As global demand for African content rises, platforms like Netflix and Showmax are increasingly highlighting local productions. This presents an exciting opportunity for African animation producers to enter the international market. However, many creatives—especially those from marginalized communities—often lack access to the necessary training and mentorship to successfully pitch their projects to investors.
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), a key platform for African filmmakers, is addressing this gap. DFMI is a non-profit organization that facilitates local and international trade and investment in African film content. Supported by the City of Ethekwini (Durban) and South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation, DFMI hosts an annual pan-African film finance and co-production market. This event connects African content producers with international financiers, providing a platform where innovative and underrepresented voices can shine.
In response to the growing interest from animation producers, DFMI, in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), expanded its offerings to better serve the animation sector. By bringing together international broadcasters and financiers with a vested interest in African animation, DFMI has created a launchpad for producers to secure funding and increase visibility.
To further support this initiative, DFMI introduced a pitch training and mentorship program designed to equip animation producers—particularly women and underrepresented genders—with the skills to meet international pitching standards. The impact has been impressive: the 2022 and 2023 pitch forums included 34 participants representing 18 projects, collectively raising $1,738,084.
In the 2021 UNESCO Film Trends in Africa Report, DFMI was recognised as “the best film market on the continent.” DFMI actively fosters partnerships across Africa, with a special focus on engaging filmmakers from historically marginalized communities.
By amplifying African animation on the global stage, DFMI is driving sustainable growth in the industry and opening up new opportunities for creatives across the continent.
To learn more about the Durban FilmMart Institute and new funding opportunities for African animation producers, visit: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/
Or read the full report by the GIZ here:
