Juliana Kabua the producer of Stero, a feature film. PHOTO/COURTESY
Films from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and DR Congo are among the 31 film and television projects from 15 African countries that have been selected for the Pitch and Finance Forum of the 2025 Durban FilmMart (DFM).
The compelling projects in development will participate in the forum, a pivotal platform where filmmakers convene to network with global broadcasters, financiers, streamers, sales agents, festival programmers, and producers.
This interaction is crucial for acquiring the necessary support to transition projects from development to production, ultimately bringing diverse African narratives to both regional and international audiences.
Organised by the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), DFM is the continent’s premier platform for film finance, co-production, and industry networking.
Taking place from July 18 – 21, 2025, the 16th edition of DFM, under the banner Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite, will host a dynamic four-day event in Durban, South Africa “This year’s selection continues our proud tradition of championing authentic African narratives and voices from across the continent.
The projects selected for DFM 2025 demonstrate exceptional storytelling that bridges cultures while remaining deeply rooted in their unique contexts,’’ says Magdalene Reddy, the director of the DFMI, commented on the selection of projects.
Given the remarkable success of DFM alumni in recent years, she says with projects premiering at major international festivals and securing global distribution, she is confident this cohort will follow a similar trajectory of recognition and impact.
“These stories connect different regions of Africa and also extend to those in the diaspora and Global South communities, embodying our theme of building bridges through cinema,” Reddy added.
From Kenya is a fiction feature Stero produced by Juliana Kabua, with Millan Tarus and Tevin Kimathi as co-directors. The Tanzanian producer Wilson Nkya has a fiction feature Space Maasai, with Priscilla Marealle as the director.
From Rwanda is a fiction feature Bupya (Renewed) produced by Oge Obasi, and Dipo Abdul Osiyemi as the director. From DR Congo is a documentary feature Kivu, produced by Christian Bitwaiki, and Elise Sawasawa as the director.
The Sudanese producer Aya Tallah Yusuf has a documentary feature Samaa Gafa (Dry Sky)” with Ibrahim Omar as the director.
From DR Congo is an animated fiction feature Kintuadi: Simon Kimbangu produced by Giresse Kassonga, and directed by Benny Lusakueno. Beyond the Pitch and Finance Forum, DFM 2025 offers an enriching industry programme featuring masterclasses, panel discussions and roundtables with some of Africa's foremost filmmaking professionals.
The event aims to create pathways for shared resources, knowledge exchange, and creative partnerships that connect different regions of the continent and reach out to diaspora and global South communities. Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where film professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated.
The mission of the institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry.
