The Durban FilmMart (DFM) Institute, a non-profit company that facilitates local and international trade and investment in African film content, is on the lookout for 10 animation projects in development for its Animation Pitch & Finance Forum taking place next year.

The initiative is in partnership with Cape Town International Animation Film Festival (CTIAF) and Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (Tshimologong).

The Animation Pitch & Finance Forum will be a part of the 14th annual DFM event that will take place in July 2023 as an in-person event in the South African city.

The selected 10 projects will pitch to a panel of international decision makers including potential coproducers, broadcasters, film funds and distributors, while five of the 10 project teams will be able to participate in the Road to Annecy at CTIAF, in addition to their participation in Durban.

Magdalene Reddy, DFMI’s general manager, said: “2022 marked the first time the DFM formally welcomed animation projects to pitch at the market. Pitches were well received from the industry and filmmakers were eager to share their stories, which we cannot wait to see in the very near future.

“Together with our partners from CTIAF and Tshimologong, we hope to deepen the programme for animators on the continent offering more pitching opportunities, extended development, and greater engagements with the industry.”

Lesley Donna William, CEO of Tshimologong, said: “This has proven to be one of the most successful and impactful partnerships that offer our talent an opportunity to engage with decision makers. DFMI and CTIAF continue to play a vital role in providing platforms where our talent can gain access to industry experts through the mentorship programme and allow them to pitch to a panel of decision makers in the broadcasting and distribution sector.”

“The best way to perfect a pitch is to practice a pitch. Events like this are integral to getting market ready and I encourage everyone to enter competitions like this to hone their skills,” added Dianne Makings, director of CTIAF.

Animated fiction and documentary projects in development to be submitted should have at least one African citizen in one of the key creative roles of writer, director or producer. Deadline for submission is October 31 at 23.59 CAT. Click here to apply.

tagged in: Cape Town International Animation Film Festival, Durban FilmMart Institute, Lesley Donna William, Magdalene Reddy, Tshimologong