MTN ONE TV PITCH SESSION AT DFM 2026

Deadline For Submissions: September 28, 2026

Call for Submissions

Got a bold, fresh African story made for mobile-first, digital-savvy viewers? Durban FilmMart and MTN One TV are teaming up to find compelling film and TV projects! Here is everything you need to know to get pitch-ready.

-Target Audience: Youth (aged 18–34) & Mass-Market Viewers

-Primary Markets: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia (with broader Pan-African appeal)

-Lead Producer Requirement: Minimum 7+ years of professional industry experience

-Perks for Selected Pitches: 2 Complimentary DFM Accreditations per project

 

What MTN One TV is Looking For

We want authentic, culturally resonant, and commercially viable stories exploring universal themes like family, ambition, identity, and resilience.

 

Eligible Formats & Guidelines:

-Limited Series: 6–8 episodes × 45–60 mins

-Scripted Series: 13 episodes × 45–60 mins

-Unscripted Series: 13 episodes × 45–60 mins

-Micro-drama: 30 episodes × ~2 mins (tailor-made for quick mobile watching!)

-Feature Film: 60–90 mins

 

Accepted Genres:

Drama, Reality, Comedy, Action, Thriller, Romance, and Animation.

 

Who Should Apply?

-Experienced Producers: Lead producers must have at least 7 years of track record in the industry and operate via a registered production company.

-Delivery Track Record: Demonstrated ability to manage professional creative/technical teams and deliver content to broadcast or streaming standards.

-Rights Holders: You must own, control, or have official authorisation for all underlying IP and rights to the project.

 

Submission Checklist

Your pitch package must include:

-The Creative: Project Title, Logline, Synopsis, Pitch Deck, Pilot Script, and Series Outline/Breakdown.

-The Business & Budget: Estimated Production Budget, Production Schedule, Financing Status, and Target Market Strategy.

-The Team: Bios/Profiles for the Lead Producer, Production Company, and confirmed Key Creatives.

  

Pitching & Attendance

-In-Person Pitching: If shortlisted, you’ll pitch live at Durban FilmMart in Durban!

-Accreditation: Selected projects get 2 free DFM Accreditations.

-Travel & Expenses: Participants cover their own travel, lodging, visas, and daily expenses.

 

Good to Know

You Keep Your IP: Submitting or pitching does not transfer ownership of your intellectual property to DFM or MTN One TV.

Next Steps: Pitching doesn't automatically mean a commission, but it opens the door for negotiations and potential development agreements down the line.

 

Find out more:

https://www.google.com/search?q=MTN+ONE+TV+PITCH+SESSION&oq=MTN+ONE+TV+PITCH+SESSION&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCDE4MzRqMGo3qAIIsAIB8QWdc-dX0YBQ1A&sourceid=chrome&source=chrome.ob&ie=UTF-8

 

Apply now!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: SEPTEMBER 28 2026

 

BOTHO: I AM BECAUSE WE ARE

 

(Above: Musicians from the newly-formed Wushwini Indigenous Orchestra. Pic by Shelley Kjonstad)

The 12th Botho Heritage Arts Festival presents Living Archive of Memory, Spirit & Celebration at the Wushwini Pan African Centre:

The Botho Heritage International Festival returns for its 12th edition from September 23 to 27, 2026, transforming Wushwini Pan African Centre alongside Inanda Dam in the Valley of 1000 Hills, into a vibrant gathering place for African creativity, heritage, memory, dialogue and collective celebration.

Under the powerful theme Botho: I Am Because We Are, the five-day festival invites audiences, artists, cultural practitioners, elders, young people, communities and visitors to reconnect with the values that bind African societies together.

Entry to productions / events / shows is R50 at the door.

Full programme on Wushwini social media pages and website.

PAWS & PIROUETTES DANCE SHOW

 

Reddam House, Umhlanga: Sun 20 Sept 

Paws and Pirouettes collaborating with Dancers Love Dogs to raise vital funds for animals in need in the KZN area. All funds raised go directly to veterinarians, supporting vital sterilization programmes in less fortunate communities.

