The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) continues to broaden opportunities for filmmakers, film critics, and industry professionals through strategic international collaborations that foster talent development, industry access, and cross-border cooperation. Announcements made during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival highlighted two major initiatives that will further support emerging African film critics and Palestinian filmmakers engaging with the global marketplace.
New Partnership for Film Critics
At the Egyptian Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival, a new collaboration between the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), and the Durban FilmMart Institute was unveiled during FIPRESCI's annual reception. The partnership will see FIPRESCI select an outstanding participant from the Talents Durban Press programme at Durban FilmMart 2026 to receive an award presented by CIFF. The chosen critic will be invited to attend the Cairo International Film Festival, cover its activities, and contribute to its English-language daily publication. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening film criticism across Africa and creating greater opportunities for emerging critical voices to engage with international film culture and discourse. Managed by DFMI since 2019, Talents Durban is part of the global Berlinale Talents network and supports emerging African filmmakers and critics through mentorship, skills development, and industry engagement. The Talent Press stream provides a dedicated platform for developing film criticism and nurturing the next generation of African film journalists and critics. DFMI Director Magdalene Reddy welcomed the collaboration as a meaningful investment in film criticism, a fading art that the film industry urgently needs to revive.
Palestinian Film Showcase
The Palestine Film Institute (PFI) has also announced the projects selected for its 2026 Showcase at Durban FilmMart, marking the fourth consecutive year of collaboration between the two organisations. Four Palestinian feature films currently in development will be presented to international producers, festival programmers, funders, and industry representatives attending Durban FilmMart 2026. The Showcase is part of PFI's broader mission to develop, promote, and preserve Palestinian cinema while creating sustainable international opportunities for Palestinian filmmakers and producers. The selected projects are: Within Sight And Sound by Assia Boundaoui, What The Sand Remembers by Mahmoud Abu Ghalwa, On The Sea Road by Fitnat Waked, and Echo From The Unsung by Raji Al Jaru, Sa'ed Al Jaru, and Ash Moniz. As Durban FilmMart 2026 approaches, these partnerships underscore the importance of building sustainable creative ecosystems that support storytellers, critics, and industry professionals from Africa and across the Global South.
Pitcher Awards 2026: Mozambique Wins Big
The Pitcher Awards, the pan-African benchmark for creative excellence, has announced the winners of its 2026 edition, celebrating groundbreaking work from across the continent and beyond. This year marks a historic milestone as the festival welcomed entries from Mozambique and the United States of America for the very first time, underscoring its expanding global reach and commitment to celebrating creativity without borders. Dr. Nnamdi Ndu, Chairman of the Pitcher Festival, said: "The 2026 Pitcher Awards showcase the extraordinary evolution of African creativity. This year's winners demonstrate a boldness, cultural depth, and technical mastery that continue to elevate our region on the global stage. Welcoming new countries into the competition—and seeing them excel—reinforces our belief that creativity truly has no borders." Gold and Grand Prix winners were unveiled during the official streaming premiere, while all Shortlist, Bronze, and Silver recognitions are available on the festival website. The Grand Prix was awarded to Culture – Corporate Image & Reputation Management — NoVita by The Bar Africa for NuVita Biscuits, Kenya, and Heritage – Outdoor Ambient & Installations — MozaMbique Has 2M by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique. Gold award winners include: Care – Public Health & Safety — La caravane d’excision – The FGM Caravan by L'Agence X for Mouvement femmes et paroles, Côte d'Ivoire; Channel – Use of Media — MozaMbique Has 2M by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique; and Culture – Corporate Image & Reputation Management — Portrait of a Nation by Create Mozambique for Millennium Bim, Mozambique. The entertainment gold award went to Entertainment Film — First Beach by Dentsu Creative for Corona Africa, South Africa, while the effectiveness gold award went to Business Impact — 2M SAMMA FRESH by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique. Special award winners include: Digital Agency of the Year: digitXplus, Nigeria; Media Agency of the Year: PHD Nigeria; and Advertising Agency of the Year: Create Mozambique. The 2026 edition highlighted the imagination, discipline, and creative excellence shaping the future of African storytelling.
Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention in July
LIFACC (Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention), founded by Theophilus Akatugba, will be held from July 15 to 16 in Lagos, Nigeria. This yearly event is the premier platform for African filmmakers, cinema exhibitors, and investors to collaborate and drive the continent's creative economy. The convention features masterclasses, business networking, premieres, and awards, structured for the flexibility of participants. More information can be found at www.lifacc.com.
