The 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) has wrapped up, concluding with the presentation of the 2026 DFM Awards on Monday 12 October

The premier film industry event in Africa, the Durban FilmMart (DFM) 2026, took place from 9 to 12 October in Durban, under the theme “Shifting Worlds: Turning Towards Ourselves” successfully bringing together 1131 film professionals and filmmakers from 56 countries across the world.

“We are delighted to have hosted such a dynamic array of filmmakers and industry leaders in Durban. Delegates entrusted us with their projects and ideas, and had honest, uncompromising conversations about alternative funding pathways, equitable co-production and authentic partnerships,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI). “The talent showcased in this year’s programme and film projects exemplifies the strength of African cinema; networks expanded, and partnerships forged will extend DFM’s legacy and impact. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their support in celebrating and elevating African storytellers, producers and content creators.”

“The quality of the projects presented in this year was exceptional, with filmmakers bringing bold, original and well-developed work to the table,” adds Reddy. “That calibre was matched by the generosity of the organisations, funders and festivals who came to Durban to recognise it. Every prize, whether it is a cash grant, a place in a lab or market, or a mentorship, opens a door for these filmmakers, and we are deeply grateful to our partners for their continued belief in African storytelling.”

The event ended on a high with the presentation of 39 awards from 30 partners, valuing over R2 million (over $120 938,00).

All the award winners at the 17th Durban FilmMart 2026.

Category – Cash Awards:

The JustFilms Documentary Award (Ford Foundation) – Award of 10,000 USD

THE THREAD AND THE WALL - LE FIL ET LE MUR (Algeria)

Producer/Director: Mouni Bouallam

Al Jazeera Co-production Award of 10,000 USD

ON THE SEA ROAD (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

Climate Story Labs Award of 10,000 USD

The award is on behalf of Climate Story Labs Africa and Doc Society, in collaboration with UMI Fund.

THE BIRTH OF DERNA (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF)

• Best Fiction – Grant of R100,000

THE BOY WHO SPOKE STATIC (Nigeria)

Agbajowo Collective: Temitope Ogungbamila, Samuel Okechukwu, Mat Cerf (Lead Producer) and Bisola Akinmuyiwa

• Best Non-fiction – Grant of R100,000

THE ONES WITH THE TEMPERED FLOWERS (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

• Best Animation – Grant of R100,000

SUNDAY MORNING (Ethiopia)

Producer: Nahom Abiy

Director: Minasie Terefe

Inkaba Award (Stained Glass TV) – Award of R30,000

DADDIES (South Africa)

Producer: Catharina Weinek

Director: Sean Mongie

NEWF Natural World Storytelling Grant of 5,000 USD

A TOUCH OF PARADISE (Tunisia)

Producer: Sarra Ben Hassen

Director: Houcem Slouli

Red Sea Film Fund Award – Fiction of 5,000 USD

• HEIRS OF NO REGRET (Kenya)

Producer: Mumo Liku

Director: Saitabao Kaiyare

• THE BOY WHO SPOKE STATIC (Nigeria)

Agbajowo Collective: Temitope Ogungbamila, Samuel Okechukwu, Mat Cerf (Lead Producer) and Bisola Akinmuyiwa

Docubox Award of 5,000 USD

WHERE DO I BELONG? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal AfifI

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

TRT Award of 5,000 USD

ON THE SEA ROAD (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

RRImpact Pitch Prize (DocA) of 5,000 USD

MY DJOMÉLÉ NIGHT (Burkina Faso)

Producer: Cinema Salama

Director: Barkima Nafissatou Laguempedo

Sundance Institute Documentary Fund New Voices Award of 5,000 USD grant

WHERE DO I BELONG? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal Afifi

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

The Whickers Bursary Award of 3,000 GB POUNDS

GREEN ISLAND GIRLS (Egypt)

Producer: Amrosh Badr

Director: Rogena Tarek

Sunshine Cinema UCT Impact Development Award 

The award comprises a bursary to the University of Cape Town Sunshine Cinema Film Impact Online Course of 2027 to the value of R18000 and a R7500 grant towards a first impact screening of the film.