Puppies attending event with Rescue Organizations.

Good to Know:

Paws & Pirouettes Dance Show

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Show starting at 14h30

Reddam House, Umhlanga, Prestondale

Tickets booked through Webtickets

 

LOST IN THE PAGES

 

The magic begins … where beloved stories step off the page and dance into life.

Lost in the Pages is a magical journey through the stories we know and love, brought to life through the wonder of dance.

Watch as the pages turn and beloved characters step out of their stories, taking us through whimsical worlds, colourful characters and unforgettable tales. Beautiful costumes, music and imagination transform the stage into a joyful celebration of childhood and storytelling.

Lost in the Pages has four performances in the Playhouse Drama on October 3 and 4, 2026, at 11h00 and 14h00.

Tickets R220.  Booked through Webtickets

ANDRÉ RIEU’S 2026 SUMMER CONCERT

Rhumbelow Classics Cinema will present Viva Maastricht!, André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert.

 

Screenings will take place on:

Thursday, September 24, 2026. Show starts 14h00

Sunday, September 27, 2026. Show starts 14h00

(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Running time approx 180 min TBC (including interval)

 

This year, André Rieu celebrates a spectacular milestone - the 20th anniversary of his iconic summer concerts on the magnificent Vrijthof square.

Captured live in his beloved hometown, this brand-new cinema event marks two decades of music and unforgettable magical summer nights. Viva Maastricht! is a joyful tribute to the city where it all began.

Joined by his world-renowned Johann Strauss Orchestra and a vibrant ensemble of artists, André brings the spirit, culture, and warmth of his hometown to life in a dazzling new concert filled with emotion and wonder. From timeless waltzes to soul-stirring classics, this landmark anniversary concert promises an evening of passion, joy, and togetherness. Be part of this historic celebration as the Vrijthof once again transforms into a breathtaking open-air ballroom - only in cinemas this summer.

Tickets: R185

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za Or through Webtickets

Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue.

Bar Available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

There is limited secure parking.

 

Enquiries through Roland on 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

Rhumbelow Theatre is located at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban.

 

ECHOES OF MARABI

 

Taking place on September 30 at the Centre for Jazz at UKZN, Echoes of Marabi brings together South Africa’s rich musical heritage and contemporary influences from Johannesburg to Bern.

Led by South African pianist and vocalist Yonela Mnana and Swiss saxophonist and bass clarinetist Benedikt Reising, the ensemble features The Soultee Sisters — Happiness Siyoko, Busisiwe Shongwe and Nompumelelo Gugu Kubheka — with Swiss drummer Rico Baumann joining for the performances.

Drawing on marabi, choral traditions and contemporary jazz, the project celebrates musical exchange, resilience and connection between South Africa and Switzerland.

Bookings through https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1602901280

MBUSO NXUMALO’S GOSPEL JAZZ ALBUM LISTENING SESSION

 

(Left: Mbuso Nxumalo)

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Mbuso Nxumalo’s Gospel Jazz album listening session on Wednesday September 16, 2026, at 17h30.

Before the album reaches the world, experience the music first. Nxumalo takes centre stage for an exclusive Gospel Jazz Album Listening Session, offering audiences an early introduction to his highly-personal upcoming album project, planned for release in 2027.

Rooted in Gospel and shaped by Jazz, African musical traditions, contemporary influences, and Mbuso’s own experiences as a musician and educator. The album explores a sound that is both deeply personal and culturally-connected. At the heart of the project are original compositions, accompanied by his own creative arrangements and re-interpretations of songs that have inspired him throughout his musical journey.

The listening session will give audiences a rare opportunity to hear these works before the official album release and to discover the ideas, memories, influences, and musical decisions behind them. The audience will be taken through selected pieces from the album, introducing the music and sharing the stories behind its creation. The experience will move between guided listening, live musical moments, conversation, and reflection.

