Disability is at the forefront at this year’s edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM).
The DFM is part of the 45th Durban International Film Festival, and is Africa’s premier co-production and film finance market. It spotlights key elements within the film industry, including social responsibility and accountability in filmmaking, IP protection, artist/filmmaker rights, and labour issues.
This year the DFM has included the Disabled Audiovisual Workers Network (DAWN) in it’s programme to discuss issues pertinent to the inclusion and fair representation of persons with disabilities in the film and TV industry.
DFM will serve as a platform for frank discussions about the current situation of people with disabilities working in the industry, and what can be done to improve the situation.
According to a statement, “DAWN plans to connect people with disabilities, lobby for better representation both behind and in front of the camera, make the industry more accessible at every level, and work with funding bodies, broadcasters, and professional industry bodies to ensure meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities.”
Karen Jeynes, of DAWN, said: “Representation matters. It shapes public perception, breaks down stereotypes, and promotes understanding.
“DAWN will push for meaningful change, embedded into policies and contracts, to have a lasting impact. We want to see people with disabilities represented at every level of the industry.”
Additionally, Jeynes emphasized the work that was already been done at Fame Week Africa, which in 2023 held the first-ever Disability Inclusion Plenary session, and this year established the Inclusive Lens Awards to honour varied storylines in television shows and movies.
“These initiatives have laid the groundwork for the launch of DAWN, and we are grateful for the support and commitment shown by the industry thus far.”
Magdalene Reddy, Director of DFM, said: “DFM is proud to host the launch of DAWN. We believe in the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the film industry and look forward to working with DAWN to achieve these goals.
“This is just the beginning of a long journey towards a more representative and accessible industry.”
The DFM is currently on until Monday, July 22, at the Elangeni and Maharani Hotels, Durban.