Durban FilmMart announces 2012 project selection

The annual finance and co-production market grants filmmakers an invaluable opportunity to network with film professionals as well as gain key skills from industry workshops, seminars and master-classes addressing issues relevant to African cinema.

"We are very pleased to announce the official projects of this year's Durban FilmMart which we hope will make significant progress in their development through their participation in this forum," said Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office.

Liaise with industry leaders

A reader panel consisting of African and international film professionals were given the demanding task of moderating and scoring the total of 110 submissions consisting of 67 feature and 43 documentary projects. Twelve fiction projects and twelve documentary projects have been chosen for one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers in the finance forum. Documentary projects will also be pitched to a panel of commissioning editors and funders in the DOC Circle. Durban FilmMart participants will also have the opportunity to liaise with industry professionals during several scheduled networking sessions.

Peter Rorvik, director of the Centre for Creative Arts and the Durban International Film Festival added that the Durban FilmMart supports the recognition and appreciation for Africa-storytelling. "Durban FilmMart 2012 participants will be the next class of African film pioneers who break new ground for the African film industry," he said.

The Durban FilmMart will take place from 20-23 July 2012. Filmmakers who did not submit projects for official selection can still register as delegates for the event. Registration will officially open at the end of May 2012.