Includes optional inclusion in the Sunshine Cinema distribution catalogue.

• PÜLÖ: BLOODSTREAM OF THE KIRIKE (Nigeria)

Producer/Director: Christina Ifubaraboye

• ON THE SEA ROAD (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

Category – Market/Event Participation Award

DFMI Talents Durban Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum 2027

THE BASEMENT (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Director:  Mélanie K. ZAWADI

Sørfond Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to  participate in the Sørfond Pitching Forum and a pitch course

• THE BOY WHO SPOKE STATIC (Nigeria)

Agbajowo Collective: Temitope Ogungbamila, Samuel Okechukwu, Mat Cerf (Lead Producer) and Bisola Akinmuyiwa

• WHERE DO I BELONG? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal Afifi

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

Rotterdam Lab Award

5 nights’ accommodation and accreditation to participate in the Rotterdam Lab

FOUR MONTHS AND TEN DAYS (Sudan)

Producer: Samo Hussein

Co-producer: Anna Stylińska

Director: Alyaa Musa

The DOK Leipzig Award

3 nights’ accommodation and 2 accreditations to participate in DOK Leipzig 2027 as the selected project in the DOK Co-Pro Market

THE ONES WITH THE TEMPERED FLOWERS (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

The FIDADOC Award

Flights, accommodation and accreditation to participate in the FIDADOC Pan African Writing Residency 2027

• THE BIRTH OF DERNA (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

• FITAMPOHA, THE RETURN OF THE KING OF MENABE (Madagascar)

Director: Ramaroson Anatole 

Movies that Matter Award

Accommodation and accreditation to attend Movies That Matter 2027

THE ONES WITH THE TEMPERED FLOWERS (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

Animation Production Days (APD) Award

3 nights’ Accommodation and Industry badge (producer accreditation) to participate in Animation Production Days 2027

SUNDAY MORNING (Ethiopia)

Producer: Nahom Abiy

Director: Minasie Terefe

DOK.fest München Award

4 nights’ accommodation and 2 accreditations for the project team and to attend DOK.fest München 2027 and participate in the DOK.forum marketplace

WHERE DO I BELONG? (Sudan)

Producer: Talal AfifI

Director: Ibrahim "Snoopy" Ahmad

Sheffield Doc Fest Award

4 nights’ accommodation to attend the Sheffield DocFest 2027 with an Industry pass and a full waiver to submit to the MeetMarket  

THE ONES WITH THE TEMPERED FLOWERS (Kenya)

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

NEWF Post-Production Residency Award

A post-production residency at eKhaya, NEWF’s Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre (maximum 3 team members)

THE BIRTH OF DERNA (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

NEWF Summit Attendance Award

NEWF Summit attendance, including flights and accommodation (maximum 2 team members)

SECOND BLOOM (Zimbabwe)

Director: Tendaiishe Chitima

El Gouna Emerge Award

7 nights’ shared accommodation,ground transport and accreditation for El Gouna Film Festival 2026

• THE BIRTH OF DERNA (Libya)

Director: Hussein Eddeb

• CAUSE, EFFECT & MAYBE CONSEQUENCES (Nigeria)

Director: Cheyi Okoaye

Talents Press Award presented by CIFF and FIPRESCI

Flights, 5 nights’ accommodation and accreditation for Cairo International Film Festival 2026 for the selected Talents Press participant

NEYA Harouna (Burkina Faso)

TFL x IEFTF Next Award (TorinoFilmLab)

A place in the TorinoFilmLab programme, with the stage of development to be determined with the Lab

FOUR MONTHS AND TEN DAYS (Sudan)

Producer: Samo Hussein

Director: Alyaa Musa

Visions du Reel Award

Accommodation and accreditation and to participate in the Visions du Reel Market 2027 THE ONES WITH THE TEMPERED FLOWERS

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

Category – Mentorship, Distribution and Membership

Women Make Movies Award

Best Pitch by a Women Filmmaker. Acceptance into the Production Assistance Program, which includes fiscal sponsorship allowing filmmakers to raise grants in the U.S.; individualised fundraising, distribution and ongoing project consultations, including feedback on rough cuts; a project page on WMM’s website to facilitate online donations; access to WMM’s catalogue of more than 700 films; social media support for crowdfunding campaigns, screenings and events; promotion of the completed film; one year of free WMM webinars on the business side of the business and case studies; and scheduled use of WMM’s NYC office, including the conference room for meetings or rough-cut screenings.

