DFMI Opens Applications Call For Future Mentors Programme
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), working in collaboration with Berlinale Talents and with support from the DW Akademie, has announced the call for participants in the inaugural edition of the Future Mentors Programme.  The Future Mentors Programme’s mission is to address the scarcity of mentors originating from the African continent and diaspora, while simultaneously equipping the next wave of mentors in Africa with the essential skills they need. Its purpose is to support a capacity-building programme for seasoned film professionals who possess a genuine desire to share their expertise with aspiring film practitioners.  “The Future Mentors Programme follows the DFMI’s eagerness to expand the institute’s reach and to empower a greater number of filmmakers not only to enter the industry but to further create a sustainable industry for the future generation.
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This stems from a shared belief in the transformative power of mentorship and the immense potential it holds for nurturing emerging talents within the industry,” Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.  Beginning in 2022, a group of film experts from across the African continent and diaspora, embarked on an inspiring co-creation journey with the initial plan of designing a programme, however in doing so, realised that more was needed to support the larger industry.  This culminated in the publication of an invaluable guide tailored for both an emerging generation of film mentors and professionals who have been engaging in mentorship already, the Future Mentors Guide. The Guide was launched at the 2023 edition of the Durban FilmMart yearly event.

Through the end of 2023, these experts contributed to the development of the official curriculum for the Future Mentors Programme. The Future Mentors Programme invites producers with African passports who have produced films and have a desire to enter the mentorship space. The programme is looking for filmmakers who have produced at two feature-length films in documentary or fiction, active in the film industry for at least five years, have attended development labs and programmes or have a history training experience of working grassroots training programmes.  The first edition of the Future Mentors Programme is accepting applications from the DFMI alumni only. Selected participants will need to avail themselves of two online introductory sessions and five physical days of training taking place in Durban, South Africa in the months of November Specific dates will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of selection. Filmmakers who are interested in the programme will need to provide detailed curriculum vitae with filmography, a list of minimum three references including contact numbers and a one-page letter of motivation for consideration to participate.  Applications close September 13; 23:59pm.
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MultiChoice Talent Factory 2025: Invites Entries From Filmmakers, Scriptwriters, Others Producers
MULTICHOICE Talent Factory has called upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year.  The talent programme is open to applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.  Since its inception in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students each year giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and to unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry. Through a series of rigorous training programs, mainly hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts, participants gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking.

Also, at the end of the programme, top performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with MTF global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA), Indian-based platform Zee World and will get an opportunity to work on productions in South Africa and get a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms.  Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/4cjKojb to submit their entries and learn more about the program’s requirements.

Entry Closes For Abuja International Film Festival In July
SEPTEMBER 1 was the last day of submission of entries for the 21st edition of the Abuja International Film Festival. With entries closed now, all is set for the 2024 edition of the festival which holds from October 28 to November 2, 2024. The festival offers a contemporary and liberal platform for the filmmakers across the world to exhibit excellence through the art form of film. The aim is to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different nations. The festival accepts short and long content films, documentaries and animations. “Join talents from all over the world in this exciting celebration of filmmaking creativity and excellence,” remarked Festival founder, Fidelis Duker.
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