DAWN aims to align persons with disabilities working or interested in the industry, as well as representatives from industry bodies, broadcasters, and funding bodies, to work together towards a more inclusive and accessible industry.

The launch will serve as a platform for frank discussions about the current situation for people with disabilities working in the industry and what can be done to improve the situation. 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, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of good representation of disability in media and film. "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."

Jeynes also highlighted the work already done at Fame Week Africa, which hosted the first-ever Disability Inclusion Plenary session in 2023 and introduced the Inclusive Lens Awards in 2024 to recognize diverse narratives in film and series. "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," Jeynes added.

Magdalene Reddy, Director at DFM, expressed her support for DAWN's mission. "The Durban FilmMart 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."

Simon Manda, Editor of THISABILITY Newspaper, a media platform raising voices on disability inclusion in South Africa, adds, "DAWN's launch is a crucial step towards a more inclusive film and TV industry in South Africa. THISABILITY Newspaper fully supports this initiative and urges everyone to join the conversation. Remember the adage of inclusion and representation; Nothing about us without us. Together, we can create an industry that truly represents and includes all voices."

DAWN invites all those working in the South African film and TV industry, as well as allies to the cause, to join and work together towards a more inclusive and accessible industry. The network plans to consult internationally on best practices and push for meaningful change that can be embedded into policies and contracts, ensuring a lasting impact.

The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organises DFM 2024, receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality. The success of the event is made possible through the generous support of various organisations and entities. These include the Ford Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, NEFTI, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, National Film and Video Foundation, Netflix, CNC, French Institute in South Africa, Industrial Development Corporation, KZN Convention Bureau, Afreximbank, International Emerging Film Talent Association, Gauteng Film Commission, Film and Publications Board, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Namibian Film Commission, Panavision, Palestine Film Institute, Wesgro, Canal Plus, Sunshine Cinema, Pure n Black Entertainment, Wits School of Arts, Kenya Grips and Sparks.

Additionally, the event benefits from partnerships with esteemed organisations and festivals. These programme partners include the Durban International Film Festival,  African Real Collective, Animation SA, Berlinale Talents,  Climate Story Lab ZA, Cinemart, Dante Languages, Digital Lab Africa, Doc Society – Climate Story Unit, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Encounters South Africa International Film Festival, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, Fak’ugesi, FIPRESCI, GIPA, Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund, Independent Black Filmmakers Collective, Independent Producers Organisation, Produire au Sud, South African Guild of Actors, STEPS, SWIFT, and Writers Guild of South Africa

About the Durban FilmMart Institute:

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry, where film professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated. The institute's mission is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support, and facilitate investment in the African film industry.

Karen Jeynes