Deadline: 09-Feb-2026

The Durban FilmMart Institute is accepting applications for its Talents Durban Programme to support emerging African and Caribbean film professionals in screenwriting, directing, animation, and film criticism. Participants gain mentorship, accreditation, and an accommodation stipend, with the programme culminating in participation at the Durban FilmMart 24–27 July 2026.

Overview of Talents Durban Programme

The Talents Durban Programme is designed to support emerging and early-career professionals across the film industry. It provides mentorship, professional development, and exposure to international industry networks. The programme targets creative disciplines including:

• Screenwriting

• Directing

• Animation

• Film criticism

Participants receive accreditation and an accommodation stipend, though travel to Durban must be arranged independently. Shared accommodation is gender-based, and full attendance at all programme sessions is mandatory.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizens of African or Caribbean countries and residents within these regions

• At least 18 years old by 1 July 2025

• Emerging or early-career film professionals, final-year students, or graduates from film schools, or individuals with equivalent industry experience

• Applicants must have:

  • Screened at least one short or feature film at a recognized festival, or

  • Worked on a widely aired TV drama series, or

  • Contributed to a web or mobile drama series with ~5,000 views

• For Talent Press applicants: minimum one year of experience as a critic, reviewer, journalist, vlogger, or podcaster

• Applicants cannot have a project in Durban FilmMart 2025, as dual participation is prohibited

Copyright and Materials Requirements

• Applicants must secure all copyright consents for submitted materials

• Talents Durban and Durban FilmMart may publicly display, stream, and promote submitted work

• Participants retain full copyright responsibility and exempt organisers from third-party claims

• Submitted materials are not returned to applicants

Application Process

1. Complete the online application form

2. Submit a work sample aligned with your creative discipline

3. Provide a project in development

4. Depending on your field, work samples may include:

   • Film excerpts or trailers

   • Screenplay pages

   • Published articles or critiques

   • Platform summaries for web/mobile content

Applications are first reviewed for technical eligibility, then evaluated by industry professionals. Shortlisted applicants are contacted before final selections are publicly announced.

Mentorship and Programme Schedule

• Mentorship phase: May–July 2026

• Talents Durban participation: 24–27 July 2026 during Durban FilmMart

• Applications close: 09 February 2026

• Shortlisting: March 2026

• Final selection announcement: May 2026

Why It Matters

The Talents Durban Programme:

• Provides emerging film professionals with international exposure

• Enhances skills in screenwriting, directing, animation, and criticism

• Connects participants with mentorship and industry networks

• Encourages creative development and project advancement ahead of Durban FilmMart

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure work samples are original and properly consented

• Follow submission guidelines carefully for your creative discipline

• Confirm age, nationality, and residency eligibility before applying

• Avoid submitting projects from previous Durban FilmMart editions

• Plan travel independently, as only accommodation and stipend are covered

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply for Talents Durban?
A1: Emerging African or Caribbean film professionals, final-year students, or film school graduates with the required experience.

Q2: Are travel expenses covered?
A2: No, participants must arrange their own travel. Accommodation and a stipend are provided.

Q3: Can I submit a project if I participated in Durban FilmMart 2025?
A3: No, applicants cannot have a project in the previous year’s FilmMart.

Q4: What types of work samples are accepted?
A4: Film excerpts, screenplay pages, published articles, web/mobile content summaries, depending on the applicant’s discipline.

Q5: What is the mentorship period?
A5: Mentorship occurs from May to July 2026 prior to the Durban FilmMart event.

Q6: When are applications due?
A6: 09 February 2026.

Q7: When is the Durban FilmMart event?
A7: 24–27 July 2026.

Conclusion

Talents Durban offers a unique platform for emerging African and Caribbean film professionals to advance their careers through mentorship, networking, and international exposure. By providing targeted support for creative projects, the programme fosters growth in screenwriting, directing, animation, and criticism, preparing participants for professional success in the global film industry.

For more information, visit Durban FilmMart Institute.