Durban FilmMart Head on Why This Year s Event Is Looking Inward as African Screen Industries Strive to C...

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Published: 2026-09-29T08:45:31.500Z • Permanent link

Renowned film industry professional, Nombulelezo Mkhize, has announced that this year's Durban FilmMart event will focus on the development of solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of African screen industries. Mkhize, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Durban FilmMart, stated that the event aims to empower local filmmakers to create content that resonates with African audiences. The decision to shift the focus towards self-sufficiency is seen as a response to the challenges faced by African filmmakers in accessing global markets and resources. According to a report by the African Film and Television Industry Association, the continent's film industry is estimated to be worth over $3 billion, yet it remains largely underrepresented in global markets.

Mkhize's initiative is seen as a significant step towards promoting African cinema and providing opportunities for local filmmakers to showcase their work. The event will feature a range of initiatives, including a new market platform that will connect African filmmakers with international buyers and distributors. The platform will also provide access to funding and other resources that can help local filmmakers to produce high-quality content. The Durban FilmMart has already announced partnerships with several major film production companies, including Netflix and ShowMax, to support the development of African content.

The focus on self-sufficiency is also seen as a response to the growing trend of global film industry consolidation. According to a report by the International Federation of Film Archives, the global film industry is becoming increasingly dominated by a handful of major players, leaving smaller producers and distributors struggling to compete. Mkhize's initiative is seen as a way to counter this trend and promote the development of a more diverse and inclusive film industry.

The impact of Mkhize's initiative will be felt across the African continent, where the film industry is a major driver of economic growth and job creation. According to a report by the African Development Bank, the film industry is estimated to support over 1 million jobs across the continent. The development of local content will also have a significant impact on the regional cultural landscape, as it will provide a platform for African voices to be heard and celebrated. Research communities and institutions will also benefit from the initiative, as it will provide access to new data and insights on the African film industry.

The focus on self-sufficiency will also have implications for the global film industry, as it will challenge the dominant models of production and distribution that have historically been based on Western-centric approaches. Companies such as Netflix and ShowMax, which have been major players in the global film industry, will need to adapt to the changing landscape and find ways to work with local filmmakers and producers. The development of a more diverse and inclusive film industry will also have significant implications for the broader cultural landscape, as it will provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard.

The focus on self-sufficiency is part of a larger trend in the film industry towards greater localization and regionalization. This trend is driven by a range of factors, including the growing demand for local content and the increasing importance of regional markets. According to a report by the International Chamber of Commerce, the global film industry is expected to grow by 5% per annum over the next decade, driven by the increasing demand for local content and the growth of emerging markets.