Durban FilmMart signs with Paris Project

One of the key objectives of the DFM, a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), is to act as a valuable feeder stage in bringing African projects to other established co-production markets across the globe.

"The partnership sees a Paris Project Award being given to a DFM project and is a welcome addition to the DFM prize-list," says Toni Monty, of the Durban Film Office. "Representatives of one DFM project will be selected to attend the prestigious annual Paris Cinema International Film Festival, further strengthening strategic linkages between France and the next generation of African Filmmakers."

Increasing global networks

One project will be awarded two complimentary return air tickets and four nights' accommodation to participate in the market and increase its global networks. Paris Project is one of the selected events in the South Africa France Season, and one project from last year's DFM will be selected for this year's market.

"We look forward to engaging with some of Africa's leading film talent through this award," says Aude Hesbert of Paris Cinema International Film Festival. "It is especially exciting to be launching this award when France is looking to the south for cultural and aesthetic inspiration during the South Africa France Season 2013."

Annual democratic and off-beat event

Paris Cinema, supported by the Paris City Hall, is described as an annual democratic and off-beat event that aims to discover up and coming filmmakers through an international competition, but also explores a wide range of cinematic styles (through French Premieres, retrospectives, tributes as well as outdoor and special events), in early July at many locations all over Paris.

"Since its inception, DFM has been fortunate to secure valuable local and international partners, sponsors and backers that have supported the development and growth of the both the market and the projects presented," says Monty. "DFM aims to continue to build on this partnership base to ensure that it is able to offer participants a broad range of opportunities and market access points. So we are pleased to have added another significant prize and opportunity to the market."

The 4th Durban FilmMart will take place 19-22 July 2013 during the 34th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (18-28 July) and will present an official selection of about 10 fiction projects and 10 documentary projects.

For more, go to www.durbanfilmmart.com.