For over a decade, Jumpstart has served as a pivotal incubator programme, dedicated to providing aspiring filmmakers with essential tools and techniques for scriptwriting excellence. The successful 12-year partnership between DFM and Produire au Sud has nurtured numerous African directors and producers, supporting them during the critical development phase of their projects. Additionally, the programme focuses on project packaging for the international market, equipping participants with the skills needed to succeed globally.

The 2024 programme, supported by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Institute, with IFAS and Alliance française in Durban, received among 58 applications from 13 countries in Africa.  After much consideration, four projects have been selected for the current edition taking place in Durban from 16-18 July 2024. In addition to the one-on-one mentorship, the programme will offer participants the opportunity to engage with industry professionals attending the 15th Durban FilmMart. Jumpstart seeks to empower filmmakers to tell their stories with authenticity and impact.

“We are very pleased to renew the partnership between Produire au Sud and DFM for the Jumpstart 2024. For this 12th year, we received many good projects. 2024 is a special year because it will be the first in-person edition since the pandemic. We would like to thank the French Institute in South Africa for creating the opportunity to go back to Durban,” says Lucas Taillefer, Coordinator of Produire au Sud.

Jumpstart Projects

Corruption is An English Word (South Africa)

Producer: Ellen Havenith and Director: Zoe Ramushu

Busi Kumalo, a cheeky 12-year-old Black girl, loves to show off her reading skills, making her feel superior to other kids. Her friendship with Christie, the daughter of her father’s employer, creates a magical atmosphere on the farm, but this harmony is shattered when the farm is invaded by a ragtag army. The events of this fateful night will test relationships and change Busi’s life forever.

Ghosts of the Colony (Working Title) (Kenya)

Producer: Densu Moseti, Director: Isaya Evans and Writer: Shaleen Keshvajee

Susan, a 22-year-old living with her alcoholic father, and her friend Joy, travel to an upcountry lodge for work, only to find it derelict and run by a sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Bird. Strange and eerie events unfold as the lodge transforms into a colonial-era setting at night, trapping Susan in a haunting reality. Joy’s attempts to escape reveal the lodge’s dark secrets, ultimately leaving Susan forever imprisoned in a ghostly photograph.

La Femme Qui En Voulait Trop (Stone) (Tunisia)

Producer: Abdelmajid Housseini and Director: Karim Berrhouma

Leila, an overweight young woman, isolates herself at home and refuses treatment. Her struggle with self-acceptance leads her to seek help from a psychologist, unveiling her journey towards healing.

The Sea Was Once Blue (Egypt)

Producer: Charles Meresse and Director: Mohamad El-Hadidi

In post-revolution Egypt, Reem plans to commit suicide as a solution to her and her partner Osama’s struggles with depression. As they roam Alexandria on her last night, an unexpected encounter makes Reem reconsider her decision, leading to a tense confrontation that reveals deep-seated issues in their relationship.

The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organises DFM 2024, receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.

The success of the event is made possible through the generous support of various organisations and entities. These include the Ford Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, NEFTI, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, National Film and Video Foundation, Netflix, CNC, French Institute in South Africa, Industrial Development Cooperation, KZN Convention Bureau, International Emerging Film Talent Association,  Eastern Cape Development Cooperation, Dante Languages

Additionally, the event benefits from partnerships with esteemed organisations and festivals. These programme partners include the Durban International Film Festival,  African Real Collective, Animation SA, Berlinale Talents,  Cinemart, Digital Lab Africa, Doc Society, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Encounters South Africa International Film Festival, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, FIPRESCI, Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund, Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, Independent Producers Organisation, Locations Africa, Produire au Sud, South African Guild of Actors, SWIFT, and Writers Guild of South Africa