30 January 2012: The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) will embark on a trip to the 65th Cannes International Film Festival being held from the 16th to the 27th of May 2012. The festival, which is internationally recognised as the premier film festival and marketing event, brings together filmmakers and key decision makers from across the globe to conduct the business of film.

The NFVF will publish a catalogue of projects, either in development, production or completed in South Africa during the period 2011/2012. Amongst other activities, the NFVF will also host a Sales Event with the purpose of presenting projects to international buyers and agents.

Independent filmmakers with projects fitting the profile are therefore requested to submit synopses of projects they would like the NFVF to include in the catalogue and / or pitch at the sales event. Information required for a project to be represented in the booklet and at the event are:

• Full synopsis of the project
• Tagline
• High resolution poster
• Trailer / Promo
• High resolution production stills (where available)
• Requirements (Funding/Sales Agent/Distribution)

Filmmakers should bear in mind that the NFVF reserves the right to select films that qualify to be presented at the event and included in the NFVF catalogue.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, 1 March 2012.

For project submissions email Thandeka Zwana.

For more information click here to email Naomi Mokhele Communications & Public Affairs Manager.

14 February 2012, Johannesburg): Zamantungwa (Zama) Mkosi was today appointed the CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF). Mkosi, an admitted high court attorney, has a long and illustrious career in the media and entertainment industry, and her mixture of commercial, legal and media astuteness will carry the NFVF into a new era.

"We have followed Zama's career closely and are pleased that such a well-rounded person with incredible intellectual and commercial rigour is our new CEO," said Chairman of the NFVF Council, Mmabatho Ramagoshi. Ramagoshi said that the NFVF chose Mkosi, based on proof of her effective leadership, excellent project management, sound interpersonal skills, prescient vision and strategic planning.

"My legal experience coupled with my work as a producer in the film and television industry enables me to lead the NFVF into the future. I am keen to tackle the challenges facing the industry and harness the many opportunities present in the South African film and television industry," said Mkosi.

Mkosi, worked as the senior legal advisor to the media and motion pictures business unit at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). During her five year stint, she advised the IDC on the viability of its potential investments in the media and entertainment industries.

She was seconded by the IDC to train with a law firm called Entertainment Law Group in Los Angeles, which specialises in the media and film industry in Hollywood and most of the United States. During this time she expanded her specialist knowledge working with various entertainment industry stakeholders, including studio executives, independent production houses, agents (literary and artist) as well as equity investors.

She was thus listed by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the "most influential young women in the media in Africa."

Mkosi also worked as the executive producer for Heartlines – a television series that addressed social issues in South Africa. She has had extensive training in Intellectual Property Law, working in Geneva, Hague, Stockholm and Harare at respective patent offices.

Mkosi has served on various media boards: Film Resource Unit (an African film distribution organisation), AVEA (Audio Visual Training Institution),Heartlines and on the NFVF Council (where she was the deputy chairperson).

For further information and media interviews Click here to email Naomi Mokhele,
Communications & Public Affairs Manager.

PRESS RELEASE

Durban Film pioneer pays it forward

A multi-million rand fund geared at upcoming creative talent will be used to develop and harness the skills of a “Born-Free” generation of black film-makers in the country.

This is the goal envisioned by award-winning director and producer Junaid Ahmed, whose film production company Fineline Productions was recently announced as recipients of the 2012 National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Slate Funding.

Fineline Productions will be allocated a total of R6 million over a period of three years; R1 million each year for development of four feature projects and R1 million each year to produce one of the films out of the development slate.

Ahmed, who specialises in film and television production, will steer a programme targeted at sourcing and developing emerging black talent within the local film industry.  “I believe it is essential that young aspirant filmmakers are given every opportunity to develop their craft so that South African cinema is further enriched by these new visions and new voices,” said Ahmed.

Despite the success of his documentaries and films, which have featured in several international film festivals, the Durban-born film-maker still holds the city of Durban close to heart -it is his “desire” to film two of the four feature films in the city. Ahmed’s feature film Stockholm, Zululand, a co-production with renowned Swedish producer Jan Blomgren, was also chosen as an official project during the inaugural Durban FilmMart (DFM) in 2010.  The final selection of film projects for NFVF will be made at the end of March 2012 and groundwork for the funding will begin thereafter.

Acting CEO of the Durban Film Office (DFO) Toni Monty believes Ahmed’s venture encompasses similar objectives to the Durban FilmMart. “It will be exciting to observe how Junaid Ahmed will use his experience and expertise to enrich the lives of young emerging film-makers and in doing so, give back to his community through such an initiative,” said Monty.

Ahmed’s motivation for the project was based on his concern over the slow advancement of black film professionals; particularly screenplay writers, directors and producers in the film industry. An intensive-action plan was hatched by Ahmed and his team at addressing the root of the problem.  This involves selecting and grooming aspirant film-makers with “natural DNA and flair for the art of visual story-telling,” said Ahmed. Another key objective is to overcome the shortage of local stories by adapting novels written by black writers aimed at the big screen.

“We have identified a pool of writers who reflect a cross section of people from across South Africa- and their literary works are not only compelling stories but will also translate brilliantly to the big screen,” said Ahmed.

Relevant societal issues coupled with fresh visual language will be sourced from a group of film-graduates from around the county in a developmental project aimed mentoring and grooming raw talent.

Fineline Productions will offer a series of training workshops and mentorships which will include both local and international professionals in areas of producing, directing and scripting , targeting the  growing core of film-makers and graduates who have yet to evolve to the next level in the film-making process, said Ahmed.

“We believe that they make up a potentially potent talent pool, alive with the possibility of substantial achievement in the film industry” he said. Through his participation at Durban FilmMart, which he deems the “most important and vital film market in Africa”, Ahmed encompassed key lessons such as pitching, marketing, strategising and interacting with international role-players in the industry.

Developing Stockholm, Zululand has also broken new ground in production, which will begin later this year. Ahmed is also not ruling out the possibility of a World Premiere of the film at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2013. The project was well received at the Durban FilmMart and at other film finance markets in Cannes, London, Halifax and New York and Ahmed has since engaged with film financiers, producers, sales agents, and distributors.

Monty is particularly excited about this development; “It will be a full-circle experience for Junaid Ahmed; from developing his labour of love to a highly awaited premier is an attestation of a job well done.” 

NFVF Slate Fund 2012

15 December 2011: The National Film and Video Foundation is happy to announce that at its meeting on the 7th of December 2011 the council of the NFVF approved the awarding of slate funds to three deserving production companies, each with unique propositions which attracted the highest scores from the evaluation panel convened to assess them.

The institution put out a call in July for applications for a slate fund which would see three production companies being awarded development and production funding for a slate of films, targeting upcoming creative talent and giving preference to first time filmmakers who have been unable to break into the competitive feature film market.

The fund will award R1 000 000 per year for development of at least 4 projects and R1 000 000 per year to produce one of the films out of the development slate. This funding will continue for a period of three years.

The call attracted applications from across the country and the final awards were made to 3 productions companies, two based in Johannesburg and one from Durban. It is the NFVF’s hope that with further development of the industry around the country, future slate funds can be offered with the opportunity for more emerging talents in other provinces to benefit from the process.

The production companies awarded the slate funding are:

Fineline Productions:

Fineline is headed by Junaid Ahmed, an international award winning director and producer, Ndumiso Ngcobo, an award winning author, columnist and blogger and Helena Spring, one of South Africa’s most experienced producers with a string of international awards to her credit. Their strategy aims to use the wealth of literature that is available in South Africa to adapt many award winning novels by black writers to the big screen. They have also identified a team of young film school graduates to work with and mentor in the anticipation of them releasing their first feature films.

Fuzebox Productions:

Fuzebox is a female run production company made up of industry veterans looking to utilise their collective know how in grooming and mentoring female creative talent. The collective is headed by Khetiwe Ngcobo, former head of content at the SABC, Mokopi Shale, a former commissioning editor for the SABC; and Cati Weinek, a prolific writer and producer. They are looking to harness the talents of many other female industry giants to mentor emerging creatives.

Real Eyes:

Real Eyes is also run by a partnership of two women, Judy Naidoo, a recipient of a Ford Foundation and a Trevor Jones scholarship to study filmmaking in the UK; Sara Blecher, an award winning drama and documentary director who has recently completed her first feature film as director and coproducer. Together they are looking to engage promising young talent from television and documentary backgrounds to mentor and develop towards their first feature films.

With the focus of the slate funding being: skills development and training; mentoring emerging creative talent; production of commercially viable features, as well as building sustainable film enterprises, the NFVF looks forward to the success of the slate fund and wish the three production companies well for the future.

