Durban FilmMart and MTN One TV Seek New Film and TV Projects From African Filmmakers
If you are an African filmmaker with a bold, fresh story made for mobile-first, digital-savvy viewers, Durban FilmMart and MTN One TV are teaming up to find compelling film and TV projects.
Here is everything you need to know to get pitch-ready.
- Target Audience: Youth (aged 18–34) & Mass-Market Viewers
- Primary Markets: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia (with broader Pan-African appeal)
- Lead Producer Requirement: Minimum 7+ years of professional industry experience
MTN One TV is looking for authentic, culturally resonant, and commercially viable stories exploring universal themes like family, ambition, identity, and resilience.
Eligible Formats & Guidelines:
- Limited Series: 6–8 episodes × 45–60 mins
- Scripted Series: 13 episodes × 45–60 mins
- Unscripted Series: 13 episodes × 45–60 mins
- Micro-drama: 30 episodes × ~2 mins (tailor-made for quick mobile watching!)
- Feature Film: 60–90 mins
- Accepted Genres: Drama, Reality, Comedy, Action, Thriller, Romance, and Animation.
Who Should Apply?
- Experienced Producers: Lead producers must have at least 7 years of track record in the industry and operate via a registered production company.
- Delivery Track Record: Demonstrated ability to manage professional creative/technical teams and deliver content to broadcast or streaming standards.
- Rights Holders: You must own, control, or have official authorisation for all underlying IP and rights to the project.
Submission Checklist
Your pitch package must include:
- The Creative: Project Title, Logline, Synopsis, Pitch Deck, Pilot Script, and Series Outline/Breakdown.
- The Business & Budget: Estimated Production Budget, Production Schedule, Financing Status, and Target Market Strategy.
- The Team: Bios/Profiles for the Lead Producer, Production Company, and confirmed Key Creatives.
Pitching & Attendance
- In-Person Pitching: If shortlisted, you’ll pitch live at Durban FilmMart in Durban!
- Accreditation: Selected projects get 2 free DFM Accreditations.
- Travel & Expenses: Participants cover their own travel, lodging, visas, and daily expenses.
You get to keep your IP. Submitting or pitching does not transfer ownership of your intellectual property to DFM or MTN One TV.
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE. Deadline for submissions is Monday 28 September 2026.