Nine documentaries and ten fiction feature film projects from around Africa have been selected for this year’s Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place in Durban, South Africa from 17 to 20 July 2015. The details of the selection were announced at a networking function held at the South African Pavilion at the Cannes International Film Festival.
DFM, now in its 6th edition has selected these projects from 120 submissions by African filmmakers who wished to participate in the continent’s premier finance and co-production market.
A joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), DFM aims to raise the visibility of African cinema, stimulate production on the continent, and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers. The market 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.
“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 conceptualised 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.’
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.
These feature and documentary filmmakers will be attending DFM for one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers in the Finance Forum. The projects will also have an opportunity to pitch to a panel of commissioning editors from local and international funders and financiers. The selected project participants will also be given opportunities to network and meet industry professionals during several scheduled industry sessions.
Selected Projects:
Nine Documentaries
After Marikana – The End of Democracy (South Africa) – producer: Anita Khanna, director: Rehad Desai
AmalM/em> (Egypt) – producer: Sara Bokemeyer, director: Mohamed Siam
Life and Times of John C (South Africa) – producer: Neil Brandt, director: Francois Verster
Truck Mama (Kenya) – producer: Zipporah Nyaruri, director: Zipporah Nyaruri, Co-director Peggy Mbiyu
Not in My Neighbourhood (South Africa) – producer: and director: Kurt Orderson
Project Delight (South Africa) – producer: and director: Karin Slater
Terre Jaune (Togo) – producers: Sitou Ayite and Madje Ayite with Elisabeth Guthmann, directors: Bouna Cherif Fofana and Sitou Ayite
The Other Half of the African Sky (Zimbabwe) – producer and director Tapiwa Chipfupa
The Rainbow: Jazz for the Struggle, and the Struggle for Jazz (South Africa) – producer: Antoinette Engel, director: Niren Tolsi
Ten Fiction
Cactus Flower (Egypt) – producer: Hossam Elouan, director: Hala Elkoussy
Inkabi (The Hitman) (South Africa) – producer: Anco Henning, director: Norman Maake
Laughter is the best Colour (Nigeria) – producer: Mohammed Musulumi, director: Chike Ibekwe
On the Way to Paradise (South Africa) – producer: Imraan Jeeva, director: Sara Blecher
One More Night in Lagos (Cote d’Ivoire) – producer: Tosin Coker, director: Marina Niava
Riot Waif (South Africa) – producer: Jean Meeran, director: Zinaid Meeran
Selma and Charlize (South Africa) – producer: Junaid Ahmed/Helena Spring, director: Robyn Aronstam
Sunflowers Behind a Dirty Fence (Uganda) – producer: Nathan Magoola, director: Simon Mukali
The Tall Assassin (South Africa) – producer: Carolyn Carew, director: Roy Zetisky
Unbalance (Ghana) – producer: Akousa Adoma Owusu, director: P. Sam Kessie
DFM takes place in Durban, at the Tsogo Sun Elangeni from 17 to 20 July 2015, during the 36th edition of DIFF (16 to 26 July).
For more information and to register as a delegate visit the DFM website.