Released on Behalf of the National Film and Video Foundation

Contact Person
Naomi Mokhele
Communications & Public Affairs Manager
Tel: +27 11 483 0880
Mob: +27 82 496 9324
naomim@nfvf.co.za
www.nfvf.co.za

Winter 2012 Feature-film Production Grants

San Francisco, CA - January 4, 2012 - In its continuing effort to promote original filmmaking by individuals from around the world, the Global Film Initiative is pleased to announce the Winter 2012 cycle of its feature-film production grants program. Applications will be accepted until January 16, 2012, and decisions will be announced in March 2012.

Global Film Initiative production grants are awarded twice a year, in winter and summer, to filmmakers whose work exhibits artistic excellence, accomplished storytelling and cultural perspective on daily life. Funds received through the Initiative's Granting Program are used to support completion of film production, and to subsidize post-production costs, such as laboratory and sound mixing fees, and access to modern editing systems.

The Global Film Initiative will award production grants of up to $10,000 each to select applicants during its winter granting cycle. These funds are made available following the Initiative's evaluation of an applicant's completed screenplay and early film-footage, and may include a pre-sale option for exclusive U.S. distribution of an applicant's film by the Initiative.

Individuals may submit more than one film for consideration per granting cycle but please note that only applications from qualifying countries or regions will be considered and that production grants are not available for documentary or short films.*

The Global Film Initiative strongly believes in supporting narrative storytelling traditions from around the world and invites all qualified applicants to submit their work for granting consideration.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 16, 2012.

Applications must be postmarked by this date to be eligible for consideration.

For Applications & Guidelines, please visit: www.globalfilm.org/granting.htm.

*The Global Film Initiative accepts grant applications from countries in the following regions: Africa, Asia (excluding Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan), the Caribbean (excluding Cuba), Central & Eastern Europe (excluding the European Union), Latin America, the Middle East (excluding Iran) and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

The Global Film Initiative

The Global Film Initiative is a U.S.-based international arts organization specializing in the support of independent film from Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Founded in 2002 to promote cross-cultural understanding through the language of cinema, the Initiative awards numerous grants to deserving filmmakers from around the world each year, and supports a touring film series entitled Global Lens. For more information about the Global Lens film series and Global Film Initiative programs, please visit: www.globalfilm.org.

Contact:

The Global Film Initiative

145 Ninth Street, Suite 105

San Francisco, CA 94103

415-934-9500

gfi-info@globalfilm.org

CineMart, the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s co-production market has selected 36 film projects (from 465 entries) which will be presented to approximately 850 potential co-financiers. Reputed filmmakers such as Kelly Reichardt, Ruben Östlund, Quintin Dupieux, Athina Rachel Tsangari and Úrszula Antoniak will launch their new projects. The selection further includes feature length débuts, a project from a director with a film in Tiger Awards Competition and films participating in the BOOST!-program, a collaboration with the Hubert Bals Fund and Binger Filmlab. The 29^th Cinemart takes place from 29 January – February 1, 2012 in Rotterdam. (See full CineMart Selection 2012 below)

CineMart manager Jacobine van der Vloed about the 2012 selection:

“One of the starting points of the CineMart Selection 2012 was to focus, more than before, on the alliance between the IFFR, the Hubert Bals Fund and the CineMart. We have managed to do this: many filmmakers and producers get the unique opportunity to present their latest works in the festival programme and launch their projects at CineMart. Others, who saw their films screened at previous IFFR editions, now bring their new projects to CineMart. Some filmmakers return to CineMart a second or third time. In the end we have selected the projects that best tie in, on geographical, artistic and financial levels, with the need of the current market for independent filmmaking.

In close collaboration with Binger Filmlab, the relation between CineMart and the Hubert Bals Fund has been strengthened through the BOOST! initiative. In 2011, five film projects already supported by the Hubert Bals Fund for script and project development participated in the Binger Filmlab On Demand Programme and have now been selected for CineMart 2012.

The crossover trend between art house cinema and visual arts is strongly reflected in the CineMart Selection. To look into this development CineMart organizes a panel discussion among artists and museum or gallery representatives on 29 January 2012 in collaboration with Screen International and CPH:DOX. The Art:Film panel focuses on the blurring boundaries between art and film and explores several questions. What motivates artists to explore narrative cinema? What can projects that originate in the art world learn from existing film financing and distribution models and vice versa?”

New projects by Athina Rachel Tsangari, Quentin Dupieux, Alexei Popogrebski and Kelly Reichardt

Following her successful second feature Attenberg (2010), filmmaker and producer Athina Rachel Tsangari (Greece) presents her third feature length project Duncharon, together with producers HAOS Films and Faliro House Productions. Maharaja Films (France) and The Match Factory (Germany are connected to this project as co-producers.

French music producer and filmmaker Quentin Dupieux’s Wrong will see its world premiere at Sundance 2012. Dupieux, successful in 2010 with his comic horror film Rubber, launches his new film project Realité at CineMart 2012 along with producer Realitism Films.

Alexei Popogrebski, Russian filmmaker and screenwriter known for his How I Ended This Summer (2010), will present his new 3D-film project Lost Rooms, produced by Koktebel Film Company,

US-filmmaker Kelly Reichardt took home a Tiger Award from Rotterdam in 2006 for her second feature film Old Joy. Her Wendy and Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff were subsequently selected for Cannes and Venice. Reichardt launches her new project Night Moves in collaboration with producer filmscience.

Art:Film, projects by Knut Åsdam, Henry Coombes and others

No less than five film projects in the CineMart Selection 2012 are from visual artists. All five will also be making their fiction feature length débuts. Norwegian artist Knut Åsdam, an Artist in Focus during IFFR 2007, is preparing hisKirkenesk-Murmansk with German producer Vitakuben. Scottish artist Henry Coombes makes his first film Little Dog Boy, in collaboration with producer Broken Spectre. Siblings Carlos and Jason Sanchez, both photographers from Québec, work with producer micro_scope on A Worthy Companion. French artist and filmmaker Christelle Lheureux presents her first feature film project Le vent des ombres together with producer Independencia Productions; Lheureux’s short film La maladie blanche has been selected for the Tiger Awards Competition for Short Films 2012.

Back at CineMart: Ruben Östlund and Aktan Arym Kubat

In 2012, some filmmakers return to CineMart with their latest projects. After Involuntary and Play, both launched during previous CineMart editions, Ruben Östlund (Sweden) presents the project for his fourth feature Tourist with producer Plattform Produktion.

Aktan Arym Kubat (Kyrgyzstan) brought The Light Thief to CineMart in 2007 and now returns with his projectCentaur, produced by A.S.A.P. Films.

From Rotterdam Lab to CineMart: Ritesh Batra

CineMart welcomes a project by two former participants of Rotterdam Lab, CineMart’s training programme for emerging producers organized in collaboration with its partners. The Indian project The Lunchbox by Ritesh Batra and producer Guneet Monga from Anurag Kashyap Productions originates from their initial meetings at Rotterdam Lab 2011. Batra’s short film Café Regular, Caïro has been selected for IFFR 2012’s Spectrum: Shorts.

Young talent: Eduardo Nunes, Malcolm Murray, Gabriel Abrantes & Daniel Schmidt

The IFFR, CineMart and the Hubert Bals Fund aim to offer emerging filmmakers a platform to launch their films and film projects. Therefore the CineMart Selection 2012 includes several projects by strong talent at the beginning of their careers. Sudoeste (Southwest), fiction feature début by Eduardo Nunes (Brazil), has been selected for the Tiger Awards Competition 2012. Happy Death, his second feature film project produced by Superfilmes, is part of CineMart 2012.

Following the world premiere of his first fiction feature Bad Posture during IFFR 2011, CineMart 2012 includes US-filmmaker Malcolm Murray’s second feature project Tokyo Cannonball Rising Sun, produced by THIS.

Gabriel Abrantes and Daniel Schmidt (both US) are selected with their fiction feature début project Tristes Monroesand present their short Palaces of Pity in IFFR 2012’s Spectrum: Shorts.

The full CineMart Selection 2012, alphabetically by film project title:

BOOST!

• Djin, by Hawa Essuman, production company: Ginger Ink Films (Kenya)
• Dólares de arena, Los, by Laura Amelia Guzmán & Israel Cárdenas, production companies: Aurora Dominicana, Athénaïse (Dominican Republic, Mexico, France)
• Humidity, by Nikola Ljuca, production companies: Dart Film, zischlermann filmproduktion GbR (Serbia, Germany)
• Jomo, by Kivu Ruhorahoza, production companies: POV Productions, Camera Club (Rwanda, Australia)
• Midfielder, by Adrián Biniez, production companies: Morocha Films, Mutante Cine, Pandora Film Produktion GmbH, Topkapi Films (Argentina, Uruguay, Germany, The Netherlands)

Call for Entry for the Jan Vrijman Fund

Dear documentary filmmaker,

IDFA's Jan Vrijman Fund supports documentary filmmakers and documentary events in and from developing countries. The fund is looking for proposals for creative documentaries and events that offer a platform for documentaries and filmmakers.

