In Durban, Talents Durban is supporting a new generation of African film professionals. Through its Talent Press program, six journalists and critics from five African countries are taking part in a mentorship program focused on film writing, criticism and journalism.
This year’s Talent Press program brings together six professionals from Madagascar, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Burkina Faso. They include Domoina Ratsara from Madagascar, as well as Elijah Oluwanisola and Wilfred Okiche from Nigeria.
South Africa is represented by Hlumela Luvuno, while Michelle Abuti takes part from Kenya. Neya Harouna represents Burkina Faso. This geographical diversity brings together perspectives from different African film ecosystems and creates opportunities to exchange ideas on how cinema is told, analysed and documented across the continent.
A Program Dedicated to Film Journalism and Criticism
Talent Press is designed for emerging film journalists and critics. The program offers professional support through mentorship, masterclasses, workshops and networking opportunities. Its aim is to strengthen participants’ writing practices and their ability to develop critical perspectives on films and the evolution of the film industry.
The program takes place at a time when African creative industries are seeing a growing number of productions, distribution platforms and new formats. Journalists and critics therefore play a role in documenting these developments and increasing the visibility of films and industry professionals.
An Initiative of Berlinale Talents
Talents Durban is an initiative of the Berlinale, part of the international Berlinale Talents network. The program was established in 2007 through a partnership between the Durban International Film Festival and the Berlinale. Since 2019, it has been run by the Durban FilmMart Institute.
Talent Press is one of the four strands of Talents Durban, alongside the Storytelling Lab, Doc Lab and Animation Lab. Through these different programs, the initiative focuses not only on directors and screenwriters, but also on professionals who write about cinema, analyse it and contribute to shaping its narrative.
For the six Talent Press participants, the program is an opportunity to strengthen their skills while fostering connections between journalists and critics from different parts of Africa.
