The 2025 DFM animation focus is highlighted through the official projects pitching in the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum, the various partners engaging in discussions exploring animation’s sustainability, diversity, and technical excellence and the animation experts addressing critical issues facing African animation studios and creators.

Complementing the Animation@DFM programme stream, sees a special partnership with the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), in which Durban will be one of the host cities of the festival’s travelling showcase. The three-city tour kicks off in Cape Town on 2 July, heads to Durban on 20 July, and wraps up in Johannesburg on 23 August.  Audiences can expect a colourful mix of stories and styles, showcasing the depth and creativity of African animation. With its travelling showcase this July, CTIAF invites audiences to discover the richness of African animation and to celebrate the continent’s creative talent.

Leading the industry conversations on independent studio sustainability, Francis Y. Brown (AnimaxFYB Studios); Avuzwa Ntshongwana (Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct); Hamid Ibrahim (Kugali) and Claye Edou (Cledley Productions) explore practical strategies for maintaining creative and financial viability in competitive markets, in the session, How Can Smaller Animation Studios Remain Sustainable?

The panel discussion, Expanding the Frame - Building Bridges for Gender Inclusivity in Animation, presented in partnership with Triggerfish and UNESCO, takes a critical look at the animation industry and its inclusion of women, femmes and queer identifying individuals and asks what still needs to be done to amplify these voices and create a more equitable industry. Unpacking this discussion are Kumbi Chitenderu (Triggerfish), Nadia Darries (Goon Valley), Tshepo Moche (PlayNice), Tracey-Lee Rainers (Story Oasis), Vanessa Ann Sinden (Triggerfish), and Caroline Vos (Triggerfish), moderated by Anthony Silverston.

Animation SA joins forces with DFM to present "Transmedia Storytelling: Expanding Horizons Through Animation and Gaming," featuring panellists Themba Buyeye (Pheku Motion Company), Lebo Leitch (XR Native), Kesolofetse Mogale, Mxolisi Xaba (both from Native Games Publishing) and Xolile Vundla of Animation SA.

Building on DFM's tradition of world-class masterclasses, Sébastien Onomo of Special Touch Studios, Bruno Felix, the founder of Submarine and Isaac Mogajane, co-founder of Diprente Films will lead two masterclasses in which they explore the global landscape of animated content production.

These sessions provide essential networking opportunities for animation professionals, fostering connections that strengthen the African animation ecosystem while building bridges to international markets and collaborators.

Early Bird registration for DFM 2025 closes 31 May 2025.

Register now: durbanfilmmart.co.za

For inquiries: info@durbanfilmmart.com

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

About the Durban FilmMart Institute:

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 Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry.