14th DURBAN FILM MART | What the vibe taught me | PART 01

My first film festival attendance in life was the Annecy International Animation festival, in 2003. Since then, I have been to countless others and markets around the globe as a guest, a workshop instructor, a panelist, a juror, a selection committee member, or just to watch films.

Late July, I was invited to Durban FilmMart SA as a panelist for the program “Animation@DFM: Creative Currency - Professional Opportunities For Women in the Animation Industry” but my attendance encompassed much more than being on the panel. In a discussion moderated by Isabelle Rorke , Mounia ARAM , Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt and I discussed the challenges women who are in a male-dominated industry face, as well as solutions to these challenges.

You can watch the full discussion at the foot of this article.

In the African Animation industry, specifically Nigeria which is my first country, I have always been critical of some occurrences, and I am constantly calling for a cooperative mindset, less competitiveness as well as #healthynetworking.

Understandably, when people with different ideologies, convictions, and perceptions, gather in one space, it does not always rain roses. On that note, I always wondered if I was chasing some utopia, living a fantasy by not letting it be. I confronted people directly when I felt some odd behaviours.

FACTS: When you step into an environment with people whose intentions towards the industry and their industry colleagues are predominantly progressive, you will know it.

When you meet industry professionals who have genuine interest and APPRECIATION of each other, you FEEL it.

When you are in an environment where people have the genuine goal of nurturing each other, you will feel it.

Attending the 14th Durban FilmMart SA and witnessing the energy and connections people shared changed my perceptions. It even felt like utopia and fantasy can share a perfect existence side by side with reality.

Nowhere else in film events on the African continent and amongst fellow African professionals have I felt/seen such a POSITIVE ENERGY and GENUINE support of fellow industry professionals as I felt/saw in Durban.

The attendance was like therapy!

On one hand, it was like a wake-up call for me to finally accept certain things about the industry circles where I felt obligated to be present. On another hand, it empowered me towards solidifying some decisions I have been wary of making because of where I saw my role in the (specifically Nigerian) industry.

I could write a whole book about this experience and what it taught me, but I will focus on the fact that my instincts have finally won the battle of the brains and my DFM attendance confirms certain network-relevant decisions that I made, just a few days before I left for Durban.

I thank Magdalene Reddy Mitchell Dustin Harper and the entire crew of the Durban Film Mart. Karin, Canda Kincses Nomfundo Xolo , and crew for taking care of us and our travels. Last but not least, the change-makers, the mediators, the generous and kind-hearted ones, and all the other (so many) good-willed and open-minded people I met at the festival.

Congratulations to the numerous prize winners. This has been great fun as well as a professional enlightenment.

New connections, Old friends seen again after a long time, Live meetings after a long time of being connected online. Thanks to all of you!

I am not able to post all the photos at this time and or tag everyone. So hopefully, there will be a part two.

Watch the full recording of our panel session below

#durbanfilmmart #healthynetworking #africanconstellation #equityandinclusion #womeninanimation #sdggoals #anijollygirls #motiontothesound #jollysquidmedia #animationsa #wesgro #africananimation #industrytalks #filmfestivals #humanconnections #laughter

Mai Alshaibani Monica Rorvik Tendayi Nyeke Anthony Silverston , Raymond Malinga , Ferdy Adimefe Hakeem Kae-Kazim Bridget Pickering Jeffrey UZOMA Fidelis Dr. Beverley Ditsie (Hon) Lola Alma Aikins Adebimpe Adebambo Julie Ann Crommett Katarina Gulan Yvonne Welbon Emma Hindley