"The In Conversation stream at DFM 2025 continues our tradition of creating meaningful exchanges between industry veterans and emerging talents," says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI). "These sessions not only celebrate the achievements of our headline speakers but provide vital platforms for dialogue that build the bridges our theme envisions. We are thrilled to present these leading experts who will share their knowledge, helping others navigate Africa's evolving film landscape while fostering connections that transcend borders."

Participating in the 2025 Conversation Series is trailblazing Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, founder of Nomadis Images and a pivotal figure in North African cinema. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Bouchoucha has produced award-winning films including "Hedi" (Berlin Silver Bear winner), and "Dear Son.” Her most recent production, "Behind the Mountains" (2023), received critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival. Her expertise extends beyond production—she founded the Carthage Film Festival Projects' workshop and has served on juries at prestigious festivals including Berlin and Venice. As a champion for Arab and African cinema, Bouchoucha brings invaluable insights on creating pathways for regional stories to reach global audiences.

Veteran South African filmmaker, Ramadan Suleman, bringing decades of experience as director and producer of seminal works in post-apartheid South African cinema. Co-founder of Natives at Large, Suleman directed groundbreaking films including "Fools," "Zulu Love Letter," and "By All Means Necessary”, while recently serving as the co- producer of the hit French and South African co-production “Spinners”. His work, deeply rooted in exploring South Africa's complex social fabric while connecting with universal human experiences, epitomizes cinema's power to unite audiences across cultural divides. Suleman's participation offers delegates insight into sustainable filmmaking practices that maintain artistic integrity while navigating industry challenges.

Academy Award-winning director and producer Roger Ross Williams joins the conversation series, Roger Ross Williams is an Oscar, Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image award-winning director, producer, and writer –and the first African American director to win an Academy Award ®, with his film MUSIC BY PRUDENCE. Williams directed LIFE, ANIMATED, which won him the Sundance Directing

Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award ® and won three Emmys. Williams is the recipient of the Career Achievement Award from the International Documentary Association, The Woodstock Film Festival Maverick Award, The NYU Alumni Achievement Award, and an honorary doctorate from Lafayette College. His production company One Story Up produced the acclaimed food series HIGH ON THE HOG, an adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates's BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, the Ben Crump documentary CIVIL, the award-winning film MASTER OF LIGHT, and the Primetime Emmy award-winning feature documentary THE APOLLO. Williams' first scripted feature, CASSANDRO from Amazon Prime Video had its World premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival to universal acclaim. He also released THE SUPERMODELS for Apple TV+, STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING, based on the book by Ibram X. Kendi, for Netflix, and the Emmy award-winning series THE 1619 PROJECT for Disney/Hulu. Williams is currently in development on his second feature film STRANGE ARRIVALS, starring Demi Moore and Colman Domingo for See-Saw Film.

The Durban FilmMart Institute is excited to offer these enriching conversations and other masterclasses, providing a platform for film professionals to gain advanced insights, enhance their skills, and build meaningful connections across geographic and cultural boundaries.

Early bird registration closes 31 May 2025, offering delegates a discounted rate for a limited time. For more information and to register, please visit our website: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

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

For further inquiries, contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com

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.