Durban FilmMart to forge ahead as a non-profit
THE Durban FilmMart (DFM) has said it will be functioning as a non-profit organisation ahead of its 11th edition this year from July 17 to 20.
“This had always been part of the business plan of Durban FilmMart, since its establishment in 2009,” said Toni Monty, Durban Film Office head.
“With the continued growth of the initiative, as well as the continuous increase in numbers of delegates and submissions of projects in development, which have this year, surpassed any in our 11-year history, the current structure has been outgrown, and sustainable long-term strategies now need to be implemented.”
The DFM has been a programme of the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry unit, the Durban Film Office in partnership with the Durban International Film Festival, since 2009.
“The office will continue to support the DFM, and the institute structure will allow possibilities for new partnerships and fund-raising that will ensure the growth and continued stability of the annual initiative,” Monty said.
“Most importantly, the new institute will open greater opportunities for the Durban FilmMart to continue playing an important role in promoting African film and television content.”
The next few months will be business as usual for the DFM.
“Arts administrator and project manager Magdalene Reddy of Creative WorkZone has been appointed project manager and will oversee the setting up of the institute ahead of the 2020 edition. She joins our team with a wealth of experience in governance and management in the arts.
“As a former senior administrator at the Durban International Film Festival, with a string of other international and national arts projects to her name, we believe she is best placed to take this process forward with passion and integrity,” Monty said.
Visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za for more details.