Durban FilmMart 2026 Programme Signals Latest Film Industry Trends

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has unveiled the industry programme for the 2026 edition of Durban FilmMart, bringing four days of conversations, knowledge-sharing and networking to Durban from 9 to 12 October.

The programme brings together filmmakers, producers, industry organisations and other creative professionals for discussions around some of the issues shaping the African film industry. Among the key themes are equitable co-production, film financing, advocacy and lobbying, artificial intelligence and the rapid growth of emerging formats such as vertical drama.

Exploring New Ways to Collaborate

One of the featured sessions, Where’s The Change: Co-production Beyond Financial Collaboration, will examine how filmmakers and organisations can work together beyond the limitations of traditional co-production treaties.

The discussion will explore approaches rooted in Ubuntu, collective responsibility and interconnectedness, while considering what the future of collaboration could look like. The panel includes filmmakers and industry figures from Africa, Brazil and Canada, including Mathew Cerf, Tatiana Carvalho Costa, Ian Mark Kimanje, Mohamed Saïd Ouma and Sylvia Vollenhoven.

Rethinking How Films Get Funded

Financing is another major focus, with More Than Making Cents: A New View On Financing Film examining ways filmmakers can develop more sustainable production models in challenging economic conditions.

The session will look at non-traditional financing approaches, including cooperative models that can give filmmakers greater creative control, narrative sovereignty and ownership of their intellectual property. Speakers include film finance specialist Nathan Adabadze, producer Alex Bogomolov, South African producer Khosie Dali, Samantha Kaine and Kenyan filmmaker Sam Soko.

Who is Fighting for Film?

The programme also turns its attention to advocacy through Who Is Fighting Our Corner? Film Advocacy and Lobbying on the African Continent. The session will examine the work being done by guilds, professional associations, filmmaker collectives and civil society organisations to strengthen African film industries.

Another session will trace the journey of Ben’Imana, from its development as a work-in-progress project at Durban FilmMart to its 2026 Cannes Film Festival premiere, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize and Caméra d’Or.

AI, Animation and Vertical Drama

Technology and changing audience habits also feature prominently. AI and Animation will explore both the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence, particularly within the developing African animation sector.

Meanwhile, Short Form, Big Impact: The Rise of Vertical Dramas will consider the rapid international growth of mobile-first vertical storytelling, its emerging African footprint and whether the format can open new pathways for content and commerce.

These sessions form only part of the extensive four-day programme, which also includes dedicated Animation Day and Impact strands, along with sessions examining co-production, programming, distribution, audience development and international partnerships.

WATCH: 2026 Durban FilmMart Event Teaser

Register to Attend Durban FilmMart 2026

With its 17th edition supported by a broad network of funders and industry partners, and hosted in assocoation with Multichoice,  Durban FilmMart continues to position itself as a meeting space for African filmmakers and international partners to develop relationships, share ideas and build new opportunities across the film industry.