(Photo
from DFM 2019 of film-makers in an NFVF “speed-dating” networking session
connecting them with investors, financiers, programmers, content editors and
other markets)
The Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s leading
film market, has announced that it will be established as an independent
institute functioning as a Non-Profit Organisation ahead of its 11th edition in
2020.
“This had always been part of the business
plan of Durban FilmMart since its establishment in 2009,” explains Toni Monty,
Head of the Durban Film Office and the DFM. “With the continued growth and
expansion of the initiative, as well as the continuous increase in numbers of
delegates, and submissions of projects in development, which have this year,
surpassed any other in our 11-year history, the current structure has been
outgrown, and sustainable long term strategies now need to be implemented.”
The DFM has been a programme of the
eThekwini Municipality’s film industry unit, the Durban Film Office in
partnership with the Durban International Film Festival since 2009. “Going
forward the DFO will continue to support the DFM, and the Institute structure
will allow possibilities for new partnerships and fundraising, that will ensure
the growth and continued stability of the annual initiative,” says Monty. “Most
importantly, the new Institute will open greater opportunities for the Durban
FilmMart to continue playing an important role in promoting African film and
television content.”
The Institute will uphold its mandate to
contribute to the film industry on the continent, through networking, project
development and upskilling, but will also explore the potential for developing
year-round development programmes in partnership with key industry
role-players.
The next few months will be business as
usual for the DFM, while the Institute is set up.
South African arts administrator and project
manager, Magdalene Reddy of Creative WorkZone, who has extensive experience in
the film festival and market sector has been appointed as the project manager
who will oversee the setting up of the institute ahead of the 2020 edition.
“Ms Reddy joins our team with a wealth of
experience in governance and management in the Arts,” says Monty. “As a former
senior administrator at the Durban International Film Festival, not to mention
a string of other major international and national arts projects to her name,
we believe that she is best placed to take this process forward with passion
and integrity.”
“In addition, there is a solid team who
have institutional knowledge that will curate and manage the event for this
year’s edition to ensure another year of engaging programming.”
“Of course, partners and sponsors continue
to play a vital role in the on-going success of the DFM, and we are confident
that the establishment of the Durban FilmMart Institute, will provide many
opportunities for meaningful collaborations.”
The DFM takes place from July 17 to 20
2020. For further information visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za
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