Berlin – South Africa has been selected as the “Country in Focus” for the European Film Market at the Berlinale 2027, placing the country’s film industry at the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious film and market events.
The European Film Market, which will run from 10 to 16 February 2027 as part of the 77th Berlin International Film Festival, has since 2017 spotlighted significant film regions around the world. Previous showcases have featured Mexico, Canada, Norway, Chile, the Baltic States, Italy, Spain and Morocco. South Africa will be the next country to receive the honour.
Berlinale Festival Director Tricia Tuttle said the selection reflects both South Africa’s longstanding relationship with the festival and the strength 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,” she said. 
South Africa’s history with the Berlinale runs deep. In 2005, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha by Mark Dornford-May became the first South African film to win the festival’s prestigious Golden Bear award.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, welcomed the selection. “This is more than recognition, it is an invitation. South Africa brings to the European Film Market an exceptional combination of creative talent, production capability and stories drawn from one of the world’s most compelling cultural landscapes. We are open for collaboration, co-production and investment and we are confident that those who engage with our industry at the Berlinale will leave with a deeper appreciation of what South Africa offers as a creative and commercial partner. 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,” he said.
Onke Dumeko, Acting CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation, said the moment is a testament to years of hard work. “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 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,” Dumeko said.
Berlinale Pro Director Tanja Meissner said the programme will connect South African talent, projects and companies with international buyers, financiers, producers and platforms. “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. At the EFM, cultural visibility meets concrete market potential, while also opening new pathways for long-term collaboration,” she said.
South Africa continues to attract international productions through its combination of experienced crews, advanced production services and varied filming locations, ranging from cosmopolitan cities and dramatic coastlines to arid landscapes, mountains and wildlife reserves.
