Filmmakers win big at Durban FilmMart
30 July 2025
Filmmakers bag various awards at the 16th edition of the Durban FilmMart. DFM 2025, took place from 18 – 21 July in Durban, under the theme “Bridges Not Borders: Stories That Unite” The event brought together 1 364 film professionals and filmmakers from 63 countries across the globe.
The awards were held on Monday, 21 July 2025 at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel. The event ended on a high with the presentation of 39 awards from 34 partners to the total of over R1,5 million (USD 80,000).
Four awards had strong ties to Cape Town. Three were won by local films or filmmakers, and one a film inspired by a Cape Town story. These films are Baptism of Silence, Watching over you, Designing divide and Vuka.
“We are delighted to have hosted such a dynamic array of filmmakers from across the African continent. They entrusted us with their projects and ideas, and generously shared their time, expertise, and passion through enriching conversations, creating a truly African event,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI).”
Reddy also added “The talent showcased in this year’s programme and film projects exemplifies the strength of African cinema. The memories made, networks expanded, and partnerships forged have significantly contributed to DFM’s enduring legacy and impact. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their support in celebrating and elevating African storytellers, producers, and content creators.”
DFM thanks all attendees for their support and dedication to African cinema.
4 Cape Town awards
The Whickers Bursary Award for a first-time feature documentary director and Impronta Films Consultancy Award
Vuka (South Africa)
Producer: Rehad Desai
Director: Matthew Robinson
DFM Talents Durban Award
DESIGNING DIVIDE (South Africa)
Director: Jessie Ayles
Sørfond Award
Baptism of Silence (South Africa)
Producer: Casey Diepeveen
Directors: Kanya Viljoen, Emilie Badenhorst
Isiziba Award
Watching over you (South Africa)
Director Stephen Nagel
