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Compiled by Shaibu Husseini

Durban Filmart Names Board Of Directors
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) have announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors, marking a new chapter for the organisation as it reaffirms its commitment to championing African film narratives and supporting industry professionals across the continent. The Board plays a central role in guiding DFMI’s strategic direction, fostering sustainable growth, and advancing its mandate to facilitate local and international trade and investment in African film content.

“It has been an honour to serve alongside such a dedicated board, whose service and friendship have strengthened the Durban FilmMart Institute,” said outgoing Chairperson, Mpumi Mazibuko. “Over the past three years, this organisation has grown to fully embody its mandate: facilitating investment in film, increasing the visibility of African content, improving access to funding, promoting co-productions, encouraging collaboration, expanding market access, and building a supportive community of filmmakers across the continent. That progress reflects the work of a strong and passionate team operating daily behind the scenes to grow the continent’s film industry. I extend my heartfelt thanks to both the Board and staff, and wish the incoming Chairperson and Board every success as they lead DFMI into its next chapter.”

The new DFMI Board of Directors, who took office in early 2026, comprises Ameera Faber, Mocke Jansen van Veuren, Zanele Mthembu, Masi Mtshali, Poovashnee Reddy, and Khalid Shamis, with Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri serving as Chairperson. “We extend a warm welcome to the new Board of Directors,” said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.

“These newly appointed members bring considerable experience, expertise, and passion for the film industry, and we have every confidence in their judgment and strategic vision. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will strengthen the Institute’s commitment to promoting cinematic excellence, nurturing emerging talent, and preserving film heritage and culture across the continent.” The collective expertise and leadership of the new Board will reinforce DFMI’s capacity to innovate, lead industry trends, and deliver resources and opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals.

With the Board’s guidance, the Institute is well positioned to continue its legacy of excellence. New Chairperson Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri said: “I am thrilled to welcome a new, dedicated Board. Serving on the DFMI Board is a privilege, because everyone who has contributed to it — alongside an exceptional staff complement under the leadership of Magdalene Reddy — has done so with genuine dedication, often without compensation, bringing real expertise to keep its market vibrant and thriving. I am honoured to take on this role, succeeding the outstanding leadership of our outgoing Chair, attorney Mpumi Mazibuko.” Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri is the CEO and founder of the Known Associates Group of Companies, which includes a below the line agency, design studio, film production development and finance company and is currently building a state-of-the-Art film and television Studio in the Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg. KA skilfully produces and directs world-class projects in the communications, experiential, and relationship marketing industries, both locally and across Africa Established in 2020, the Durban FilmMart Institute is a non-profit organisation that aims to be a leading hub for the African film industry, offering year-round support to film professionals and helping build global visibility for African content and talent. Alongside its training and development initiatives, the Institute’s flagship event — Africa’s premier film finance and co-production market, the annual Durban FilmMart — enters its 17th edition this October 2026

Submission Closing Day Approaching For Tokyo Film Fest
SUBMISSIONS for the 39th edition edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival will close on July 7 at noon. The 39th TIFF will be held for 10 days from October 26 to November 4, while TIFFCOM 2026 will be held for 3 days from October 28. The main venues of the 39th TIFF will continue to be located in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area, and TIFFCOM will continue to be located in the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-Kan. The call for entries is scheduled to begin on April 7. The festival aims at amplifying the possibilities of cinema from Tokyo and contribute to interactions with a diverse world. For inquiries on submission and the festival line up write: [email protected]

Still Open: Entries For Abuja International Film Festival
ENTRIES are still open for the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival. The festival is Nigeria’s and West Africa longest running festival held annually in Abuja, Nigeria’s sprawling capital city. The festival co-founder and executive director Temitope Duker disclosed that submissions are now open for filmmakers across Africa and the world. “We expect filmmakers across Africa and the world to enter their stories, share their artistic vision and celebrate cinema on a global stage,” Temitope Duker said adding that the festival accepts features, shorts, documentaries, animation and student films. The festival offers a contemporary and liberal platform for the filmmakers of the World to exhibit the excellence of the film art form. The aim is mainly to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different nation while also promoting African and global cinema through screenings, workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities, will take place this year from October 20 to October 24, 2026. Submission can be made via via