A strategic new partnership was recently
formed at this year’s Rotterdam CineMart when the Durban FilmMart (DFM) signed
an agreement with Paris Project, the co-production and development platform of
the Paris Cinema International Film Festival, which is chaired by celebrated
actress Charlotte Rampling.
One of the key objectives of the DFM, a
joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International
Film Festival (DIFF), is to act as a valuable feeder stage in bringing African
projects to other established co-production markets across the globe.
“The partnership sees a Paris Project Award
being given to a DFM project and is a welcome addition to the DFM prize-list.”
says Toni Monty, of the Durban Film Office. “Representatives of one DFM project
will be selected to attend the prestigious annual Paris Cinema International
Film Festival, further strengthening strategic linkages between France and the
next generation of African Filmmakers.”
One project will be awarded two complimentary
return air tickets and four nights’ accommodation to participate in the market
and increase their global networks. Paris Project is one of the selected events
in the South Africa France Season, and one project from last year’s DFM will be
selected for this year’s market.
“We look forward to engaging with some of
Africa’s leading film talent through this award,” says Aude Hesbert of Paris
Cinema International Film Festival. “It is especially exciting to be launching
this award when France is looking to the south for cultural and aesthetic
inspiration during the South Africa France Season 2013. “
Paris Cinema, supported by the Paris City
Hall, is described as an annual democratic and off-beat event that aims to
discover up and coming filmmakers through an international competition, but
also explores a wide range of cinematic styles (through French Premieres,
retrospectives, tributes as well as outdoor and special events), in early July
at many locations all over Paris.
“Since its inception, DFM has been
fortunate to secure valuable local and international partners, sponsors and
backers that have supported the development and growth of the both the market
and the projects presented.” says Monty. “DFM aims to continue to build on this
partnership base to ensure that we are is able to offer participants a broad
range of opportunities and market access points. So we are truly pleased to
have added another really significant prize and opportunity to the market. “
The 4th Durban FilmMart will take place
from July 19 to 22 during the 34th edition of the Durban International Film
Festival (July 18-28) and will present an official selection of about 10
fiction projects and 10 documentary projects. For more information on the
Durban FilmMart visit www.durbanfilmmart.com
Entries to this year’s DFM are now closed. For
further enquires contact info@durbanfilmmart.com
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