The 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) concluded on July
21, 2025, shining a spotlight on the power and diversity of African
storytelling with the announcement of the 2025 DFM
Award winners.
Under the theme Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite, this year’s market welcomed 1,364 filmmakers and industry professionals from 63 countries, culminating in the presentation of 39 awards—including development grants, co-production opportunities, festival invitations, and industry mentorships.
Notable winners include:
The Second Coming (South Africa) – Red Sea Film Fund, Inkaba Award, NFVF Grant
Plastic Atlantis
(Cape Verde) – DOC-A, Climate Story Labs, Women Make Movies, Sheffield Doc Fest
Golden (Zimbabwe)
– Red Sea Film Fund, CANAL+ Grant, DOK.fest München
“The talent showcased in this year's programme and film
projects exemplifies the strength of African cinema,” said Magdalene Reddy,
Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.