, distribution, and financing company, alongside writer/director Caradog James, as well as the video game company Good Gate Media Ltd. In this Masterclass, John Giwa Amu will share his lessons and insights on accessing alternative financing. He will emphasise the value of diversifying thinking and approaches, showcasing how they can create new avenues for filmmaking.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
15:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Finding Your Voice: Towards Authentic Storytelling

Presented by TRACE Studios.
In the roaring vortex of (mis)information that bombards us daily, how do you know what’s authentic and what is not? And how do you make your voice heard above the din? How do we craft stories that rise above the mundane without sacrificing originality and authenticity? The solution: finding your own voice – the voice that makes you uniquely YOU. This Masterclass will teach participants the tools they need to discover their own voice. Once they find that voice, and as such their storytelling identity, they will learn how to craft stories that resonate with conviction and lucidity.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
15:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Locations Africa: The Backdrop - Be Bold In Your Storytelling, But How Practical Are Your Locations?

Presented by Locations Africa.
The writer crafts an amazing story with fabulous twists and turns, taking the reader and ultimately the viewer on a trip of a lifetime. Then the location scout needs to find each and every one of those sites. How practical are the choices of locations in your story? Should they be practical to find? How can you ensure your story is a feasible one for the scout to find?

Start Time: 15:45
End Time:
16:45
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

The Power of Programming: Diversity in the Industry

As the industry continues to bring new voices and professionals into the industry, while continuing to reach new audiences, representation beyond the industry becomes critical—beyond behind the camera but equally on screens. In the space of exhibition, bringing professionals from all walks of life to show authentic voices and stories becomes even more critical. In this session, we bring together programmers and professionals with representation as their ethos to discuss the importance of programming in the development of the industry.

Start Time: 15:45
End Time:
16:45
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Durban Film Office: Finding Your Feet As A Producer

Presented by the Durban Film Office.
A session for emerging film producers. The session will explore the necessary skill set and why it is important to understand business compliance as a producer. It will also highlight helpful organisations that every producer starting out should know, as well as provide insights on how to find good partners to strengthen a producer’s key creative team.

Start Time: 17:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

CoProduction Corner: São Paulo (Brazil)
Presented by Spcine and the National Film and Video Foundation.
CoProduction Corner is a series of engagements that focus on co-production opportunities with the continent and beyond. Here, we bring together national film bodies and filmmakers as they discuss not only the benefits of collaborating in the regions but also some of the philosophical connections and reasons for collaboration.
This session includes Spcine, a state-owned company in São Paulo that is focused on the development of the film, TV, games, and new media industries as an initiative of the São Paulo City Hall. The organisation will discuss the initiatives available for collaboration, including financial incentives and structural support, while creating a space for engagement with the international film community.
Start Time: 17:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Saturday, 22 July 2023

Viu Panel Discussion
Presented by Viu.
Viu is a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service. It‘s available in 16 markets including: Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Myanmar in Asia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Middle East, as well as South Africa. Operating with both an ad-supported tier and a premium subscription tier, Viu delivers premium content in different genres from top content providers with local languages and subtitles, as well as original production series under the ‘Viu Original’ initiative.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

SA in Focus: The Independent Black Filmmakers Collective: Fiction Development Programme

The Durban FilmMart, in partnership with the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, co-curates a session for film professionals from the country, focusing on topics pertinent to the South African industry.

The IBFC has identified a need for a programme that is geared towards the development of new indigenous voices in South Africa. This is a 3-month programme for 7 Producer/Scriptwriter teams with a solid concept to develop which will include 4 feature films and 3 series formats. Participants would be teamed up with experienced script consultants, script editors, directors and creative producers to develop and refine their concepts – including strategic training, expert guidance, and a collaborative process to ensure each participant develops a product with solid global impact and a pitch deck. The programme will culminate in a pitching session to a panel of sales agents, distributors, streamers and networks.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

DFM Pitch and Finance Forum: Fiction Pitch

The Durban FilmMart’s selection of fiction storytellers have the opportunity to pitch their projects to co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funds. This session includes public pitching as a culmination of one-on-one meetings with decision makers, and personalised mentorship leading up to the market. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films and to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 10:00
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
3h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

SA in Focus: Documentary Filmmakers Association - Documentary Film Creative Strategies