ON THE SEA ROAD (Palestine)

Director: Fitnat Waked with participation of Nour Obaid

Impronta Films Consultancy Award

Distribution consultancy

• WAITING FOR EVOLUTION (South Africa)

Producer/Director: Karin Slater

• DESIGNING DIVIDE (South Africa)

Producer/ Director: Jessie Ayles

The Wrapped App Award: Wrapped premium subscription of 3 months worth R31500

SECOND BLOOM (Zimbabwe)

Director: Tendaiishe Chitima

The 17th Durban FilmMart,  held in association with MultiChoice, with principal funding from the National Lotteries Commission and the National Film and Video Foundation, and the support of the Ford Foundation, Netflix, MTN Group and the Industrial Development Corporation, among others.

The success of the annual Durban FilmMart is made possible through the generous support of funders and partners, eThekwini Municipality, Durban Film Office, Ford Foundation, National Film and Video Foundation, Splashout, MTN Group, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Expertise France and GIZ, The International Emerging Film Talent Fund, NEFTI, Industrial Development Corporation, Netflix, CNC, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Arab Culture Fund, Avalon Group, French Institute of South Africa, Animation SA, African Producers Accelerator, Berlinale Talents, Canada High Commission of South Africa, Caribbeantales and the Cross Continental Forum, Chiriseri Studios, Climate Story Labs Africa, Cape Town International Animation Festival, Dante Languages, Department of Communication and Digital Technology, Disabled Audio-Visual Worker's Network, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Durban International Film Festival, Doc Society, Docubox, Documentary Africa, Durban University of Technology, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, FIVA, FIPRESCI, Gauteng Film Commission, Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, IMPACT (Canada), Independent Producers Organisation, Habesha Creative, Ladima Foundation, Nature Environment Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), South African Audio Visual Cluster, South African Guild of Actors, South Africa Guild of Editors, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Storyboard Collective, Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), SASFED, Palestine Film Institute, Tunga Media Afrika, WGSA, WiC.  Media Partners include Arena Holdings and Variety.

MultiChoice Puts the SA Creative Industry First at Durban FilmMart 2026

With a long history as a major investor in local storytelling, MultiChoice is heading to the 17th Durban FilmMart (9 to 12 October) to build new partnerships that will help turn South African filmmakers’ abundant supply of creative ideas into viable productions and grow businesses, careers and protect intellectual property.

The global production industry is facing sustained headwinds – and the South African creative industry is not immune to those. “A sustainable local content industry requires both investment and an enabling ecosystem in which producers can build businesses, women can progress into leadership, and where emerging professionals can access mentorship and opportunity,” says Willington Ngwepe, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd CEO. “As the custodians of DStv’s content in South Africa, we understand the challenges that creators are facing while constantly listening to our customers to understand what they want to see on their screens – and we want to bring the supply and demand sides closer together with the right funding, training and support to continue to grow the industry we’ve invested in for over three decades”.

Willington Ngwepe, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd CEO

Durban FilmMart has a long history of connecting filmmakers and producers with finance, co-production opportunities, industry expertise, international market opportunities and potential partners. Ideas and intellectual property must also be protected, and working with Partners Against Piracy MultiChoice is leading public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risk and damage of consuming pirated content, engaging with government authorities to put in place stricter regulation and legislation to protect intellectual content in the digital age, and supporting law enforcement agencies to prosecute pirates in South Africa and beyond the country’s borders. “Our participation at Durban FilmMart creates opportunities for direct engagement with independent producers, creators, policymakers, distributors, and other industry partners to help build, safeguard and promote our industry,” says Willington Ngwepe, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd CEO.

