DFM Pitch and Finance Forum Application Information

The Durban FilmMart Pitch and Finance Forum is open to both animation and live action projects in development, from filmmakers across Africa.

Applications are now closed

Call for Applications

Animation

7 November 2023 to 1 December 2023 (CLOSED)

Live Action

21 November 2023 to 20 January 2024 (CLOSED)

Application Details

Apply

Applications are currently CLOSED.

Please follow us on social media for updates regarding the opening of applications and deadlines for submissions or you can sign up for our newsletter below.

Eligibility Criteria – Can I apply to be in an official project?

The following are eligible to submit applications for selection as an official Durban FilmMart project:

  • Projects in which the producer, director or writer is an African citizen. Proof of African citizenship must be provided through a certified copy of a valid African passport or identification document
  • Africans living in the Diaspora, but who still have African citizenship.
  • Projects with a producer and director attached.
  • Non-African industry professionals – producers, directors, and writers – with projects looking for African partners can apply to be a delegate. Admission to the Durban FilmMart as a delegate is by registration and payment of a registration fee. The online delegate registration opens in May each year. 
Project Evaluation Process

Technical Evaluation – Application will be evaluated according to eligibility criteria

Project Evaluation – A panel of industry professionals will evaluate the submission and project package

Confirming shortlisted projects – Shortlisted projects will be contacted for availability and confirmation

Announcement of official selection – Public announcement of participants

Terms & Conditions / Obligations of Participants

All enquiries pertaining to the programme must be directed to DFMI via [email protected]

  • Applicants are not permitted to direct any questions or comments to evaluation panel members in advance of deadlines or following decisions.
  • The Durban FilmMart Institute reserves the right to alter programme guidelines with a general email notification to all potential applicants.
  • Time commitments with specific dates will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of selection.  
  • Terms and Conditions – to be signed by applicants. 
  1. Applicants may submit more than one project for consideration but only one project can be selected for each applicant per programme cycle.
  2. Projects selected as official projects for a particular programme cycle cannot be submitted again.
  3. Successful applicants will be required to submit documents to prove the ownership of all the intellectual property rights of the film.
  4.  A single representative must be present during the entire programme.
    • Event period: 18 -22 July 2024, as part of the annual Durban Filmmart.
    • Online mentorship 
      • Animation (January, February and June)
      • Live Action (May, June and July)
    • Travel will be covered by DFMI. This will include 1 flight (round trip) per project travelling from within Africa and accommodation for 1 project representative only. 
  5. The Durban FilmMart Institute reserves the right to alter programme guidelines with general public notice to all potential applicants.
  6. Applicants are not permitted to direct any questions or comments to evaluation panel members in advance of deadlines or following decisions. All enquiries pertaining to the programme must be directed to Durban FilmMart Institute staff.
  7. The Durban FilmMart Institute support is to be acknowledged with a Durban FilmMart Institute credit and logo on promotional materials relating to the project, subject to customary exclusions and exceptions.
  8. Once the project is completed, the credits must mention that the project was presented at the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum.

Terms and Conditions – to be signed by selected project participants upon acceptance.

Click here Terms and conditions

  •  
  •  
  •  
Important Dates For Participation
 ANIMATIONLIVE ACTION
October  
November7 November – Project Call opens
Projects Evaluation
21st November – Project Call opens
December

1st December- Project Call closes

 
January

Shortlisted projects are contacted by DFMI
Introduction to mentor

Online mentorship commences

20th January- Project Call closes
FebruaryOnline mentorship continues 
March Projects Evaluation
April Shortlisted project are contacted by DFMI
May Project announcement
Introduction to mentor
Online mentorship commences
JuneFinal preparation for DFM Pitch & Finance Forum
Online mentorship continues
Final preparation for DFM Pitch & Finance Forum
Online mentorship continues
JulyPitch at annual event (in person)
One on one meetings with decision makers
Pitch at annual event (in person)
One on one meetings with decision makers
Online mentorship continues

Animation Application

You need to be logged in in order to apply for the Pitch and Finance Forum

Live Action Application

You need to be logged in in order to apply for the Pitch and Finance Forum

Thank you

Submission received