The 16th Durban FilmMart (DFM), scheduled from 18 - 21 July 2025 in Durban, is set to deliver a programme under the theme "Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite". A standout element of the DFM 2025 Industry Programme is the In Conversation series, designed to enrich the film community through in-depth and specialised sessions with professionals who have significantly impacted both global and African cinema. This year's distinguished lineup features influential voices who will share their expertise with delegates seeking inspiration, professional development, and networking opportunities in the African film landscape.

"The In Conversation stream at DFM 2025 continues our tradition of creating meaningful exchanges between industry veterans and emerging talents," says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI). "These sessions not only celebrate the achievements of our headline speakers but provide vital platforms for dialogue that build the bridges our theme envisions. We are thrilled to present these leading experts who will share their knowledge, helping others navigate Africa's evolving film landscape while fostering connections that transcend borders."

Participating in the 2025 Conversation Series is trailblazing Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, founder of Nomadis Images and a pivotal figure in North African cinema. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Bouchoucha has produced award-winning films including "Hedi" (Berlin Silver Bear winner), and "Dear Son.” Her most recent production, "Behind the Mountains" (2023), received critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival. Her expertise extends beyond production—she founded the Carthage Film Festival Projects' workshop and has served on juries at prestigious festivals including Berlin and Venice. As a champion for Arab and African cinema, Bouchoucha brings invaluable insights on creating pathways for regional stories to reach global audiences.

Veteran South African filmmaker, Ramadan Suleman, bringing decades of experience as director and producer of seminal works in post-apartheid South African cinema. Co-founder of Natives at Large, Suleman directed groundbreaking films including "Fools," "Zulu Love Letter," and "By All Means Necessary”, while recently serving as the co- producer of the hit French and South African co-production “Spinners”. His work, deeply rooted in exploring South Africa's complex social fabric while connecting with universal human experiences, epitomizes cinema's power to unite audiences across cultural divides. Suleman's participation offers delegates insight into sustainable filmmaking practices that maintain artistic integrity while navigating industry challenges.

Academy Award-winning director and producer Roger Ross Williams joins the conversation series, Roger Ross Williams is an Oscar, Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image award-winning director, producer, and writer –and the first African American director to win an Academy Award ®, with his film MUSIC BY PRUDENCE. Williams directed LIFE, ANIMATED, which won him the Sundance Directing

Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award ® and won three Emmys. Williams is the recipient of the Career Achievement Award from the International Documentary Association, The Woodstock Film Festival Maverick Award, The NYU Alumni Achievement Award, and an honorary doctorate from Lafayette College. His production company One Story Up produced the acclaimed food series HIGH ON THE HOG, an adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates's BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, the Ben Crump documentary CIVIL, the award-winning film MASTER OF LIGHT, and the Primetime Emmy award-winning feature documentary THE APOLLO. Williams' first scripted feature

The 16th Durban FilmMart (DFM), scheduled from 18 - 21 July 2025 in Durban, is set to deliver a programme under the theme "Bridges Not Borders: Stories that Unite". A standout element of the DFM 2025 Industry Programme is the In Conversation series, designed to enrich the film community through in-depth and specialised sessions with professionals who have significantly impacted both global and African cinema. This year's distinguished lineup features influential voices who will share their expertise with delegates seeking inspiration, professional development, and networking opportunities in the African film landscape.

"The In Conversation stream at DFM 2025 continues our tradition of creating meaningful exchanges between industry veterans and emerging talents," says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI). "These sessions not only celebrate the achievements of our headline speakers but provide vital platforms for dialogue that build the bridges our theme envisions. We are thrilled to present these leading experts who will share their knowledge, helping others navigate Africa's evolving film landscape while fostering connections that transcend borders."

Participating in the 2025 Conversation Series is trailblazing Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, founder of Nomadis Images and a pivotal figure in North African cinema. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Bouchoucha has produced award-winning films including "Hedi" (Berlin Silver Bear winner), and "Dear Son.” Her most recent production, "Behind the Mountains" (2023), received critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival. Her expertise extends beyond production—she founded the Carthage Film Festival Projects' workshop and has served on juries at prestigious festivals including Berlin and Venice. As a champion for Arab and African cinema, Bouchoucha brings invaluable insights on creating pathways for regional stories to reach global audiences.

Veteran South African filmmaker, Ramadan Suleman, bringing decades of experience as director and producer of seminal works in post-apartheid South African cinema. Co-founder of Natives at Large, Suleman directed groundbreaking films including "Fools," "Zulu Love Letter," and "By All Means Necessary”, while recently serving as the co- producer of the hit French and South African co-production “Spinners”. His work, deeply rooted in exploring South Africa's complex social fabric while connecting with universal human experiences, epitomizes cinema's power to unite audiences across cultural divides. Suleman's participation offers delegates insight into sustainable filmmaking practices that maintain artistic integrity while navigating industry challenges.

Academy Award-winning director and producer Roger Ross Williams joins the conversation series, Roger Ross Williams is an Oscar, Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image award-winning director, producer, and writer –and the first African American director to win an Academy Award ®, with his film MUSIC BY PRUDENCE. Williams directed LIFE, ANIMATED, which won him the Sundance Directing

Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award ® and won three Emmys. Williams is the recipient of the Career Achievement Award from the International Documentary Association, The Woodstock Film Festival Maverick Award, The NYU Alumni Achievement Award, and an honorary doctorate from Lafayette College. His production company One Story Up produced the acclaimed food series HIGH ON THE HOG, an adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates's BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, the Ben Crump documentary CIVIL, the award-winning film MASTER OF LIGHT, and the Primetime Emmy award-winning feature documentary THE APOLLO. Williams' first scripted feature

 MTFB OSCAR SPECIAL; FINAL NOMINATION PREDICTIONS

Well, here we are...months removed from the close of TFF #51 and now down to less than 24 hours until the big reveal of nominees for the 97th Academy Awards.  It could be a history making day for film from Telluride and the Oscars.  The largest number of nominees in a single year that have come from TFF films is 35 which has happened thrice with TFF films from 2016, 2021 and 2023 (those are the years of the fest).  TFF could see 35+ nominations for films that screened there by the end of the announcement tomorrow morning.  Exciting stuff...

So, drumroll please, here are the MTFB final Oscar nomination predictions (as always, TFF films are in Bold.  The film's previous rank is to the right in parentheses).

BAFTA AND TFF #51