Regulations
The deadline to submit a project for the first selection round of 2012 is15 January 2012. (Please note that the Fund has changed the regulations in 2011). For the regulations, the online entryform, the project form and frequently asked questions please visit our website. There are different regulations and project forms required for every category. The entryform can be submitted online and the project form can be sent attached in an e-mail to janvrijmanfund@idfa.nl.

Submit with MyIDFA
In order to submit a project to the Jan Vrijman Fund, you need a MyIDFA user account. On the IDFA website you can register for a MyIDFA account. With this account you can then submit entryforms to theJan Vrijman Fund, as well as to IDFA, Docs for Sale andthe FORUM.

For more information feel free to contact Jan Vrijman Fund producer Mlanie de Vocht at janvrijmanfund@idfa.nl.

 

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your potential and network with film-industry elite at this year’s Durban FilmMart (DFM).  Now in its 3^rd year of operation, DFM is a cooperative project between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival with principle funding from the City of Durban.

Set to take place in Durban from 20-23 July 2012, during the 33rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival (19-29 July 2012), the closing date for Durban FilmMart applications is just a few short weeks away - film-makers are encouraged to submit their film project material early and be mindful of the submission deadline on 15 February 2012.

With the promise of a jam-packed line-up, DFM once again aspires to bring you the “know-how” of industry-related issues.  “Don’t let the opportunity of a lifetime pass you by,” is the message highlighted by Acting CEO of the Durban Film Office, Toni Monty.

“Africa has many storytellers and we are excited to give them a platform to be heard and as well as a chance to get their foot in the door through funding and networking within the industry,” says Peter Rorvik, director of the Centre for Creative Arts and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).

With roots embedded in all corners of the African continent DFM has been heralded as a significant catalyst for growth of the African Film industry and a vital interface with global film sectors.

Dear Filmmaker

You are invited to enter your beautifully crafted film in the DStv Film Talent Celebration short film competition.

This competition will be focusing on the ability of South African filmmakers to tell wonderful authentic stories through very short films. The competition will be challenging specifically those filmmakers who overcame the limits of time and continued to display their craft as talented story tellers. The length of the films has to be between three and ten minutes. This is a nationwide short film competition for South African filmmakers which is open to any genre of film as long as you believe that your film is a high impact offering .

The competition not only celebrates talent but the winners will receive cash prizes which they can add to their funds to tell more beautiful South African stories. The categories and prizes are as follows:

Best Production                                =R50k (Overall)

Best Director                      =R40k

Best Editor                          =R40k

Best Sound                         =R40k

Best Cinematography    =R40k

Best Newcommer           =R20k

The only accepted format is DVD and all submissions must include a completed entry form. Let us work together to develop “an authentic South African cinematic voice”. 

For entry forms, rules and regulations and further information, click here: Click Here

Alternatively email film@multichoice.co.za  or phone Hloni Nkhabe on +27+112893068

Contact by email is preferred.

The competition will culminate in a special event during which the winners will be announced and the top short films screened. We will also take this opportunity to recognise the up-and-coming filmmakers from DStv’s Film Skills Development programme. It will be an occasion for networking, appreciating talent and generally reflecting on our achievements as an industry.

 COMPETITION CLOSING DATE IS 29 FEBUARY 2012. NO SUBMISSION FEE IS REQUIRED.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? THEN ENTER NOW!

Following the launch of the November 2011 Request for Proposals Book, the SABC is embarking on a roadshow to promote the book. A team comprising of channel representatives, commissioning editors, legal experts, finance and industry development will be visiting the various regions. See below the rollout.
 

For enquiries call: 0117144532 or 0117146588

Kindly spread the word to those in your constituency.

Regards,

Blessed Katiyo

Commissioning Manager

SABC TV Division (Local Content)

Land: 0117146855

Fax: 0117145992

email: katiyobt@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg 22 November, 2011 - The world’s leading climate documentary films are set to screen in special edition of the Tri Continental Human Rights Film festival designed to inspire climate action and unite people in conversation around the United Nations’ Conference of Parties, COP17, climate conference.

The Tri Continental Climate Justice Film Festival brings together film enthusiasts and climate and social justice civil society delegates to be entertained, discuss and share the pressing issues that are impacting the world’s populace.

The Festival, to be held in five venues in Durban from 26 November until 9 December, will showcase 24 documentary films, as well as a tell-all documentary being filmed by Uhuru Productions during COP17 that follows three women from African countries who travel to COP17 to deliver their plea to the delegates.

TCFF Director, and Director of this COP17 documentary, Rehad Desai said: “Through the festival, we not only celebrate the world’s best climate and social justice documentaries, but also aim to inspire people to become engaged with climate talks not only during COP17 but when everyone packs up and goes home.”

“We also strongly believe that because COP17 is in our backyard it’s vital that we use the opportunity of having the world’s eyes on us to tell African stories.”

“We have chosen a festival format to showcase both climate and social justice films that speak of the critical issues impacting people around the globe, with the aim of generating greater awareness, empathy and dialogue with the fantastic documentary content that is being made,” he added.

A festival highlight will be the launch of The Weather Gods on Wednesday 30 November at the Greenpeace “Solar Tent”, a joint Uhuru Production and Greenpeace film, that looks at the impact of climate change on subsistence farmers in South Africa, Mali and Kenya.

Another festival highlight will be screenings of South African AIDS denial documentary, TAC Taking HAART and the award-winning conservation tale, Green.

First premiered in September at Tri Continental Human Rights Film Festival, TAC: Taking HAART, received widespread audience acclaim for its in-depth review of the impact of government sponsored AIDS denialism between 1999-2010; a period when over two million South Africans died of AIDs despite the existence of antiretroviral treatment. The screening on Monday 5 December will feature Q&A with producer Jack Lewis.

A powerful story that follows the last days of a female orangutan as her forest home is raided, Green has won several awards including; Golden Panda Award and Natural History Museum Award, Wildscreen Film Festival, Bristol, 2010 and Grand Teton Award and Best Conservation Program, Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, USA, 2009.

Participating venues include; People’s Space at University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard Campus, The Bat Centre, Ekhaya Multi-Purpose Centre in Kwa Mashu, Greenpeace Solar Cinema North Beach and The Collective, Morningside. All films are open to the public and free of charge.

TCFF is Southern Africa’s only dedicated Human Rights film event.

For a full list of venues and to view program visit www.tcff.org.za

For more information or to schedule an interview contact

Rowena McNaughton, Outreach Coordinator, TCFF, rowena@uhuruproducstions.co.za or +27 (0) 7686 95293

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) recently announced that the cap on the film and television production incentive rebate for foreign, local and co-productions, previously set at R20m, has been removed.

Designed to encourage television and film productions to shoot in South Africa, the dti pays back 15% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) of R12m and above on foreign productions that shoot here.

For local and co-productions with a total production budget of R2.5m and above they rebate 35% of the first R6m of QSAPE and 25% of the QSAPE on amounts above R6m.

According to Rudi Siefert, deputy director in charge of film incentives at the dti, the rebate was previously paid only on QSAPE up to R20m. “Now if the budget comes to, for example R29m, we can rebate the whole amount. Now there is no cap at all on foreign, local or co-productions.”

He explained that the dti changes the guidelines from time to time according to the needs of the industry, and benchmarks what it does against international best practice.

“We’ve noticed that a couple of specifically foreign productions previously had bigger budgets and we’ve been able to pay only up to R20m, now as a result of lifting the cap we will attract more productions to South Africa. This will create jobs in the industry and money will be generated by production spend in South Africa. We see it as a tremendous boost for the local industry.”

According to Siefert the dti works very closely with organisations such as the Independent Producers Organisation and various film commissions.

“We’ve received very positive feedback from all of them. We’ve also heard from the industry that there are one or two foreign productions looking to film in South Africa, so there seems to be interest, but we haven’t received any new applications for funding yet.”

According to Rudi van As, general manager and financial director at Film Afrika (In My Country, The No1 Ladies Detective Agency), they are delighted that the dti removed the cap as it will open the way for more television series and larger budget films to come to South Africa.

“The uncapped SA cash rebate, combined with the highly skilled South African crew base, established infrastructure and fantastic locations, ensure that South Africa can compete as a filming destination in a highly competitive international environment.”

“The principal benefits are sustainable employment, skills transfer, continued investment in infrastructure and the further growth and development of the local film and television industry.”

Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat, producer at Light & Dark Films (Confessions of a Gambler, Skeem) comments: “What we know in the industry is that the dti incentive really does work on many levels. It is easily accessible and more importantly it returns positive cash flow to the fiscus, and so it is proving to be very valuable to the film industry and the people of South Africa in general.

“The primary benefit of removing the cap is that it incentivises bigger foreign productions to come to South Africa, and possibly more importantly, it incentivises them to spend more in the country. This is good for tax collection and good for tourism. It may prove to be good for suppliers to the film industry and crew too.