A first-listen to selected original Gospel Jazz compositions by Mbuso Nxumalo.

 

Event Details

Mbuso Nxumalo – Gospel Jazz Album listening session an album in the making. A story in music. A sound shaped by inspiration.

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Doors open: 17h00

Music starts: 17h30

Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN

General Admission: R130 (R100 Pensioners, R70)

Cash at the door.

 

SHALL WE DANCE: REVIEW

 

Toe Tapping Thirties ... (Review by Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy)

I started my dance journey in Ballroom and Latin American Dance when I was 10 years old and I have loved it ever since. It will always hold a special place in my heart and every year I find joy in returning to the Playhouse Opera to watch, Shall We Dance.

This year the dance extravaganza turns 32. A remarkable achievement by any standards. I remember the beginnings of this dance experience when I was a student at UKZN and have relished in the show ever since.

 

(Left: Egor Kondratenko & Mie LinkedIn Funch)

Seven-times South African senior Champs Mark and Edlena Leslie-Smith, Europeans Champs Egor Kondratenko and Mie LinkedIn Funch, Rudra Dance, International School of Performing Arts, Strictly Ballroom, Dance Basics, Celtics Heartbeat, Creative HeArts, Young Dancers Project, and Razzmatazz all took the stage at the Playhouse Opera to bring us a night of explosive dance, spectacular costumes, riveting choreography and enticing magic on stage.

 

(Right: Mark & Edlena Leslie-Smith)

I was whisked back into the magnificence that is Ballroom, Latin American, Bollywood, Celtics, Ballet and Hip Hop. With 35 Dance routines, 95 dancers, 11 choreographers and one fantastic host, there was more than enough technique and temperature to rile the audience. The choreography was spicy and saucy and there was never a dull moment on stage.

Hosted by the talented and tantalizing Lisa Bobbert, who teased the audience with only three songs that are just the tip of her iceberg, the show flowed and flirted with the audience. We were glued to our seats anticipating the next dance number.

I was most impressed to see the inclusive dance style that had differently-abled bodies on stage.

I loved the use of scrim cloths that soak up colour lights to create myriad backgrounds. The floating lights add a wonderful dimension to the scenery. The lights were astute and complimentary to the choreography.

One of the most significant aspect of this type of dance is the costumes and this was a mystical tenant on its own. 

The show was an absolute mash hit. It was comforting to see that this style of dance is very much alive, that fusion is possible, and that there is a thirsty audience to receive this show.

Once again, congratulations to Neville Letard, Caryl Cuzens and team on reaching 32 years of amazing dance on stage. I look forward to number 33. 

The show ran from September 11 to 13 in the Playhouse Opera Theatre. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR GCINA MHLOPHE

 

(Right: Dr Gcina Mhlophe. Pic supplied)

 

Poetry Africa Announces Dr Gcina Mhlophe as 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Poetry Africa has announced that storyteller, poet, playwright and actress Dr Gcina Mhlophe has received its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising more than four decades of contribution to South African oral tradition, literature and theatre.

Dr Gcina Mhlophe said: "It is a true honour to be recognised in this manner! I’m humbled and my heart is full of Gratitude, Sibonga Ophezulu, Sibonge Abaphansi"

Born in KwaZulu-Natal in 1958, Mhlophe rose to prominence in the 1980s through her work at Johannesburg's Market Theatre, including her acclaimed autobiographical play Have You Seen Zandile?, which won a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival. She is widely credited with helping revive oral storytelling as a recognised South African art form, performing and teaching across four of the country's languages – English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa.

Her body of work spans theatre, poetry, children's literature and film, and has been translated into numerous languages. Her honours include a SAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, an Obie Award, the South African Children's Laureate Award, and honorary doctorates from universities in South Africa and abroad. In 2016, she was named to the BBC's 100 Women list. Her birthday, October 24, has been marked as National Storytelling Day in South Africa since 2019.

