Berlinale Talents is a networking platform organised by the Berlin International Film Festival, offering a space for emerging filmmakers to connect, learn, and collaborate. Talents Durban serves as its African counterpart, providing a similar platform specifically tailored to the continent’s unique filmmaking landscape.
“The caliber and diversity of applications this year reflect the growing vibrancy of African storytelling,” says DFMI Director, Magdalene Reddy. She adds, “This year’s cohort demonstrates remarkable innovation in form and content, with projects that naturally embody our theme of building bridges. Throughout the intensive four-day in person programme and the 2-month online programme , these emerging talents will not only develop their technical skills but also forge lasting connections with industry professionals and fellow creators from across the continent – connections that will sustain African cinema’s growth for years to come.”
This edition of Talents Durban is distinguished by its inclusion of participants from 16 African countries, who collectively reflect the continent’s diversity of emerging film professionals. The selection process was highly competitive, with over 500 applications resulting in the choice of 26 distinctive projects and 5 film critics, each bringing a fresh perspective to features, documentaries, shorts, series, animation, and film criticism.
Selected Talents will participate in a series of project-oriented, hands-on skills development programmes. These include sessions such as Story Junction, where participants present their projects to producers and financiers, alongside masterclasses and one-on-one mentorship opportunities. Domoina Ratsara, Francis Brown, Joel Karekezi, Karabo Lediga, Laza Razanajatovo, Mamounata Nikiemai, Mayye Zayedi, Mmabatho Kau, Rumbi Katedzai and Tarek Mohamed will serve as mentors for the 2025 edition. They will provide invaluable guidance and generously share their expertise with the participants.
Official 2025 Talents Durban Participants and Projects:
