DFMI Business Lab is a 14-week online business skills development programme aimed at nurturing and empowering producers with the necessary skills to effectively engage in a global market.
By Seyi Lasisi
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has opened applications for the 4th edition of the DFMI Business Lab for aspiring African filmmakers and producers.
DFMI Business Lab is a 14-week online business skills development program aimed at nurturing and empowering producers with the necessary skills to effectively engage in a global market. The programme is presented in partnership with DW Akademie supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The program focuses on topics such as Business Management, Coproduction, Distribution, Financial management, IP and Entertainment Law, PR, and Marketing led by industry experts from across Africa and the world.
Some of the past participants include Paul Wilo, Pingdewinde Tiemtore, Rugare Ponde, Sally Ngoiri, Timilehin Adewoye, Zineb Chafchaouni Moussaoui, Abdifatah Abdi, Boi Beatrice Kenneh, Boris Fredy Agblo, Chelsea Art, Doreen R. Kilimbe, Duwayne Murphy, and many others. Now in its fourth year, the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI), was created to equip African filmmakers with important skills to navigate the film market and create a community where opportunities and insights can be exchanged.
Speaking about the cultural importance and achievement of the Business Lab to the African film industry, Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, says “Over the past three editions of the DFMI Business Lab, almost 100 filmmakers from across Africa have benefited from the program which not only enriched their business skills but also created greater community and collaboration among filmmakers across the continent which is one of the key missions of the Durban FilmMart Institute.”
The DFMI invites producers with African passports who have produced films and have less than 5 years of experience in the industry. Directors, line producers, and scriptwriters interested in the program will need to provide a 1-page letter of motivation for consideration to participate. For diaspora African film professionals willing to apply, they will have to advise what percentage of their work is based in the continent.
It is important to note that acceptance into the program will not be based on a specific film project. (You do not need an active film project to participate in the program). Selected participants will need to avail themselves of two 90-minute Zoom sessions per week from September 2024 to January 2025. For selected applicants, language interpretation is available in both French and Portuguese if required.
The deadline for application is Sunday, 11th August 2024. Interested filmmakers can apply here.