“On the local front, I support the move as it allows us to think bigger with our more ambitious projects, and it does simplify our finance plans on projects where we need international partners.”

Ross Garland, producer of Spud and U-Carmen eKhayelitsha notes that given the relatively small local film budgets across the board, the removal of the cap is unlikely to have any impact on those producers focused on making local content.

“I imagine the current growth in home grown content will continue on its positive trajectory regardless, fuelled as it was originally by the dti’s reduction in the threshold to R2.5 million. That said, this move might encourage some of the local content players to take on more ambitious projects in conjunction with international partners, as no doubt the cap elimination will be a significant boost for large inbound productions.”

Says Marlow De Mardt of DO Productions (Themba – A Boy called Hope, Lost City Raiders, The Ring of the Nibelungs): “I think it’s great news and shows how the dti has its finger on the pulse of trying to improve conditions for local filmmakers and making South Africa more attractive to foreign filmmakers. The removal of the cap is very welcome for the industry and it’s another very positive move from the dti. We’ve all been very appreciative of what the dti has done over the years for the industry through its incentives.”

Cape Film Commission CEO Denis Lillie calls the move a ‘significant step in the right direction’. He believes it has the potential to make South Africa a more attractive destination for larger foreign productions, especially from the US.

“While we currently also have an advantage because of the weakening rand, we would still prefer to see the rebate for foreign productions increased from 15% to 20 or 25%,” says Lillie.

“I think it’s going to be three or four months before we see the benefits or impact of the change. However, the potential to attract bigger productions highlights the need for us to have our film permit systems and locations sorted out. We are working with provincial government to start releasing more appropriate locations.”

 

The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is calling for feature, short and documentary entries for its 2012 edition, to be held in April in Nigeria, home to the world’s third largest film industry. The deadline for submissions is 30 December 2011.

Since its inception in 2005, AMAA has established itself as the most prestigious and glamorous awards celebrating filmmaking on the continent. The gala event, which is televised live around the world, attracts Hollywood celebrities alongside their African counterparts, as well as African politicians and media. 

“Our theme this year is Africa Rising,” says founder Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. “With the success of last year’s AMAA winner, Viva Riva!, all of a sudden there’s this great awareness of the possibilities in Africa. It challenged the ideology of what African cinema is all about.”

After winning six awards at AMAA 2011, Djo Tundawa Munga’s gritty Congolese crime drama was released in America, Canada, Europe, Australasia, and an unprecedented 18 African countries to rave reviews, demonstrating the untapped audience potential of the roughly one billion Africans on the continent.

“This has been an exciting year for African cinema,” says Peace. “We’ve also seen the UK release of six Nollywood films, with Lonzo Nzekwe’s Anchor Baby and Obi Emelonye’s Mirror Boy having extended runs at The Odeon Cinema in England.”

Only films produced and released between December 2010 and December 2011 are eligible. Features may not exceed 120 minutes and shorts may not be longer than 40 minutes. 

Submission forms can be downloaded from the AMAA website, http://www.ama-awards.com/.

Nominations will be announced in February 2012.

Peace is available for interviews to discuss the awards and the potential of African cinema.

For more information, contact:

Kevin Kriedemann

+27 83 556 2346

kevin@kevinlikes.com

Durban International Film Festival manager Nashen Moodley has been appointed as director of the Sydney Film Festival. Previously a journalist at Independent Newspapers, for whom he still writes film reviews, Moodley has been centrally involved in the development and management of Durban International Film Festival programmes since joining the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts in 2001.

Announcing Moodley’s new appointment, Peter Rorvik, director of the CCA and the Durban International Film Festival, notes: "Nashen has established a reputation as an astute and world-respected film programmer, and whilst his departure is a great loss to DIFF, it is for Nashen a big step into the international arena, and deserved recognition of his skills. Of course he is not just a brilliant programmer, widely-acknowledged by the filmmaking community, but in his broader role as film festival manager he has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Durban International Film Festival across the past decade. His expertise and understanding of film industry processes are an asset to any organization, and the CCA and DIFF congratulate Nashen on his appointment and wish him well for his future projects and adventures. Both the CCA and the city of Durban will miss this popular personality, and we will certainly maintain our relationship with him. "

Sydney Film Festival Chairman, Chris Freeland, said: "Nashen Moodley joins Sydney Film Festival at a time of great strength and growth. His strong international film festival connections and curatorial flair ensure that Sydney will continue to be presented the best films and filmmakers from around the world; whilst highlighting the great films and talent of the Australian film industry."

Nashen Moodley said: "Prior to joining DIFF, I was a regular attendee and the festival has been extremely important for me in my cinematic education. I have so enjoyed these past 11 years and, as I embark on this exciting new challenge, I am happy that DIFF is in a position of great strength and opportunity. It was been a great privilege and pleasure for me to work with Peter Rorvik and the dedicated Centre For Creative Arts team, and I wish them all the very best for the future. My intention is to remain closely connected to African cinema and filmmakers and I will remain a friend and keen supporter of DIFF."

Moodley will take up his new position in January. The Sydney Film Festival takes place from 6 to 17 June while the Durban International Film Festival runs from 19 to 29 July 2012.

Photo: Nashen Moodley

Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates: The Communication Works

031-8115628

0833263235

sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter sharlvers

Skype: sharlene.versfeld

Never before has there been more opportunity for companies to market

themselves and compete internationally irrespective of geographic location.

One of South Africa's greatest strengths is our ability to "leap frog"

technology and embrace cutting edge solutions. An example of this is we

have already had three animated 3D Stereoscopic productions developed in SA

namely: Lion of Juda, Zambezi and Jock of the Bushvelt. It is the perfect

time for SA companies to focus on building these skills while the rest of

the world is still learning. The city of Durban prides itself on being the

first and most advanced Smart City in Africa, examples like Durban

University of Technology being the first African Tertiary institution to

install a 3D Stereoscopic lab.

The aim of this event is to showcase the latest in digital content creation

technologies and the global trends that are progressively taking the world

by storm. www.ddcexpo.co.za

Date: 31 October 2011

Time: 13h30 - 18h00

Venue: Blue Water Hotel, 175 Snell Parade, Marine Parade, Durban

Map: <http://www.bluewatershotel.co.za/contact-us.html>

http://www.bluewatershotel.co.za/contact-us.html

End User

13h30 - 14h00 Registration

14h00 - 14h30 Keynote

14h30 - 14h45 Lenovo Launch

14h45 - 15h30 Adobe Cross Functional Software

15h30 - 16h15 StereoScopic Production

16h15 - 16h45 Digital Content Production

16h45 - 17h00 Comfort Break

17h00 - 17h45 Production Breakdown of iTruck

17h45 - 18h00 Networking

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT

The Durban Film Office is calling for proposals for a project management consultancy to implement the KZN Music Cluster operational plans.  The KZN Music Cluster is a project in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Toursim, KZN and the Music Sector.

The consultant appointed should have at least five (5) years experience and must be competent in the following key knowledge areas:

• Good communication skills
• Planning and Development for Non-Profit Organisations.
• Project management.
• Financial management.
• Fund Raising.
• Marketing & Communications
• Public Speaking
• Drivers license and own vehicle

The successful consultant is required to submit proof that they have sufficient expertise in the above mentioned areas. 

Advantages:

• An understanding of relevant music industry players and organisations, and a grasp of salient music-related issues.

Technical enquiries and requests for the full brief in regard to this contract should be made to Economic Development; Durban Film Office; Contact Person,

Ms. Gugu Radebe:

Tel 031 311 4243

email zungug@durban.gov.za

Sealed proposals are to be submitted to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT, 11^th Floor, Rennies House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Av. Durban 4001 by 12h00, 4^TH of November  2011. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Request for Proposals: KZN Music Cluster Project Manager Consultant” No late submissions will be accepted.

Dates for the third edition of Durban FilmMart have been confirmed for 20-23 July 2012, during the 33rd  Durban International Film Festival (19-29 July).

This partnership project between the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) provides filmmakers from across Africa a valued opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers.  Over 200 industry professionals attended the successful Durban FilmMart of 2011, participating in meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on latest trends in film finance, marketing, distribution and new media technologies.

Call for submissions

DFM calls for submissions of both feature-length fiction and documentary projects (including animation). Selected projects will be invited to pitch projects in one-on-one meetings with potential investors within the Finance Forum segment of the programme. Entry is open to:

• Projects in which either the producer, director or writer is an African citizen. Proof of African citizenship or birth must be provided through a certified copy of a valid African passport/ birth certificate;

• Africans living in the Diaspora, but who still have African citizenship or have proof of birth in Africa;

• Projects with a producer attached. 

For more information on the Durban FilmMart and project submission criteria and processes please visit www.durbanfilmmart.com  

The closing date for submissions is 15 February 2012.

