The sixth edition of the Durban Film Mart (DFM), which takes place in Durban, South Africa from July 17 to 20, has announced the selection of 19 documentaries and fiction feature film projects from around Africa.
The announcement was made at a networking function held at the South Africa Pavilion at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival on Tuesday.
“This year, we are pleased to welcome projects from a diverse range of countries on the continent, including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” says Toni Monty, of the Durban Film Office.
“The DFM has become an important springboard for projects that have been conceptualized by African filmmakers, to support them as the projects move from the idea to exhibition. Over the last five years we have seen many projects go on to be awarded further opportunities to develop at various other markets, and eventually be screened in cinemas and festivals around the globe. In previous years, past DFM projects have been selected for the Durban International Film Festival, testimony to the value this market adds to the development process.”
The DFM selected these projects from 120 submissions by African filmmakers who wished to participate in the continent’s premier finance and co-production market.
The sole Nigerian project on the list is in the fiction category. Titled, ‘Laughter is the best Colour’, Mohammed Musulumi is the producer, while Chike Ibekwe is director.
Among the nine documentaries are: ‘After Marikana – The End of Democracy’ (South Africa), Producer Anita Khanna, Director Rehad Desai; ‘Amal’ (Egypt) Producer Sara Bökemeyer, Director Mohamed Siam; ‘Life and Times of John C’ (South Africa) Producer Neil Brandt, Director Francois Verster and Truck Mama (Kenya) Producer Zipporah Nyaruri, Director Zipporah Nyaruri, Co-director Peggy Mbiyu.
A joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the Durban FilmMart aims to raise the visibility of African cinema, stimulate production on the continent, and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers. The DFM creates an optimum platform for African filmmakers, financiers, broadcasters and top film experts to converge, network and spark creative thinking around current and future projects.
A press statement issued on behalf of the DFM by: Sharlene Versfeld & Ayanda Mabanga of Versfeld & Associates, said a Reader Panel, comprising of African and international film professionals had to moderate and score submissions, culminating in a rigorous selection discussion over shortlisted projects in both the documentary and fiction section.
The 6th Durban FilmMart takes place in Durban, at the Tsogo Sun Elangeni from 17 to 20 July 2015, during the 36th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (July 16-26, 2015).