The Durban FilmMart, in partnership with the Documentary Filmmakers Association, co-curates a session for film professionals from the country, focusing on topics pertinent to the South African industry. Finding the creative language in a film starts with the first thought of the story, the conversations with characters, and the lens through which the action is captured. How it connects with the audience relies a great deal on crafting the narrative in post-production. In this panel of documentary director and editor teams, we unpack creative strategies that support the tough final frontier of filmmaking.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
12:15
Duration:
1h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Animation@DFM: The Correct Picture - The Dynamics of Characterisation in Animation

As the world continues to looking for content from the African continent, the animation industry continues to struggle with issues around authentic voices and characterisation across the film mediums. Unfortunately, incidents still occur in international platforms and festivals. In this panel discussion, we bring together filmmakers and organisations to unpack why the discussion is important for creating a more diverse industry as content continues to reach new audiences.

Start Time: 12:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Durban Does Docs: Cross-Continental Collaboration: Designing the Documentary Filmmaking Ecosystem

The Durban FilmMart and The African Real Collective partner to co-curate discussions around the documentary filmmaking that are pertinent to the African Film Industry. The Africa Real Collective (ARC) is the brainchild from an alliance of documentary organisations, working within the African Continent, the diaspora and worldwide, to create and nourish strong links among the filmmaking community.

The African Real Collective works with African storytellers from every corner of the continent, uniting to share knowledge and increase opportunities for the multiplicity and diversity of African Voices and their narratives to rise. In this session we bring together documentary creators, development platforms, and exhibition platforms to discuss the documentary landscape. Unpacking what measures exist and can be built upon to create a more dynamic and diverse ecosystems that not only creates a space for filmmakers to grow and show their work, but to develop the documentary community on a holistic level.

Start Time: 12:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Thuthuka Fund Announcement (National Film and Video Foundation and Netherlands Film Fund)

In 2022, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Netherlands Film Fund (NFF) established a co-development scheme called Thuthuka. This scheme aimed to support projects that have the potential for high cinematographic quality and appeal to cinema audiences in both countries, as well as international cinema audiences. As part of this initiative, four projects were selected at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

This announcement and networking function will serve to highlight the progress of the fund and provide updates on further developments.

Start Time: 13:30
End Time:
14:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Exhibition Hall (Southern Sun Elangeni Great Ilanga)

Talking Cents: Creating Equity Beyond the Continent - Accessing Private Equity

The film industry continues to expand with new voices and professionals from across the continent but the funding space is not growing at the same rate. With new demands, we bring together film professionals, with a particular interest in working with the African film industry, who have found alternative models and accessing financing outside of traditional pathways. In this panel we will unpack the alternative models and ways of accessing private equity financing and how it can play a vital role in developing the African film landscape.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
15:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

For the Next Generation: Future Mentors Programme

Presented by DW Akademie and the Durban FilmMart Institute.

As the African film industry continues to evolve with new ideas and voices becoming integral parts of the industry, it is crucial to address the need for mentors who possess a nuanced understanding of the continent. Recognizing this, the Durban FilmMart and DW Akademie, in collaboration with Berlinale Talents, et out to create a programme and resources to develop a training system for developing new mentors on the continent. In this session, we will bring together the institution and film professionals who played key roles in developing the program. They will share insights on the importance of the program and shed light on the organic and collaborative process involved in its creation.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
15:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

DFM Pitch and Finance Forum: Meetings (closed)

The Durban FilmMart selection of official projects will have the opportunity to take one-to-one meetings with co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funders. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films. The sessions aims to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 15:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
3h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

Netflix Panel Discussion
Presented by Netflix.
This panel discussion is presented by Netflix, a global streaming service that offers a wide variety of award-winning TV programs, films, anime, documentaries, and more on thousands of internet-connected devices. In recent times, they have expanded their African content and distribution in line with global trends, as the consumption of content transcending borders increases.

Start Time: 15:45
End Time:
16:45
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Netflix Masterclass
Presented by Netflix.
This masterclasss is presented by Netflix, a global a streaming service that offers a wide variety of award-winning TV programmes, films, anime, documentaries and more on thousands of internet-connected devices. In recent times, they have expanded their African content and distribution in line with global trends as the consumption of content transcending borders increases.

Start Time: 17:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

CoProduction Corner: Jamaica and Trinidad

CoProduction Corner is a series of engagements that focus on co-production opportunities with the continent and beyond. Here, we bring together national film bodies and filmmakers as they discuss not only the benefits of collaborating in the regions but also some of the philosophical connections and reasons for collaboration.