For further enquires contact

email: durbanfilmmart@durban.gov.za  or durbanfilmmart@gmail.com

Tel: +27 31 311 4243Fax: +27 31 311 4092

Ends                                        

Issued by the Durban Film Office and Durban International Film Festival

NOTES :

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is the film-industry development arm of the City of Durban, mandated to position Durban as a world-class film production destination and facilitator for the development of the local film industry.  The DFO drives activity and development in the sector in order to boost tourism, job creation and the development of core skills and SMME’s in the region.   The organization is also actively seeking and creating opportunities for setting the benchmark as the leading authority in the field in South Africa. www.durbanfilmoffice.com

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is South Africa’s oldest and largest film festival, and is a flagship project of the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN). The CCA facilitates creative platforms and economic opportunities for artists and related industries, intercultural exchange and network development, training, audience development and strategic Pan-African and international cooperation in the cultural sectors.  The CCA also produces three other major annual festivals - Time of the Writer, Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience and Poetry Africa.  www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT

ADVERTISEMENT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT

Call for submission of proposals for appointment of the Durban FilmMart Project Manager.

The Durban Film Office seeks to appoint a Project Manager Consultant to implement the operational plans of the Durban FilmMart 2012.

The consultant appointed should have at least five (5) years experience and must be competent in the following key knowledge areas:

• Project management.
• Strong communication skills
• Marketing & Communications
• Public Speaking
• Sponsorship & Fund Raising
• Drivers license and own vehicle

The successful consultant is required to submit proof that they have sufficient expertise in the above mentioned areas.

Advantages:

• Experience in managing & coordinating film co-production forum;
• An understanding of relevant film industry players and organisations, and a grasp of salient film-related issues.

Technical enquiries and requests for the full brief in regard to this contract should be made to:

Economic Development;

Durban Film Office;

Ms. Gugu Radebe:

Tel 031 311 4243,

email zungug@durban.gov.za

Sealed proposals are to be submitted to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT, 11^th Floor, Rennies House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Av. Durban 4001 by 12h00, 18 October 2011. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Request for Proposals: Durban FilmMart Project Manager Consultant” No late submissions will be accepted.

The 8th KwaZulu Natal African Film Festival calls for African

films throughout Africa and the diaspora. Established by the KwaMashu

Community Advancement Projects this township based festival has refused to

be taken as a township festival that falls into the lowering of standards.

KwaZulu Natal African Film Festival (also known as KAFF) started in 2004

with a partnership from DV8 where the idea of mobile cinema was explored.

The festival opened with DV8's Max and Mona and won the hearts of the people

instantly. The focus of the festival would be stronger in

building scarce skills in KwaMashu but would also explore the possibilities

of film screenings in a professional cinema. A dream that would take 8 years

to fulfill with the National Film and Video Foundation coming on board to

convert Ekhaya Theatre to a top class wall to wall carpeted and sound

proofed HD theatre.

KwaZulu Natal African Film Festival has hosted local and international

filmmakers like Gabrielle Union, Owen 'Alik Shahadah, Jeremy Nathan, Kenneth

Nkosi, Patrick Mofokeng and many others. It has also managed to collaborate

with other organisations in its awareness based serminars that have in the

past ranged from Deaf Awareness, Children Rights, Disability Awareness,

Cinema Awareness and plans to continue to push the audiences it develops

into self critic. The festival is based at Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre but

spreads itself to Pietermaritzburg and this year plans a solid screening in

the areas of Empangeni, Port Shepstone and Greytown.

To submit films into this festival filmmakers can send their films, in DVD,

to KwaZulu Natal African Film Festival, B25 Giya Road, KwaMashu 4360, Durban

South Africa.

The festival runs from 2-11 December 2011. All queries can be sent to

sabelodludla@gmail.com or kcap@mweb.co.za.

KwaZulu Natal African Film Festival submissions close on the 15th of October

and the Festival runs from 2-11 December.

--

Okuhle kodwa.

Sabelo Dludla

KwaZulu Natal African Film Festival Programmer

Cell: +2772 336 8422

sabelodludla@gmail.com

The Arterial Network and the DOEN Foundation call for submissions of short films shot on cell phones for its first Mobile Phone Film Competition.

The films will be evaluated by experts in various fields. Public awareness and participation will be increased by on-line voting. So, anyone with a cell phone will now be able to become a filmmaker in the Arterial Network/DOEN Foundation Mobile Phone Film Competition. The festival aims at providing an opportunity to anyone to create and capture images to tell a unique story using mobile phones, the most accessible technology on the African continent.

Prizes for winners are as follows:

First Prize: 1000 Euros

Second Prize: 500 Euros

Third Prize: 250 Euros

Audience Choice Award: 150 Euros

Other prizes such as filmmaking training opportunities and screenings at film festivals for the winners are currently being negotiated.

Submissions must reach Arterial Network on or before 31 October 2011.

Films may only be submitted electronically:

Please go to http://www.arterialnetwork.org/page/competition for the General Submission Guidelines, fill in your online application and upload your movie.

 SMARTXCHANGE LAUNCHES NEW MEDIA SECTION

The SmartXchange ICT Hub & Incubator officially launched the new media section on the 15 September 2011. The New Media Section is a combined initiative between the SmartXChange and Durban Film Office as part of the Producers Lab Incubator and Skills Development Programme collaboration between the SmartXChange and Durban Film Office that seeks to explore the synergistic opportunities between the ICT and entertainment media sectors.

“The new media facility provides SMME's with a support facility for full visual production pipeline which 3D modelling/ animation, composition and editing which are critical part in the digital content production that start up companies often struggle with, as they cannot afford the required software and hardware technology,” says Robynne Erwin, CEO of SmartXchange.

“In addition, the new media section will offer the opportunity to explore various aspects of new media technologies. We hope that in time to come, we will see some new talents emerging from these processes.”

The Durban Film Office strategy looks at significantly changing the current dynamic, introducing producers to a collaboration of creativity and business skills and creating exciting new opportunities and initiatives, through the development of Digital Media capabilities in the sector.   This vision dovetails with that of SmartXchange, which seeks to proactively encourage small businesses operating in the ICT sector to develop innovative products in emerging areas.

Monty says, “The need to expose our young producers to these new opportunities as well as provide the enabling platform for them to exploit them is critical to evolving our local entertainment media industry.”

 “The establishment of a Resource Centre at SmartXchange is the next exciting step in the maturation process of the programme and thanks to the hard work and generous support of a range of sponsors including ITS Holdings, COA Group, Adobe, Autodesk, Axiz Workgroup, Chaos Group, Intel, Microsoft, Red Giant Software and training sponsors, NEMISA and MICTSETA, local producers will now have access to the latest technology and software.”

The New Media Section has been equipped with a state of the art production facility, equipped High end workstations with 3d modelling/animating, composting and editing software’s, a render farm and multimedia presentation systems. Already, a number of training workshops have been facilitated with the SMME's to encourage them to engage with the world of new digital media production.   

Over the past three years, producers / SMME’s who have used  the facilities at SmartXchange, have had access to working space, meeting room facilities, copiers, internet access and the option of renting offices, at a subsidised rate.  They have been able to interact with industry experts and mentors, attend workshops on industry-related topics such as financing, production and distribution and been able to draw on the guidance and expertise of players active in the new media space on multiplatform content development, marketing and distribution.

The SMME's are currently participating in an animation and visual effects capacity building programme, which will culminate in the participants producing short film themed 'Durban in Fifty Years'. The screening and awards of the most promising participants will take place at the end of October.  In addition, earlier this year, 20 young aspiring producers also participated in a four day workshop on pre-production hosted by the National Electronic Media Institute of SA (NEMISA).                                                                                                              

For more information on The Resource Centre at SmartXchange visit www.durbanfilmoffice.com or contact +27 313114248 or +27 031 3071988. 

PREPARED FOR:  The Durban Film Office

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

DFO - Joanne Hayes, Tumbleweed Communications

cell: +2783 627 7249             e-mail:  tigerjo@iafrica.com

NOTES :

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is the film-industry development arm of the eThekwini Municipality, mandated to position Durban as a world-class film production destination and facilitator for the development of the local film industry.  The DFO drives activity and development in the sector in order to boost tourism, job creation and the development of core skills and SMME’s in the region.   The organization is also actively seeking and creating opportunities for setting the benchmark as the leading authority in the field in South Africa.

SmartXchange is a technology hub and small business incubator.  There are currently 66 small businesses on the incubation programme.  SmartXchange is an economic development initiative that seeks to grow the ICT sector by proactively encouraging small businesses to venture into emerging ICT areas, developing the technical capacity of small businesses as well as facilitating digital divide programmes and dialogue platforms that enable local government and industry to discuss and collaborate on long term initiatives such as eThekwini’s SmartCity project.

