Durban FilmMart's South Africa Talents Durban Programme 2026

The Durban FilmMart South Africa has opened applications for its Talents Durban Programme 2026. This program is designed to support emerging and early-career professionals across the film industry by providing mentorship, professional development, and exposure to international industry networks.

🌟 About the Programme

The Talents Durban Programme aims to:

• Support emerging and early-career professionals in the film industry.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Offer exposure to international industry networks.

🎁 Benefits of the Programme

Participants of the Talents Durban Programme will receive:

• International exposure and networking opportunities.
• Skill enhancement in creative disciplines.
• Mentorship from industry experts.
• Support for creative development and project advancement.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be citizens of African or Caribbean countries and residents within these regions.
• Be at least 18 years old by 1 July 2025.
• Be emerging or early-career film professionals, final-year students, 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 approximately 5,000 views.
• For Talent Press applicants: A minimum of 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.

📝 Application Process

To apply for the Talents Durban Programme, follow these steps:

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.

Selection Process

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

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is 09 February 2026.

🌐 Application Portal

For more details and to apply, visit the official Durban FilmMart Talents Durban Programme Application Portal.

You can also apply directly via the Berlinale Talents Launchpad.

• International exposure and networking opportunities.
• Skill enhancement in creative disciplines.
• Mentorship from industry experts.
• Encourages creative development and project advancement.