Ismail Mahomed, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts said: “Gcina Mhlophe has spent decades reminding us that a story, told with courage, can hold an entire nation's memory. Honouring her this year is a chance to celebrate not just a body of work, but a legacy that has shaped how South Africans understand the power of their own voices.”

The announcement follows Poetry Africa's opening reveal of its 2026 Featured Poet, Koleka Putuma, and comes on the same day as the festival's celebratory draw for the World Poetry Slam Championship quarter-finals, live-streamed on the Poetry Africa festival page on Facebook. The 5th World Slam Poetry Championships will bring 40 slam poets from 40 nations to Durban this October.

Tickets are available through Webtickets.

 

About Poetry Africa

Poetry Africa is an annual international poetry festival curated and presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban.

Running since 1997, the festival brings together spoken-word and published poets from South Africa and around the world for performances, panel discussions, campus and school visits, poetry exchanges, book launches, open mic sessions and slam competitions.

Over 30 years, Poetry Africa has created a platform for poets and audiences to reflect on the role of poetry in society and social change, while also supporting academic scholarship in contemporary poetry at UKZN.

 

For more information on the Centre for Creative Arts, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

DAMSEL IN DISTRESS AT RHUMBELOW

 

(Kiruna-Lind Devar. Pic supplied)

 

Rhumbelow Theatre: September 11 – 13

 

Multi-award-winning cabaret artist Daniel Anderson directs sparkling young musical theatre star, Kiruna-Lind Devar, in a new one woman show about a geeky librarian needing to be brave: Damsel in Distress is running at the Rhumbelow Theatre from September 11 to 13.

A new production of Wela Kapela’s acclaimed Damsel in Distress tells the story of Griselda, aptly named after the original damsel in distress from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. She’s a librarian and she has not left the building in a very, very long time. Trapped by that dragon called fear, she has long since traded life for the safer world of fiction. When reality comes knocking, Griselda’s answer is simple: “No thank you. I’d rather just read my book.”

An avid armchair-traveller, Griselda travels through the world of books - to Paris, New York, Germany and beyond. That is until the handsome Edward Pamment begins frequenting the library. With his undeniable charm and distinctly Mr Darcy-esque manner, Edward awakens a curiosity about the world beyond Griselda’s carefully constructed castle, she must confront the fears that have kept her imprisoned. Through music, humour and heart, Damsel in Distress explores courage, survival and finding the strength to face a new life.

Through popular songs like I Love Paris, Mein Herr, At Seventeen, Windmills of Your Mind, Bang-Bang and You Don’t Own Me, the music sweeps audiences from Griselda’s imaginary world of travel to the deep corners of a dark and haunted past. Exploring the reality of femicide and gender-based violence, Damsel in Distress promises an exciting journey of hope, heart, courage and survival.

Starring acclaimed actress Kiruna-Lind Devar (Roxie Hart in Chicago, Sophie in Mamma Mia!) in her first solo cabaret. Durban audiences will be familiar with her family - Kiruna-Lind Devar is the daughter of Brenda Radloff and the late Siva Devar. The show also includes Samantha Riedel as both pianist and musical director. Multi-award-winning cabaret artist Daniel Anderson (The Tramp, Vincent) steps into the director’s chair for the first time. The story is written by celebrated and award-winning writer Amanda Bothma.

Running time 70 minutes no interval

Tickets R220 (R200 pensioners, R180 under 13)

Friday 11 September - Show starts 19h30

Saturday 12 September - Show starts 19h30

Sunday 13 September - Show starts 14h00

 Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks. No alcohol may be brought onto the premises.

Cell 0824998636

Book: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets http://events.durbantheatre.com/

102 MINUTES: INSIDE THE TOWERS

 

History Channel

September 11

Friday 21h00

 

On 9/11 the whole world watched the Twin Towers on television, and in the years since we’ve seen almost every angle replayed. But on the 25th anniversary we’ll experience first person stories for the first time from a POV we couldn’t see, revealing what they heard and what they saw - from the inside out.