Call for Proposals 

2011/12 Advertising and Design

The Durban Film Office is calling for proposals for the 2011/2012 advertising, design and DTP requirements.The service provider should have the following skills:

• A minimum (5) five years experience in graphic design/DTP for print and electronic media output
• An extensive profile in corporate imaging and communication 

For enquiries and to receive the proposal guidelines in this regard, please contact: Economic Development Dept; Durban Film Office

Contact Person: Gugu Zungu: +27 31 3114243 OR ZunguG@durban.gov.za

Deadline for submitting proposals is the 23 September 2011, at 12:00.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT

11^th Floor Rennies House

41 Margaret Mncadi Ave.

Durban

South Africa

4001

Ushaka Hunts For New Talent

IN HARMONY: A group of performers at previous uShaka’s Got Talent audition.

Budding dancers, singers, bands, comedians,mime artists, jugglers and magicians will get a shot at their big break, thanks to uShaka's Got Talent auditions next month. Head judge Wayne Scott of uShaka Marine World said the theme park and Department of Arts and Culture teamed up in 2007 to provide a platform for artists to perform during the peak holiday season.

Over the past four years, more than 4 000 talented performers had taken part in auditions."We have created jobs for more than 800 of them," Scott said. The talent search is open to amateur and professional individuals and groups. The auditions take place from the 4, 11, 18 and 25 September, with registration at 9am at Arena 1, Village Walk,uShaka Marine World.

For more information contact Theresa Harker or Nombuso Buthelezi on 031 328 8008/ 8103.

khumalotk@durban.gov.za

The National Arts Council hereby invites all competent, qualified and

interested persons to serve as members of the Appeals Panel for three years.

Requirements: Appeals Committee members should have an in-depth knowledge of

the various art forms namely; theatre, dance, crafts, literature, music,

multi-discipline and visual arts. The Appeals Committee shall constitute of

five individuals.

Responsibilities: Fulfil the statutory role as set in the NAC Act to

adjudicate an appeal process. Appeals Committee members are required to meet

twice a year after each funding session.

Members shall be nominated by any member of the public. Nominators are

required to submit a detailed motivation for the nominee, curriculum vitae

and a letter of acceptance from the nominated candidate.

Closing date for all nominations will be 30 September 2011.

Please note that late nominations will not be considered and no exceptions

will be made. If you have not heard from the NAC within two months of the

closing date, consider your submission as unsuccessful and no further

correspondence will be entered into.

Nominations should be forwarded for the attention Grants Manager, Julie

Diphofa at National Arts Council of South Africa, PO Box 500, Newtown, 2113

or 66 Margaret Mcingana Street, Market Theatre Precinct, Newtown, 2113. Tel:

011 838 1383 Fax 011 838 6363; E-mail: panel@nac.org.za

julie@nac.org.za

Artslink.co.za Account:

Julie Diphofa

National Arts Council of South Africa

"SLEEPER'S WAKE" STARTS SHOOTING IN KZN

Bioskope Pictures and Videovision Entertainment, announced today the start of principle photography of the feature film, SLEEPER'S WAKE. The film, which marks Barry Berk's feature film directorial debut, is based on Berk's own screenplay as adapted from the novel by award winning South African author, Alistair Morgan. The film will be shot on location in Port Edward in KwaZulu Natal and in Johannesburg.

SLEEPER'S WAKE is a sexual thriller which follows a recently widowed man who takes refuge in a small coastal town to heal his grief only to get caught up in a dangerous relationship with a beautiful young woman.

SLEEPER'S WAKE is the second co-production between Producer Ken Kaplan's Bioskope Pictures and Anant Singh's Videovision Entertainment, the first being the cult horror film, Pure Blood.

Kaplan and Berk's association goes back 15 years to their student days at New York University's prestigious graduate film school, where they both studied before returning to South Africa to pursue their filmmaking careers.

Berk has had a distinguished career in Television directing for the hit British series Wild At Heart and well known South African drama series such The Lab, Gaz Lam, Yizo Yizo. His made-for-TV film, The Good Provider, won Best Family Drama at the BANFF World Television Festival in 2006 and received nine nominations at the South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs) including, Best Director and Best Drama.

SLEEPER'S WAKE stars Lionel Newton (Jozi, Gums & Noses) and Jay Anstey who first gained notice for her portrayal of Tim Robbins's daughter in Phillip Noyce's Catch A Fire. Deon Lotz, fresh from his success in Skoonheid at this year's Cannes Film Festival, will co-star.

Vuyani Sondlo joins the film as Editor and reteams with Berk after their successful collaboration on Gaz Lam & Yizo Yizo. Moroba Nkawe will serve as Line Producer.

Producer, Ken Kaplan said, "The incredible locations available on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast and at Oribi Gorge are more than amazing backdropsfor the setting of SLEEPER'S WAKE. The natural beauty of the area will be one of the stars of this suspense drama. As an all South African production we are pleased to be showcasing one of the most beautiful parts of our country."

SLEEPER'S WAKE will be presented at the Cannes Film Festival in May next year.

SLEEPER'S WAKE is a Bioskope Pictures and Videovision Entertainment production starring Lionel Newton, Jay Anstey and Deon Lotz. It is produced by Ken Kaplan, executive produced by Barry Berk, Anant Singh, Sudhir Pragjee, Sanjeev Singh, Robert Naidoo, Ronnie Apteker and Richard Cohen and written and directed by Barry Berk.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

KEN KAPLAN

Call for proposals for NFVF Slate funding

Closing date: 30 August 2011
The National Film and Video Foundation invites all eligible production companies to respond to the Call for Proposals for Slate Funding

Background
Over the past five years the NFVF has awarded slate funds to two production companies with specific developmental and sustainability objectives. The initiative was developed out of best practice internationally and was rooted in the notion that when a small company is granted operating capital towards development and cornerstone financing for production over a predetermined period, a great deal of uncertainty is removed from running the business.

The first slate was very clearly targeted at providing black directors a shot at their first feature in a supportive environment and it also involved the training of black heads of department. The second slate, which is in the second year of running, was awarded on the basis of a unique low budget commercial concept by the production company and will be tested when the first of the 4 films comes to the big screen later this year. The institution has drawn lessons from the first two slates and now wishes to extend the programme of slate funding to three eligible production companies.

Slate Funding Objectives
The aim of the National Film and Video Foundation in putting out this call are broadly the following:

• Cultivating sustainable and viable production companies.
• Assisting production companies to identify and produce films that demonstrate audience awareness in the South African and international market.
• Finding original ways of reaching audiences nationwide.
• Encouraging increased opportunities for emerging writers and directors to have their work developed by reputable production companies.
• Increasing the marketing and export of South African film products to the global market.
• Promoting greater cooperation between production companies and distribution companies.

Eligibility
One slate each will be awarded to each of the following types of eligible companies and will be administered over a period of three years:

• Black owned and managed companies with a unique proposal
• Female owned and managed companies with a unique proposal
• Any small company with a proven track record of delivery and a unique commercial proposal

In order for a production company to be considered for slate funding, the producer / production company must meet the following requirements:

• Producer/s must be either a South African citizen or be a permanent resident of South Africa.
• Production Company to be at least 51% owned and managed by applicant.
• Production Company should have completed at least one narrative feature film, feature length documentary or television drama series which have been released theatrically or broadcast nationally.
• Producer should demonstrate understanding of packaging and marketing of feature films.
• Producer and Production Company to have clean industry record.
• Production Company to have clear training and development strategy in place.
• Producer or Production Company to have established relationship with local distributor and/or international sales agent.
• Previous recipients of slate funding from the NFVF are ineligible.
• Documentary slate funding proposals are ineligible.

Selection Criteria
Criteria that will be taken into consideration when assessing applications include:
1. Criteria for Applicant

• Capacity of company to develop and produce at accepted global standards.
• Quality of development strategy.
• Consistency of budgets.
• Quality of financing strategy.
• Quality of distribution strategy.
• Unique selling point in respect of sustainability and contribution to transformation in the industry.

2. Criteria for Projects

• Quality of story
• Knowledge of target audience
• Potential of creative team
• Potential for production
• Box Office potential
• Local and Global distribution potential
• Solid finance and recoupment plan

Applications
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy triplicate for consideration:

• Production Company executive summary
• Potential projects (if any) with signed letters of Intent / Option agreements
• Development and Training strategy
• Business plan indicating

  i. Production Company’s capability to raise additional funding
  ii. Budget model
  iii. Recoupment model
  iv. Estimated sales estimates (if available)
  v. Finance Plan

• Marketing and Distribution strategy

CLOSING DATE: 30 August 2011

Applications may be submitted by email to Thandeka Zwana by the closing date.
Enquiries may also be directed to Thandeka Zwana.

There was a buzz of excitement at the close of the 2011 edition of Durban FilmMart (DFM), the joint project of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), with the announcement of a slew of awards, seven in all, presented at this year’s awards function.