“Having a partner of MultiChoice's stature alongside us is a significant milestone for the Durban FilmMart,” said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the DFM. “MultiChoice has a long-standing commitment to African storytelling, and their involvement strengthens our mission to connect filmmakers with the financing and partnerships they need. For filmmakers, this kind of access is invaluable. It means projects will engage with decision-makers who can help move them from concept to screen.”

MultiChoice representatives will be leading and participating in a series of discussions and events. On 9 October MultiChoice Head of Content Renee Jacobs and key content supplier CANAL+ Africa’s Head of Scripted Content Tebogo Matlawa will headline the discussion topic ‘Support and Funding of Local Content in SA’. 

Durban FilmMart, in association with MultiChoice, runs from 9-12 October at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani on the Durban beachfront. Visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za for more information.

To find more information on the sessions above, the rest of the Durban FilmMart Industry Programme and so much more, go to https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

The 17th edition of Durban FilmMart, in association with MultiChoice and principal funding from the National Lotteries Commission, is supported by the following funders and partners: eThekwini Municipality, Durban Film Office, Ford Foundation, National Film and Video Foundation, Splashout, MTN Group, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Expertise France and GIZ, The International Emerging Film Talent Fund, NEFTI, Industrial Development Corporation, Netflix, CNC, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Arab Culture Fund, Avalon Group, French Institute of South Africa, Animation SA, African Producers Accelerator, Berlinale Talents, Canada High Commission of South Africa, Caribbeantales and the Cross Continental Forum, Chiriseri Studios, Climate Story Labs Africa, Cape Town International Animation Festival, Dante Languages, Department of Communication and Digital Technology, Disabled Audio-Visual Worker's Network, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Durban International Film Festival, Doc Society, Docubox, Documentary Africa, Durban University of Technology, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, FIVA, FIPRESCI, Gauteng Film Commission, Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, IMPACT (Canada), Independent Producers Organisation, Habesha Creative, Ladima Foundation, Nature Environment Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), South African Audio Visual Cluster, South African Guild of Actors, South Africa Guild of Editors, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Storyboard Collective, Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), SASFED, Palestine Film Institute, Tunga Media Afrika, WGSA, WiC.  Media Partners include Arena Holdings and Variety.

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Durban FilmMart Welcomes Canadian Delegation

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) will welcome a delegation of Canadian film professionals to this year's market that takes place from 9 to 12 October.   The delegation's presence, presented in partnership with the High Commission of Canada Trade Office in South Africa, is anchored by a dedicated speed-meeting session connecting Canadian filmmakers with DFM delegates.

“Canada has long been one of South Africa's strongest coproduction partners, and this delegation builds on a relationship with the Canadian High Commission that we've been growing year on year,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “South Africa's co-production treaty with Canada gives our filmmakers real, practical access to Canadian financing, expertise and markets, and vice versa. Durban FilmMart exists to be that meeting space; a hub where international delegations like this one can sit across the table from African producers and turn shared interest into actual projects.”

SPEED MEETINGS: MEET THE CANADIAN FILMMAKERS

Presented in partnership with the High Commission of Canada Trade Office

Durban FilmMart delegates will have the opportunity to meet selected film professionals from Canada, with the opportunity to finance, distribute, co-produce and collaborate. The Canadian delegation brings together an award-winning, genre-spanning group of 17 producers, writers and directors working across documentary, fiction, animation and factual formats - with slates spanning genre and elevated-genre features, impact-driven documentary, BIPOC-led storytelling and international co-production, from across Canada.

Alex Bogomolov, is CEO/Producer, at Apsis Pictures (British Columbia) an independent production company handling full-cycle development, financing, production and delivery for genre and elevated-genre features.

Amy Miller, is a Producer, with Wide Open Exposure Productions, who has for more than two decades, produced bold documentaries investigating the political, environmental, historical and cultural forces shaping the world, screening at 150+ international festivals. The company is now focused on expanding international collaborations through documentary co-production.

Annette Clarke is a Producer, at Ruby Line Productions Inc, and a National Film Board of Canada veteran who has produced or co-produced 100+ films.

