Flatland, a 2012 selected Durban FilmMart (DFM) Project, produced by David Horler of
Proper Film and directed by Jenna Cato Bass has been chosen to take part in Paris
Project, the coproduction and financing forum of the Paris Cinema International Film
Festival.
The movie was the recipient of a number of awards at last year’s DFM where it
received a €5000 grant for development as WorldView’s Most Promising Feature. It
was also selected for Rotterdam Lab in February this year and won the EAVE prize,
which enabled Horler to attend the European Producers Workshop in March.
The DFM is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban
International Film Festival (DIFF), and has as one of its core objectives to act as a
valuable feeder platform to bring African projects to other recognised international co-
production markets.
The DFM has recently entered into a strategic partnership with Paris Project, which
looks at co-production potential for carefully selected worldwide feature projects
destined for French and European coproduction. This year a 2012 DFM project was
selected, and going forward a project will be selected from the 2013 DFM to go to
Paris Project in 2014.
“Flatland is a really strong, well-positioned film project which shone at last year’s
DFM, and we are delighted that Paris Project has selected it to further develop its
potential,’ says Toni Monty of the DFO. “David has really used all the opportunities
given and we believe that this experience will be a valuable stepping stone in the
project’s journey.’
“These markets are incredible in helping us fine-tune our product,’ says producer
Horler. “The DFM was so helpful in aligning our overall strategic goals for the project,
and Rotterdam Lab was a similarly great experience.
“The intensive schedule of master classes, panel discussions and workshops imparted
very useful information and gave a very distinct perspective on the international
marketplace relative to independent and low-budget productions. The European
Producers Workshop was a truly fantastic initiative that is incredibly supportive and
nurturing of independent filmmakers.’
Horler goes on to say that the development grant from WorldView has been
earmarked to help with the location scouts and recces intended for the project once
they are closer to pre-production. “So we are really overwhelmed that we have
received this opportunity to go to Paris Project, as every chance we have to present,
discuss and develop Flatland is another step up on the ladder to its creation.’
Both Horler and Cato Bass have been awarded a complimentary return air ticket and
four nights’ accommodation to participate in the market, which takes place from 30
June to 3 July 3 so that they can increase their networks and meet international
partners.
In addition to personalised meetings with industry professionals, Paris Project offers
a series of specialised events such as seminars and workshops. In 2012, 350
professionals from 140 companies attended Paris Project, with more than 500
meetings scheduled.
“We are really pleased to welcome Flatland onto Paris Project, as we believe it offers
a uniquely South African perspective to the mix,’ says Aude Hesbert, head of Paris
Cinema International Film Festival. “This year, as our country embarks on the South
Africa France Season 2013, we look forward to opportunity to support the inaugural
DFM/Paris Project entry, and are eager to see how it fares.’
The 4th DFM takes place from 19 to 22 July 2013 during the 34th edition of the DIFF
(18 to 28 July) and will present an official selection of about 10 fiction projects and
10 documentary projects.
Delegate registration for the DFM opens next week.
For more information on the DFM visit www.durbanfilmmart.com.
For further enquires contact info@durbanfilmmart.com