“We have seen a distinct shift in the market this year, in so many areas,” says  Toni Monty, acting CEO of the Durban Film Office.  “Last year the delegates weren’t sure what to expect and were pleasantly surprised by the standard of the market.  This year, film-makers and producers came well prepared with strategies and plans and very definite ideas as to who they wanted to meet and what they wanted to get out of the four-day event.” 

“The networking and relationship-building was intense and we fully expect this to yield results in the months ahead.  This is a real accolade for the DFM, as it shows that our own industry-players are taking the market seriously,” Monty adds.

“The signs of the growing confidence in the DFM can be seen all round,” adds Peter Rorvik, director of the Centre for Creative Arts and Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).  “The response from participants has been very encouraging and the increase in the number of awards that were made possible by sponsors and funders, points to this growing commitment and support for the DFM.”

The Awards

This year a total of 126 projects from both the feature film and documentary genres qualified for consideration; 20 of these (10 documentary and 10 features) were chosen for the Finance Forum.  Projects were received from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, Tunisia, Cote D’Ivoire, Cameroon, Morocco and Algeria.

The Hubert Bals Fund Award of 5000 €uros towards script and project development, for ‘The Most Promising African Project’, was presented to ‘69 Messaha Square’ / Director Ayten Amin and Producer Wael Omar.  The jury comprising Jane Williams (UK / Head of Dubai Film Connection), Pedro Pimenta (Mozambican filmmaker and producer) and Iwana Chronis (Hubert Bals Fund /

Netherlands), were full of praise for the ‘high standard and versatility’ of the subject matter presented in the submissions.

Of the winning project Chronis says: “The director has taken what would normally be seen as a very sad subject (death) and transformed it into something that is alive, vital, beautiful and at times, humorous.  It is a universal story that can cross global borders and most significantly, the film is ready to be made!”   

In addition, three projects were chosen to attend the CineMart Rotterdam Lab. These are: James Taylor & Donald Mugisha’s Boda Boda Thieves, David Max-Brown and Lyle Lewis’ This Boy and Joel Karekezi’s Imbabazi/ The Pardon.  These were presented by Jacobine van der Vloed of CineMart and The Rotterdam Lab.                                                                                      

The grant given by the International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam (IDFA) and Jan Vrijman Fund for the ‘Most Promising Documentary Projects’, enables the winning filmmakers and producers to attend the IDFA festival in November, where they will receive accreditation and accommodation.  The jury comprising Bruni Burres (USA), Kate Townsend (UK) and Cynthia Kane (USA) chose two projects, both from South Africa; ‘Homage to the Buddha’ and ‘Ndiyindoda/I am Man’.

IDFA representative, Adriek van Nieuwenhuijzen says: “IDFA is incredibly proud of the process that allowed us to put 10 documentary projects in the spotlight for the inaugural ‘Doc Circle’ event. We are thrilled that our partners (DFM and DIFF) believe in the strength of documentary film and are committed to finding opportunities for African filmmakers to tell their own unique stories to the world.” 

Leading South African media and entertainment entity VideoVision Entertainment, presented an award valued at R75 000 for the ‘Best South African Film Project’, to Kyle Lewis (director) and David Max Brown (producer) for ‘This Boy’.  The prize includes a commitment in terms of local distribution, a cash commitment towards P&A and guidance on the films potential for international release.

PUMA.Creative, a new contributor to the Durban FilmMart, gave two prizes with the PUMA.Creative Catalyst Awards (seed grants for ambitious and creative documentary ideas) and the PUMA.Creative Mobility Awards (given to filmmakers to help them cover the cost of their travel to locations during filming or after completion for audience engagement).  

Two PUMA.Creative Catalyst Awards, with a R50 000 cash prize attached to each, were made to:  Femme a la Camera from Karima Zoubir and Hicham Brini; and Eddie Edwards and Steven Markovitz’s Rollaball.

Two R15 000 PUMA.Creative Mobility Awards recognized The Flight Pilot, from director Peggy Mbiyu and I, Afrikaner from director Annalet Steenkamp and producer, Lauren Groenewald.  Previous Creative Catalyst awardee, Nonhlanhla Dlamini was given an additional contribution of R50 000, towards the development of the next part of her story, Shattered Pieces of Peace. The Flight Pilot and Shattered Pieces of Peace were special entrants from the Talent Campus Durban Doc Station which participated in the DFM DOC Circle.

Durban FilmMart is the largest co-production market on the African continent and this year attracted nearly 300 delegates from around Africa and the rest of the world.  The delegate programme, presented by local and international specialists, took the form of master classes, workshops and forums and covered industry-related issues, such as film financing and funding, new media and distribution strategies, digital and online developments.

“The DFM promises to be a further catalyst for growth in the region by becoming one of the key events of the South African and African film industry and a focal point to interface with global parties and stimulate interest and activity in the city,” continues Toni Monty. 

“In addition, it has given African film-makers the opportunity to pitch film projects and network with financiers, funding organisations, sales agents and internationally-reputed directors and producers and network in order to form alliances for future collaborations.  We hope that as a result of these partnerships DFM will become a ‘feeder’ of African product to other international festivals and markets.  We trust that the number of fundable African projects will ultimately find their way to the big screen,” Monty says. 

“The success of DFM this year and its close relationship with the Durban International Film Festival, contributes enormously to the business component of the festival.  Running a film festival and co-production market in tandem is essential to the longevity of a market of this nature,” Peter Rorvik comments.

Monty says: “Without the support, in cash and in kind and co-operation of local role players, partners and sponsors, we could never dream of enjoying such success so quickly for the Durban FilmMart and we are most grateful, as it gives impetus to the growth of the DFM for the years ahead.”

Partners this year were eThekwini Municipality (Durban Film Office), CineMart and the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Tourism Durban, University of KZN / Centre for Creative Arts, Dubai Film Connection, Media Mundus, The National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) and IDFA.  With sponsorship coming from The Cape Film Commission, Microsoft, Videovision Entertainment, COA Group, Channel4 Britdoc Foundation, PUMACreative, Film & Event Publishing and Goethe Institut.

The commitment of the eThekwini Municipality to the growth of Durban’s film industry was summarised in the words of Speaker, Councillor Logie Naidoo who said:  “The eThekwini Municipality remains committed to the South African film industry and to creating a platform for local films, both in South Africa and abroad. We really need to support the growth of African film projects; let us celebrate and endorse our own locally produced films, and let us nurture the vast amount of talent that our artists possess.”

Confirming the attendance of leading 3D film-industry player Matthew Bristowe, Head of Production for Prime Focus 3D in London, at the 2011 Durban FilmMart (DFM), Toni Monty, acting CEO of the Durban Film Office (DFO) says, “this is an extremely exciting time for the film-making industry worldwide and to have somebody of the calibre of Matthew Bristowe as one of our key speakers is a massive coup for the DFM.” 

Matthew Bristowe’s attendance, together with the other lead specialists Juliane Schulze, Peter Broderick, Helen Kuun, Don Edkins, Hetty Naaijkens-Retel Helmrich and Bruni Burres, brings the very latest in global film industry developments and trends to the continent’s premier film market. 

Bristowe’s visit has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of Durban’s COA Group and Microsoft, who together have sponsored the Digital Focus stream of Durban FilmMart 2011. The Durban-based COA Group, provides customised audio visual and digital production pipeline solutions to the digital content creation markets.

Matthew Bristowe, one of London’s foremost 3D Producers, began his production career at MPC as a DI Producer where he worked on major feature film projects including ‘28 Days Later’, ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Troy’ and ‘10,000BC’. His dedication and expert knowledge of issues both creative and technical, led him to assume the role of Senior DI Producer when MPC was taken over by Technicolor in 2009. 

His essential input to feature films such as Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Guy Ritchie’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and Wes Anderson’s ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’, reaffirmed his status in the industry.  He has recently led the London arm of Prime Focus 3D in the 2D to 3D conversion of Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace’, which was completed across Prime Focus’ global facilities in LA, London and Mumbai. 

 “It’s fair to say that one of the key developments in the film Industry over the last 12-18 months is the dawn of a new era of 3D story telling,” comments Bristowe. “Prime Focus has, and continues to play a pivotal role in this through its global stereo conversion pipeline. We have enabled film makers to continue to shoot in 2D, but still create the highest quality 3D output in order to maximise the impact in theatres, not just from a creative perspective, but from a point of increased revenue as well.” 

Prime Focus, through its worldwide facilities, is able to maximise time zone efficiencies by operating as a 24 hour a day production facility, enabling leading film studios to meet film deadlines without compromising on quality. 

“Just over 12 months ago I was recruited to establish and lead the Prime Focus 3D London facility. What started out as a handful of VFX artists in a small rented space, has quickly grown to 100+ personnel, fully-trained and ready to compete for some of the largest stereo projects hitting the cinemas,” Bristowe continues. 