This session will see Jamaica Promotion Corporation (JAMPRO) launch The Film Commission, which has the responsibility for growing investments and exports for the country, with a particular focus on the sectors of film and animation. The organisation will discuss the initiatives available for collaboration, including financial incentives and structural support, while creating a space for engagement with the international film community.

Start Time: 17:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

NEFTI Africa Competition Screening and Winner Announcement

Presented by NEFTI Africa
This special event will feature the screening of short films by three finalists of the first annual NEFTI Africa Short Film Competition, followed by the announcement of the competition’s winner.

The NEFTI Africa competition offered selected filmmakers the opportunity to create a short film in 30 days with a $3000 budget and compete for a spot as one of the three finalists. This year’s competition attracted 10 contestants who pitched their short film ideas via Zoom to a panel of judges. The three finalists will showcase their films, and the winner will be awarded the $5,000 grand prize.

Following the screening, there will be a cocktail networking function.

Start Time: 18:15
End Time:
20:00
Duration:
1h45m
Venue:
Southern Sun Mahrani Tugela Room

Sunday, 23 July 2023

What’s AI Got To Do With Us?

It is absolutely amazing to see how technology is impacting the film and TV industry, both locally and internationally, where every part of the chain is touched by technological innovation. The question arises: How do we stay active in the evolving symbiosis with technology?

In this session, we will engage in an in-depth discussion about AI and its implications for filmmakers. Does AI have the potential to increase the efficiency of the filmmaking process? What are the challenges and threats it presents? We will take a closer look at the pros and cons of integrating AI into filmmaking.

Start Time: 09:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

NEFTI Africa: Preparing for The Competition

Presented by NEFTI Africa.

Following the success of the annual competition established by NEFT Vodka and the International Emerging Film Talent Association, 2023 saw the first annual NEFTI Africa competition – aimed at discovering and showcasing underrepresented filmmakers from developing countries who are facing geographical, financial and logistical limitations. In this session, competition founder Paul Robinson and the 2023 winners host a discussion on how to create your story, synopsis, and pitch to the competition.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Durban FilmMart Pitch and Finance Forum: Meetings (closed)

The Durban FilmMart selection of official projects will have the opportunity to take one-to-one meetings with co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funders. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films. The sessions aims to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
4h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

DFM in Conversation with Effie T. Brown

The DFM in Conversation will serve as the FilmMart’s keynote conversation, featuring a one-on-one session where experts from various fields of the film industry unpack their journeys, lessons learned, and the ethos that drive their work.

In this conversation with Effie T Brown, the CEO of Gamechanger and a successful film and episodic television producer known for projects such as Stranger Inside, In the Cut, Real Women Have Curves, Everyday People, Rocket Science, and the hit Dear White People. We will explore her journey as a filmmaker breaking into the mainstream system from the margins, the challenges she faced in creating a more diverse and inclusive industry, and her efforts to provide funding and development opportunities for diverse and untapped voices in the industry.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
12:15
Duration:
1h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

KZN Film: Animation Growth Strategy

Presented by the KwaZulu: Natal Film Commission.
Animation SA has identified KZN as the next province with animation growth potential. As such, KZN Film Commission in partnership with Animation SA are developing a 5-year Animation growth strategy for the province. Animation SA has partnered with Red Ibis Education, a company specialising in research, development and education within the South African audiovisual media industry, whose members share a long history with animation production, development and education. The goal of the launch is to present the strategy to KZN stakeholders at DFM to provide insight into the strategy and set the stage for partnerships and participation in the growth of animation education, production and audience development.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
12:15
Duration:
1h30m
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Power of Programming: Creative Documentaries on Screen

As documentaries continue to become a critical source of content in the realm of streaming and television, with the industry gravitating towards true crime and factual documentaries, the space for creative documentaries becomes limited. However, creative documentaries have played an important role not only as a storytelling method but also in highlighting life outside of news-based documentaries. In this session, we bring together established programmers to discuss the importance of programming creative documentaries, their role in the industry and audiences, and how to develop this often-forgotten part of the industry.

Start Time: 12:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Unpacking the IDC’s Strategy for the Media & Audio-Visual Sector
Presented by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC).
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa Limited was established in 1940 through an Act of Parliament (Industrial Development Corporation Act, 22 of 1940) and is fully owned by the South African Government. IDC priorities are aligned with the national policy direction as set out in the National Development Plan (NDP), Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), and industry Master Plans. Their mandate is to maximize their development impact through job-rich industrialisation, while contributing to an inclusive economy by, among others, funding black-owned and empowered companies, black industrialists, women, and youth-owned and empowered enterprises.
IDC has adopted a value-chain approach to the media & audio-visual sector, expressed in three strategic pillars: content creation, infrastructure, and distribution platforms. IDC will be unpacking its strategy for the audio-visual sector, reviewing the research informing the strategic position, providing a roll-out plan for the strategy, and outlining transformation objectives.

