South Africa has been selected as the Country in Focus for the Berlinale’s European Film Market (EFM) for its 2027 edition.
The EFM’s Country in Focus initative spotlights significant film regions around the world, aiming to provide insights into their creative industries and to foster international exchange and collaboration.
It is the second African country in a row to be highlighted at the EFM after Morocco last year.
South African filmmakers and productions have regularly been represented across Berlin’s festival and market programmes. In 2005, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha by Mark Dornford-May became the first South African film to win the Berlinale’s Golden Bear. The country is also a significant production hub for international filmmakers.
“South Africa’s designation as the European Film Market’s ‘Country in Focus’ for 2027 reflects both its longstanding relationship with the Berlinale and the extraordinary vitality of its film industry. South African cinema brings together powerful storytelling, remarkable creative voices and a strong international outlook. We are excited to shine a spotlight on a film culture that continues to shape global conversations and to create new opportunities for collaboration between South African and international partners at the EFM”, said Berlinale festival director Tricia Tuttle.
“The European Film Market’s focus on South Africa highlights a dynamic, globally competitive film industry that offers diverse storytelling, strong co-production opportunities and a strategic gateway for international partners seeking to engage with African markets”, said Tanja Meissner, director of Berlinale Pro. “At the EFM, cultural visibility meets concrete market potential. The programme will connect South African talent, projects and companies with international buyers, financiers, producers and platforms, while also opening new pathways for long-term collaboration.”
“From U-Carmen eKhayelitsha to The Heart Is a Muscle, the world is experiencing authentic South African storytelling in all its layers. Our commitment as government is to ensure that the working relations and co-productions foster growth for all involved. Furthermore, addressing the challenges that have affected our filmmakers’ ability to produce at scale is being addressed”, said South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton Mckenzie.
“This moment is a great testament to the growth of the South African film industry. This opportunity reflects many years of effort by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) team and we are thrilled to elevate the deserving South African filmmakers. It comes at such an opportune time where storytelling through film is being tested by socio-economic challenges that need to be told in ways that balance truth and hope. This European Film Market of the Berlinale will give our filmmakers the platform to showcase the diversity of our nation and connect our stories to those of the global community. The NFVF will continue to ensure that South African filmmakers who produce films which resonate globally, have access to platforms such as the Berlinale”, added Onke Dumeko, acting CEO of South Africa’s NFVF.
The EFM will take place from February 10-16, 2027.
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