Over the course of 102 minutes, the inhabitants of these buildings, plus first responders racing to the rescue, lived their own harrowing narratives, scattered throughout the buildings. From window washers to lobby staff, we gather never-before heard accounts of life-or-death struggles and heroism from throughout the towers.

Using new first-person interviews with survivors and video effects that give enlightening detail from a new perspective, the programme will create a factual record of what they experienced on 9/11 as it happened, through their points of view... from inside the towers.

Promo here - https://youtu.be/a8-2EkzlueA

TRIBUTE TO JUAN BURGERS FROM RAPHAEL VILAKAZI

 

(Juan Burgers - Pic by Val Adamson)

 

Tribute by Raphael Vilakazi (opera singer and producer)

 I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Juan Burgers. A great Maestro and a musician who did not just play music, but he created the space for others to find their own voices in the music space. Juan was robust, feisty and a perfectionist in a rehearsal room as well as on stage.

 Juan crossed barriers in the 1980's when it was difficult to enter townships, and at the time he stood apart. He criss-crossed different townships in the province of KwaZulu-Natal to accompany school choirs and community adult choirs. A white musician who rose above race, colour and creed, who was only motivated by serving classical musicians irrespective of their background.

 I met Juan for the 1st time in 1987 when I auditioned for the NAPAC Ad-hoc Chorus at the Playhouse in Durban, he saw potential in me and gave me the chance. I can safely say that he played a pivotal role in our country to open doors for black opera singers when the rest of South Africa kept them shut.

 Juan's own talent was undeniable, his greatest masterpiece was not just his piano playing, the music he wrote, his conducting, the choirs he accompanied as a pianist or the opera singers he coached and trained. His greatest masterpiece gift is the community of artists he inspired, encouraged, lifted up and built in the performing arts space in our country, some of whom are building singing careers here in South Africa and in different parts of the World. 

 He became a stepping stone for so many dreams, and he was an ultimate mentor for a lot of young opera singers who could not afford a single singing lesson. Thinking of a great choir, the audience watches a performance taking place on stage, but the music comes together because someone is directing that performance, ensuring tempo, diction, phrasing, voice balance and blending of the voices during the performance. To fellow musicians, Juan Burgers was that guiding light for so many of us.

He saw potential, opened doors for so many of us and he did not want to be the only loud voice in the room, instead he cared about making certain that others were also heard. In our space, he planted an entire forest. Juan shared the spotlight with his mentees by creating and affording performing opportunities to them. Personally, I was afforded quite a number of solo performing opportunities by Juan Burgers, either in the NAPAC Singers when I was still a chorus member or outside the Chorus when I was appointed as a soloist by NAPAC.

I am one of the lucky musicians who had an opportunity to work with this great son of our soil, not only as a mentee but as his equal on stage. In 2015, I had the privilege to produce his first opera called Ubuntu The Opera, which had its World Premiere in November 2015 at the Playhouse Opera Theatre, Durban. I am humbled that he afforded me the opportunity to produce his masterpiece.

Thank you, Juan for teaching us how to listen during rehearsals and how to collaborate with others. We appreciate that you were very much generous with your gifts, and you demonstrated to us that music is not a competition, but it is a gift to be shared. Yes, you may have put down your instrument now, and we may not be hearing your physical voice in any of our rehearsal rooms, but to us you are not gone.

We hear your teachings through the voices of so many opera singers and other artists you mentored. Your own voice is heard in every bit of success achieved by the singers you encouraged and helped. The music you composed is not over, it is being sung right this moment in different parts of the world by your mentees and by all those who appreciated your artistry.

Thank you for making our performing arts space so much brighter, and very much beautiful for generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to your family for losing a son, and to the entire classical music sector for losing such fine musician.

Rest in Eternal Peace, Juan.

 

Raphael Vilakazi (Opera Singer and Producer)