Start Time: 12:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Talking Cents: Beyond Funds - Navigating the Funding Power Dynamics

The funding space continues to be a space of great demand as the film industry continues to expand with new voices and professionals from across the world. With more funds becoming accessible to filmmakers, we look at how the funding space needs to adapt to the expanding industry, while interrogating some of the issues with working regions who often have a contentious past where these funds originate from.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
15:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

SA in Focus: Introduction To The Producers Guild of South Africa
The Durban FilmMart, in partnership with the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO), co-curates a session for film professionals from the country, focusing on the specific needs of the South African industry.
The Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) is a national organization that represents independent South African film, television, and digital producers. It is dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the interests of producers while promoting their needs within the industry.

Start Time: 14:30
End Time:
15:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

DFM Pitch and Finance Forum: Meetings (closed)

The Durban FilmMart selection of official projects will have the opportunity to take one-to-one meetings with co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funders. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films. The sessions aims to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 15:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
3h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

Amazon Panel Discussion

Presented by Amazon

Amazon Prime Video, or simply Prime Video, is a subscription video on-demand, over-the-top streaming, and rental service offered by Amazon. It can be accessed as a standalone service or as part of Amazon’s Prime subscription. The platform primarily delivers a wide range of films and television series, including content produced by Amazon Studios, MGM Holdings, and licensed titles available as Amazon Originals.

Start Time: 15:45
End Time:
16:45
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

TikTok as a Storytelling Medium and its Influence in the Industry

Presented by TikTok.
The TikTok masterclass discussion will focus on using the platform as a storytelling medium to enhance and grow your content and the impact that TikTok has had within the film industry. We all have innate storytelling in us, as a born storyteller, TikTok presents the opportunity to tell your story. The session will focus on the best practices, guiding content strategy and growing your account and engagement.

Start Time: 17:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

CoProduction Corner: Nigeria

Presented by the National Film and Video Foundation and the Nigerian Film Corporation.
CoProduction Corner is a series of discussions that focus on co-production opportunities within the continent and beyond. Here, we bring together national film bodies and filmmakers as they discuss not only the benefits of collaborating in the regions but also the philosophical connections and reasons for collaboration.

This session will feature the Nigerian Film Corporation, which is responsible for the development of the film industry in Nigeria. They produce films for both domestic consumption and export, and aim to encourage local talent through training, financial support, and related matters. The organisation will discuss available initiatives for collaboration, including financial incentives and structural support, while creating a space for engagement with the international film community.

Start Time: 17:00
End Time:
18:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Monday, 24 July 2023

SA in Focus: Sisters Working in Film and Television -Technically Speaking - Bringing Down Barriers Behind the Camera

The Durban FilmMart, in partnership with Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), co-curates a session specifically for film professionals in South Africa. The industry in South Africa remains predominantly male-dominated, with very few women occupying “”key roles”” or “”technical roles,”” as highlighted in the NFVF SWIFT Gender Matters Study in the SAFTI 2018 report. Unfortunately, there has been little progress since then.

Despite the challenges faced by women in technical roles, there are a few who have made significant strides and proven that given the opportunity, women excel in any role they occupy. The panel will highlight some of the talent from South Africa and the rest of the continent. We cover their journey, how they entered into the roles, barriers to entry, what has changed over the years, and lessons and advice they have to share.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Episodic Content in the Age of Consumption

With the emergence of episodic content becoming the most consumed and discussed medium of cinematic storytelling in the last couple of years, the success has been evident for anyone to see. However, with attention spans becoming shorter and the desire for new products growing every day, how can the production meet the needs of the market? In this session, we bring together film professionals involved in the creation, development, and exhibition of the episodic medium to discuss this avenue, share some of the successes, and explore what can be done to sustain this area of filmmaking.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
10:30
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

DFM Pitch and Finance Forum: Meetings (closed)

The Durban FilmMart selection of official projects will have the opportunity to take one-to-one meetings with co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funders. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations and securing funding for African films. The sessions aims to facilitate the growth of the African film industry, promote cultural exchange, and amplify diverse narratives from the continent.