Chibie Louis-Okoye, is Founder/Producer, at Colo Studios who is also a media entrepreneur whose work is shaped by spirituality, Africa and social themes. She produced KOFA (2024), which debuted at Number 1 in Nigeria on Amazon Prime Video and won Best Feature Film at AFRIFF.

Danilo Reyes, is Founder/CEO, Blue Maroon Media, and is also an actor and musician striving to diversify the voices and faces on screen. An alumnus of Reelworld's BEP Producer's Program and the CMPA Producer Mentorship Program, Danilo is currently developing a slate of television series and feature films.

Eritrean-Canadian filmmaker Feven Ghebremariam, is Founder/CEO of Zantana Media who is working at the intersection of cinema and community engagement, whose work explores diaspora, colonial legacy and belonging. Feven is a co-founder of Black on Black Films, a collective supporting Black filmmakers in Quebec.

Ian Mark Kimanje, is a Producer at Film Garage Studios that develops premium documentary and impact-driven content connecting culture, identity, science and social change, with relationships spanning Canada, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the US.

Katia Café-Fébrissy, is Producer/President, KaFé Productions Inc., a bilingual production company dedicated to telling bold, intimate stories that amplify fresh and underrepresented voices.

Letay Williams, is a Writer/Producer, at A Little Happy Media. She is the Founder of a production company amplifying BIPOC talent for global audiences.

Nina Dube, is Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada Trade office in South Africa. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian export-ready companies navigate the complexities of international markets. Representatives from the Canadian Trade Office will be available throughout Durban FilmMart to facilitate introductions, support networking opportunities, and explore potential partnerships and co-production opportunities between Canadian and South African industry stakeholders.

Patricia Sims, is the President/Producer at CanazWest Pictures which has produced award-winning documentaries and factual series for CBC, Discovery Channel, ARTE, NHK and others. Patricia is also the Founder of World Elephant Day, a global awareness campaign reaching over 2 billion social media impressions.

Roble Issa, is Producer, Gobez Media Inc.an Ethiopian-Canadian production company creating documentary, fiction and digital content rooted in Africa and its diaspora. Recent projects include Finding Sally and the Emmy-nominated Made in Ethiopia, with work screened at Cannes, TIFF, Tribeca and FESPACO.

Samantha Kaine, is an activist, mentor and speaker; founder and CEO of IMPACT (Independent Media Producers Association of Creative Talent). She is a Jamaican-Canadian producer working at the intersection of AI, cultural policy and economic inclusion. Samantha leads IMPACT's accelerator programmes supporting Black mid-career producers across Canada and the diaspora, and serves on the AI Committee of the Coalition for Diversity of Cultural Expressions. IMPACT is also a co-partner of the 2026 Canadian delegation to DFM.

Sarlota Csete, is Director, Mentorship, International Development & Board Secretary (CMPA (Canadian Media Producers Association).  Sarolta leads international development initiatives at the CMPA, fostering global partnerships and co-production opportunities for Canadian producers. A co-partner of the Canadian delegation to DFM 2026, the CMPA is Canada's leading advocacy organization for independent producers, dedicated to helping Canadian producers establish international partnerships and bring their content to screens around the world.

Shane LaTouche, is Founder/CEO, Toronto Black Media Productions, a producer and cultural creative focused on projects for Black and Caribbean communities. He also volunteers as Executive Director of the Toronto Black Media Association.

Shannon Walsh, is Producer/Director at Last Songbird Productions, and is an award-winning filmmaker and Guggenheim Fellow producing documentary and fiction features, shorts, VR works and music videos centred on bold, underrepresented voices.

Sylvester Ndumbi, is Founder/Producer, at Simba Creative, and leads an award-winning production company creating scripted, documentary and unscripted content for global audiences, with fifteen years of Canadian broadcast credits and productions screened at UN events worldwide. Simba Creative is actively expanding its international co-production slate.

The Canadian delegation's presence at Durban FilmMart demonstrates, a growing interest in building sustainable co-production pathways between the Canadian and South African audio-visual industries, with opportunities spanning documentary, fiction, genre and digital content.

To find out more about the Canadian delegation as well as others attending the 2026 edition of the DFM, go to https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/.