Four Nigerian Filmmakers Selected For ‘Talents Durban 2026’ Showcase

Four Nigerian filmmakers have been selected among 31 participants for the 19th edition of the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) “Talents Durban” programme, a prestigious African film development platform.

According to Ireporter Online, the selected Nigerians include Russell Oru, Cheyi Okoaye, Elijah Oluwanisola, and Wilfred Okiche. They will join other emerging filmmakers from across the continent at the Durban FilmMart scheduled to hold in Durban from October 9 to October 12, 2026.

The programme is designed as an intensive, project-based development initiative featuring Story Junction pitching sessions, masterclasses, mentorship engagements, and one-on-one consultations with leading global film industry professionals.

This year’s edition will also feature a lineup of renowned mentors, including Akosua Adoma Owusu, Amine Hattou, Bongi Ndaba, Comfort Arthur, Jihane Bougrine, Mayye Zayed, Nicole Schafer, Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, Ramadan Suleman, and Razanajaona Ambinintsoa Luck.

DFMI Director, Magdalene Reddy, noted that the initiative remains committed to strengthening African cinema through international collaboration and access to professional networks and sustainable industry opportunities. She added that Talents Durban, now in its 19th year in partnership with Berlinale Talents, continues to support the long-term growth of the African film ecosystem.

The 2026 edition reflects the continent’s growing creative diversity, with 26 participants and six film critics selected from a record 551 applications spanning fiction features, documentaries, short films, episodic content, animation, and film criticism.

As the African satellite programme of Berlinale Talents, Talents Durban continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing emerging African filmmakers, animators, and critics through mentorship, training, and international networking opportunities.