Start Time: 9:30
End Time:
13:30
Duration:
4h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 1-2

DFM in Conversation with Philippe Lacôte

The DFM in Conversation will serve as the keynote session for FilmMart. It will feature a one-on-one conversation with experts from various fields of the film industry, where they will share their journeys, lessons learned, and the guiding principles behind their work.

Philippe Lacôte, is a film director from Côte d’Ivoire. He is most noted for his 2014 film Run, which was a Lumières Award nominee for Best French-Language Film at the 20th Lumières Awards, and his 2020 film Night of the Kings (La Nuit des rois), which was a winner of the Amplify Voices Award at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. Both films were selected as Côte d’Ivoire’s submission to the Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film Oscar respectively. In this conversation, Lacôte will discuss his journey to becoming one of the most prominent filmmakers in Francophone West Africa, his experience in building an international audience, and his recently announced upcoming film for Amazon Studios.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
11:45
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Intermediaries in Africa, Now and Beyond

Presented by GIZ (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH).
The University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in collaboration with the Tshimologong Precinct and Fak’ugesi Festival has been undertaking research in the field of digital creative industries intermediaries over the last few years. This session will cover the leading data gathered around this research giving an understanding of the current landscape while indicating a roadmap for interventions to strengthen the intermediary landscape moving forward. We will also highlight an intermediary success story from the animation industry indicating the importance of intermediary roles for the digital creative industries.

Start Time: 10:45
End Time:
11:45
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Making Your Scripted Series with MultiChoice and Showmax

Presented by MultiChoice and Showmax.
MultiChoice and Showmax executives will talk you through how to pitch your series to Showmax, Mzansi Magic, M-Net, kykNET, Africa Magic and more. Series on Showmax were the biggest winner at the 2023 AMVCAs and the 2022 SAFTAs and Kalasha Awards, while Reyka was nominated for two International Emmys, Spinners became the first African series selected at CanneSeries, and Recipes for Love and Murder and Donkerbos were both selected for Berlinale Series Market Selects, among other recent accolades.
The panel will also explore Mzansi Magic’s epic Shaka ILembe and Showmax’s partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky and its pending relaunch, to be powered by Peacock’s globally-scaled technology.

Start Time: 12:00
End Time:
13:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Development of Regulatory Instruments to Give Effect to the Mandate of the Film and Publication Board

Presented by the Film and Publication Board.
The amended version of the Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996), came into operation on 1st March 2022 – in line with the proclamation published in the Government Gazette by the President. The FPB classifies films, games, and certain publications through the provision of age ratings and consumer advisories. This ensures that consumers and particularly parents and guardians, are informed of what may be contained in media so that children are not prematurely exposed to harmful content. Recent amendments to the Act empower the FPB to deal with complaints relating to the distribution of unclassified and prohibited content, private sexual photographs and films, and films and photographs depicting sexual violence and violence against children. This masterclass provides details on the FPB mandate, including instruments being developed, such as the accreditation framework for classification systems and authorities and how it will deal with complaints lodged by the public.

Start Time: 12:00
End Time:
13:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

The New Market: The Effects of a Buying Market and the Roles of Funds Masterclass

As the global market shifts and the exhibition landscape undergoes changes, the demand for content continues to increase. In this masterclass with producer Todd Brown of XYZ Film, we will analyze the evolving landscape and its impact on the industry. We will explore how these changes affect the operations of traditional funding bodies and discuss strategies they need to adopt in order to keep up with the shifting dynamics moving forward

Start Time: 14:00
End Time:
15:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Animation@DFM: Creative Currency - Professional Opportunities For Women in the Animation Industry

Presented by GIZ (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH).
As animation continues to grow and become an important facet of the African film industry, the industry is grappling with the challenge of becoming more diverse and generating opportunities for professionals across the gender spectrum. In this session, we bring together professionals from across the continent and the globe who are working to create a more diverse and inclusive industry for women-identifying film professionals.

Start Time: 14:00
End Time:
15:00
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 5

Talking Cents: Demystifying Hollywood

As Africa continues to become a source of content in the international market place, more professionals are crossing over into the mythical Hollywood system. In this session, we are bringing together international producer Steven Adams, and international talent Dana Sims. Here they will unpack and share the journey, how to navigate the space as a professional from outside the system and how to continue to grow while maintaining an authentic voice.

Start Time: 15:15
End Time:
16:15
Duration:
1h
Venue:
Southern Sun Elangeni Suite 3-4

Thank you

Submission received