"We have seen a distinct shift in the market this year, in so many areas," says Toni Monty, acting CEO of the Durban Film Office. "Last year the delegates weren't sure what to expect and were pleasantly surprised by the standard of the market. This year, filmmakers and producers came well prepared with strategies and plans and very definite ideas as to who they wanted to meet and what they wanted to get out of the four-day event.
"The networking and relationship-building was intense and we fully expect this to yield results in the months ahead. This is a real accolade for the DFM, as it shows that our own industry-players are taking the market seriously."
"The signs of the growing confidence in the DFM can be seen all round," adds Peter Rorvik, director of the Centre for Creative Arts and Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). "The response from participants has been very encouraging and the increase in the number of awards that were made possible by sponsors and funders, points to this growing commitment and support for the DFM."
This year 126 projects from both the feature film and documentary genres qualified for consideration; 20 of these (10 documentary and 10 features) were chosen for the Finance Forum. Projects were received from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, Tunisia, Cote D'Ivoire, Cameroon, Morocco and Algeria.
IDFA representative, Adriek van Nieuwenhuijzen says, "IDFA is proud of the process that allowed us to put 10 documentary projects in the spotlight for the inaugural 'Doc Circle' event. We are thrilled that our partners (DFM and DIFF) believe in the strength of documentary film and are committed to finding opportunities for African filmmakers to tell their own unique stories to the world."
The delegate programme, presented by local and international specialists, took the form of master classes, workshops and forums and covered industry-related issues, such as film financing and funding, new media and distribution strategies, digital and online developments.
"The DFM promises to be a further catalyst for growth in the region by becoming one of the key events of the South African and African film industry and a focal point to interface with global parties and stimulate interest and activity in the city," continues Monty.
"In addition, it has given African filmmakers the opportunity to pitch film projects and network with financiers, funding organisations, sales agents and internationally-reputed directors and producers and network in order to form alliances for future collaborations. We hope that because of these partnerships DFM will become a 'feeder' of African product to other international festivals and markets. We trust that the number of fundable African projects will ultimately find their way to the big screen."
"The success of DFM this year and its close relationship with the Durban International Film Festival, contributes enormously to the business component of the festival. Running a film festival and co-production market in tandem is essential to the longevity of a market of this nature," adds Rorvik.
"Without the support, in cash and in kind and co-operation of local role players, partners and sponsors, we could never dream of enjoying such success so quickly for the DFM and we are most grateful, as it gives impetus to the growth of the DFM for the years ahead," concludes Monty.