The Durban FilmMart, which celebrates its 10^th edition this year from 19 to 22 July, during the 40^th Durban International Film Festival, has announced the 2019 fiction feature films and documentaries projects from Africa, that have selected to pitch at the Finance Forum at this major film industry event.

A total of 20 projects (10 documentaries and 10 feature films) were selected out of 140 submissions from around the continent.  Countries represented in the official selection include South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Congo and Burkina Faso. Directors and producers of these film projects, which are in development, will be mentored for two days during Durban FilmMart, and then given opportunities to pitch to panels of investors, broadcasters, financiers, agents and distributors, as well as take one-on-one meetings with them.

This project in development programme is part of the overall aim of the DFM to increase awareness of African cinema, encourage collaborations amongst African filmmakers and stimulate the growth of the industry. Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office, the industry unit of the eThekwini Municipality, and head of the DFM says, “We believe that this forum within the DFM, is one of the most exciting film industry programmes to have been established on the continent to help support films get off the ground. It is from here that the idea on the page is able to begin its complex journey to completion and exhibition.”

“The selectors were very encouraged by the content, themes and subject matter, that came through in this year’s selection portraying some complex and unique African stories that provide intimate insights into the continents consciousness.”

Documentary Selection:

• Africa Mother (Burkina Faso) – Producer: Koussoubé Abdoul Karim,  Director: Yssouf Koussé
• A Suitcase of Memories (South Africa) – Producer: Zinzi Nkenene Directors: Zinzi Nkenene, Engelbert Phiri,
• Black Women and Sex (South Africa) – Producer: Godisamang Khunou, Director: Godisamang Khunou 
• Kongo is Burning (Uganda / Congo) – Producer: Ali Musoke, Director: Arnold Aganze 
• Living like a Shadow (Rwanda) – Producer: Romeo Umulisa, Director: Claudine Ndimbira 
• Murder in Paris – Dulcie September (South Africa) – Producer: Liezel Vermeulen, Director: Enver Samuel
• Girlheart (Tunisia) – Producers: Salem Trabelsi, Latifa Doghri  Directors: Latifa Doghri , Salem Trabelsi
• The Home (South Africa) – Producers Justin Cohen, Jessie Zinn and Chase Musslewhite, Directors: Jessie Zinn,  Chase Musslewhite
• The Last Survivor (Egypt) – Producer: Mark Lotfy, Director: Muhammad Taymour
• The Missing Middle (South Africa) –  Producer: Nomakhomazi Dewavrin, Director: Okuhle Dyosopu

This Finance Forum forms one of many offerings at the DFM, which this year includes a one-day conference on documentary filmmaking – Durban Does Docs, the inaugural Locations Africa Exhibition and Conference – a private sector initiative that focuses on film locations in an effort to re-ignite efforts to position Africa as a key filming destination, a programme on women-led film hosted by Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), and a selection of masterclasses, seminars, workshops, labs and networking opportunities for filmmakers. For emerging filmmakers there is a Creative Corner focussing on the creative elements of film-making, and the Isiphethu Hub with workshops and seminars on filmmaking.

Early bird registration is open until 28 June 2019. Early bird fees are R1300 (ZAR) for the four-day programme, which includes four day’s access to the DFM Industry Programme, access to DFM producers lounge and DFM networking events, 10 tickets to Durban International Film Festival screenings and company information published in the industry manual. After 28 June fees are R1600 for the full programme while daily passes are R450 each (the daily pass does not include tickets to DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events).  All tickets exclude meals.

To register go to: www.durbanfilmmart.co.za