The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has announced animation project selection for the 16th annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum.
Unfortunately, the 2025 selection does not include a Kenyan animator. In 2024, “Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes” produced by Sarah Mallia and directed by Chief Nyamweya of Kenya was selected for the forum.
The selected projects are chosen after an online animation masterclass series and one-on-one mentorship offered to projects in development.
The aim of the masterclass programme is to prepare the selected participants to pitch in Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market.
The 16th annual Durban FilmMart is scheduled to take place from the 18 to 21 July, in Durban, South Africa.
“Over the years, we have noticed the increase in the quality of animation projects coming out of African continent”, said DFMI director, Magdalene Reddy.
“DFMI is honoured to witness the growth of the animation sector and celebrate the work that is been done by creators, both on the continent and in the diaspora.
“Animation DFM is now a permanent strand of programming at the market, bringing together the worlds of animation and live action in one place creates richer conversations and deeper networks for industry.”
DFMI received applications from animation professionals across the continent and the diaspora which made the selection of 8 projects by the independent evaluation panel very competitive, challenging and exciting.
All 8 projects will go through a 3-month period of training and development to ensure they are ready to meet investors in Durban.
The eight official projects are as follows:-
Animated fiction features:
Aisha Qandicha
Producer: Alyssa Harden
Director: Fatima Mahdar
Morocco
Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya)
Producer: Claye Edou
Director: Claye Edou
Cameroon
Crocodile Dance
Producer: Ingrid de Beer
Directors: Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries
South Africa /Nigeria
Kamaroza
Producer: Nouran Abdallah
Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar
Egypt
KINTUADI: SIMON KIMBANGU
Producer: Giresse Kassonga
Director: Benny Lusakueno
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe
Producer: Debbie Crosscu
Director: Tendayi Nyeke
South Africa
Animated fiction series
Mboudgui
Producer: Betty Sulty-Johnson, Lamissa Ouattara
Director: Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala
Cameroon /France
Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings
Producer: Ameera Faber, Sabrina Roc
Director: Clare Louis
South Africa
