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 OPEN.

Call for Applications

Animation

25 September 2024 to 27 October 2024

Live Action

28 October 2024 to 28 January 2025

Application Details

Apply

Applications are currently OPEN.

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.

Animation Application

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 may submit more than one project for consideration but only one project can be selected for per applicant per
    programme cycle.
    • Projects selected as official projects for a particular programme cycle cannot be submitted again.
    • Successful applicants will be required to submit documents to prove the ownership of all the intellectual property rights of the
    film.
    • A single representative must be present during the entire Durban FilmMart programme.
    • Event period:
    Online
    – Mentorship Masterclass Series: February to March 2025
    – One on mentorship February to July 2025
    • In person
     July 2025 during the annual Durban FilmMart
    • 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.
    • 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 staff.
    • The Durban FilmMart support is to be acknowledged with a Durban FilmMart credit and logo on promotional materials
    relating to the project, subject to customary exclusions and exceptions. Once the project is completed, the credits must
    mention that the project was presented at the Durban FilmMart.
    • The Durban FilmMart reserves the right to alter program guidelines with general public notice to all potential applicants
Important Dates For Participation
 ANIMATIONLIVE ACTION
SeptemberProject Call Opens 
October27 October – Project call closes 
NovemberProject EvaluationProject Call opens
DecemberProject Evaluation 
JanuaryShortlisted projects are contacted by DFMI
Introduction to mentor
Online mentorship commences
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

Live Action Application

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

Thank you

Submission received