2 Zim films to screen at Durban FilmMart

Standard People
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO LOCAL filmmakers continue to penetrate international space, with two Zimbabwean fiction films selected for screening at the 12th edition of Africa’s premier film event, the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), to be held virtually from July 16 to 25 in adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Zimbabwe has two fiction films, Akashinga produced by […]

BY WINSTONE ANTONIO

LOCAL filmmakers continue to penetrate international space, with two Zimbabwean fiction films selected for screening at the 12th edition of Africa’s premier film event, the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), to be held virtually from July 16 to 25 in adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures.

Zimbabwe has two fiction films, Akashinga produced by Jérémie Palanque and directed by Naishe Nyamubaya, and Come Sunrise, We Shall Rule produced by Bramwel Iro and directed by Nyasha Kadandra.

With principal funding from the Durban Film Office and Ethekwini Municipality, the Durban FilmMart will present a comprehensive online programme of discussions, masterclasses and hangouts in addition to the Finance Forum.

In a statement, DFMI acting general manager Magdalene Reddy said 28 projects comprising 14 documentaries and 14 fiction features had been selected for the Finance Forum from hundreds of applications that were received.

She said registration would open on June 1, 2021.

“This year’s selection includes a diverse mix of emerging African talent alongside well-established filmmakers from across the continent. Participating African countries include the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe,” she said.

“The Finance Forum consists of individual mentorship, public pitching and one-on-one meeting with film investors, sales agents, distributors, content editors, broadcasters, and programmers, and is a core element of the DFMI.”

Reddy said the projects had come through despite much of the world going into COVID-19-induced lockdowns last year, which had a devastating impact on the film industry.

“In true African spirit, the filmmakers on our continent persevered and continued to tell their stories as is evidenced by the quality of this year’s projects that are once again pushing the boundaries in African filmmaking,” she said.

“DFM is looking forward to once again highlight Africa’s filmmaking talent and connecting the film projects to global players.”

Reddy said DFMI was the business hub of the African film industries in a world where African film professionals and products 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 industries, so that African film industry professionals and products are competitive and celebrated globally,” she said.

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