“I’m pleased to say that our global operation has been extremely successful, with some significant projects being completed in the last 12 months, including ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two’, ‘Star Wars:  Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace’, ‘Green Lantern’, ‘Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon’, ‘Shrek’, and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader’. 

Bristowe’s presentations at Durban FilmMart 2011 will cover the Prime Focus journey from its 3D VFX work on ‘Avatar’ through to the successful delivery of the final instalment of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise.  He will also cover the building and development of the London studio, and the putting in place of a Global Pipeline and Infrastructure in order to meet demand.  There will also be an overview of 3D as whole, covering broadcast, commercials, and live events…and everything in between!   

A final word from Ross Joughin, marketing and research director of the COA Group who says, “Never before has there been more opportunity for companies to market themselves and compete internationally (if they have the skills), irrespective of geographic location.”        

 “Although the base in South Africa is small (especially in Durban), COA’s drive on delivering world- class solutions to our customers irrespective of their size, gives us the confidence that we can add substantial value to growing the Durban market. By giving the same focused attention to small companies as we do to the large studios, advising on careful, cost effective, efficient and scalable pipeline planning, we believe that everything is available to them right here… to become proficient and grow into larger studios.”

Durban FilmMart (22-25 July) is a joint venture between the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) (21-31 July) created to raise the visibility of projects from the African continent and to facilitate financing and networking opportunities with potential co-producers and other industry players.

To register as a delegate for the Durban FilmMart visit:

http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/DelegateRegistration.aspx or contact Kamille Padayachee at

info@thoughtfire.co.za.

“The increase in the number of awards we will be making at this, the second edition of Durban FilmMart (DFM), is a tangible sign of the increasing support for the growth of African film product and an encouraging endorsement of the Durban FilmMart,” says Durban Film Office (DFO) acting CEO Toni Monty. “These awards provide producers with much needed support in further developing their projects and make these projects more attractive to financiers.”

 This year a total of seven awards are available to participants, including a new award, from leading South African media and entertainment entity Videovision Entertainment, valued at R75 000, for the ‘Best South African Film Project’. The prize, redeemable once the winning film is complete, will go towards nurturing and developing emerging South African filmmakers. 

“We are very pleased to receive the official support of Videovision Entertainment at this year’s market,” Monty continues. “With the prize for ‘Best South African Film Project’, Videovision Entertainment will provide one project with a commitment in terms of local distribution, a cash commitment towards P&A and guidance on the films potential for international release, which provides a major boost when your project is still in development.  We hope that other leading industry role-players will take Videovision Entertainment’s lead and offer similar incentives in the years to come.” 

“We are delighted to be offering a prize at the Durban Film Mart in support of South African film projects,” says Videovision Entertainment CEO, Anant Singh.  “South Africa has a wealth of filmmaking talent that needs to be supported.  Our sponsorship of this prize is designed to nurture and develop emerging South African filmmakers.  We remain committed to the South African film industry and to creating a platform for local films, both in South Africa and abroad.”     

Other awards being made this year are from the International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam (IDFA) and Jan Vrijman Fund for the ‘Most Promising Documentary Projects’. They will offer accreditation and accommodation at IDFA 2011 for two selected documentary projects. Three projects will also be invited to the Rotterdam Producers Lab as part of the partnership with Cinemart and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.  The Hubert Bals Fund will again award 5000 Euro’s for the ‘Most Promising Fiction Project’.  

 
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

DFM – Joanne Hayes, Tumbleweed Communications

cell: +27 836277249                  e-mail: tigerjo@iafrica.com

DIFF - Sharlene Versfeld, Sharlene Versfeld & Associates

cell : + 27 83 326 3235              e-mail: Sharlene@Versfeld.co.za

1. Title page
2. 1-3 page synopsis
3. Complete screenplays will be a definite advantage.

DFM Programme

The Durban FilmMart Finance Forum, taking place from 22-25 July 2011 in South Africa, will offer selected African filmmakers an opportunity to participate in a two-day pitching and packaging master class prior to a two day closed pitching forum where producers pitch their projects to investors on a one-to-one basis. All project participants selected for the Finance Forum are encouraged to attend these workshops in order to enhance prospects of success towards their projects.

Producers Forum

Producers Forum is a four-day programme, sharing industry trends, knowledge and ideas through master classes and workshops facilitated by experts. The workshops are aimed at enhancing the marketability and the investment potential of filmmakers’ projects. Admission is by accreditation and payment of an accreditation fee.

Africa In Focus

Africa In Focus programme is open to Producers Forum accredited delegates, Industry professionals and entry-level filmmakers. The programme consists of a series of panels, seminars and workshops within the Durban International Film Festival with a spotlight on challenges facing African Filmmaking.

Networking events

Guests and accredited delegates will be invited to the Durban FilmMart Opening and Closing night dinners, evening cocktails and Durban International Film Festival screenings from 21 to 31 July 2011 in venues around Durban (tickets are subject to availability).

2011 lead experts.

Download Durban FilmMart 2011 programme here.

• A5 Booklet (Colour) - (500)
• Attendance Certificates (25) - Colour, 2 logos
• Copy will be supplied and is subject to change.

•    A minimum (5) five years experience in graphic design/DTP for print;
•   A reference able track record and portfolio of corporate publications for an international audience

Delegate registration is open for the second edition of the Durban FilmMart (22 - 25 July) and the line-up of speakers and topics on the programme promises a focussed look at the world of filmmaking in Africa from varied perspectives. DFM takes place during the Durban International Film Festival (21-31 July) to which accredited DFM delegates also have access. A core activity of DFM is the opportunity for selected projects to pitch their films to leading international financiers, sales agents, co-producers and funding organisations from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa on a one-to-one basis at the Finance Forum.

 Durban Film Office’s (DFO) Toni Monty notes that “126 qualifying projects were submitted in 2011, a significant increase from 2010’s figure of 76 qualifying projects. The final selection, up from 12 projects in 2010 to 20 projects in 2011, is split between Feature Film and Documentary genres. “

Feature projects in the DFM 2011 selection are:  

·         69 Midane el Messaha (69 Messaha Square), directed by Ayten Amin and produced by Ihab Ayoub;

         Egypt

·         Ali Mea'za, directed by Ibrahim El Batout and produced by Hossam Elouan; Egypt

·         Boda Boda Thieves, directed by Donald Mugisha and produced by James Tayler; South Africa

·         Children of the Sand, directed by Ekwa Msangi-Omar and produced by Appie Matere; Kenya

·         Imbabazi, directed and produced by Joel Karekezi; Rwanda

·         Lock Yourself In, directed by Elan Gamaker and produced by Bridget Pickering; South Africa

·         Midnight Dogs, directed by Lassaad Dkhili and produced by Guillaume de Seille; Tunisia

·         Robin du Web (Robin of  the Web) directed and produced by Veronique Doumbe; Cote D’Ivoire/  

          United States of America

·         This  Boy, directed by Kyle Lewis and produced by David Max Brown; South Africa

·         Two Princes, directed by Philippa Ndisi-Hermann and produced by Atieno Odenyo; Kenya

      Continuing its support of African filmmaking, the Hubert Bals Fund will again present an award for the most promising film project. Three projects will also be invited to the Rotterdam Producers Lab as part of the partnership with Cinemart and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

 Peter Rorvik, director of the Durban International Film Festival adds, “Alongside the fiction features, this year we have strengthened opportunities for documentaries, working closely with the International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam (IDFA) in setting up documentary pitching sessions to commissioning editors and financiers. “ IDFA and the Jan Vrijman Fund will offer accreditation and accommodation at IDFA 2011 for two selected documentary projects. In addition, PUMA.Creative is offering a range of awards: a PUMA.Creative Catalyst Award and a number of PUMA.Creative MobilityAwards, all of which will be adjudicated by Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation.

 The selected documentary projects for DFM 2011 are:

·       The Black President, directed by Adze Ugah and produced by Anna Teeman; Nigeria/ United Kingdom

·       Femme á la Camera, directed by karima Zoubir and produced by Hicham Brini; Morocco

·       En Terre Inconnue, directed by Ariane Astriid Mbourou and produced by Cyrille Masso; Cameroon

·       FIDAI , directed by Damien Onouri and co-produced by Mathien Muller and Alexander Singer; Algeria/

        France

·       Homage to the Buddha, directed and produced by Nicole Schafer; South Africa

·       I, Afrikaner, directed by Annalet Steenkamp and  produced by Lauren Groenewald; South Africa

·       Naana La Reine Mere (Naana, Queen Mother), directed and produced by Jean-Marie Teno; Cameroon

·       Ndiyindoda (I am a Man) , directed by Mayenzeke Baza and produced by Bryony Roughton; South

        Africa

·       Return to Zimbabwe, directed and produced by Xoliswa Sithole; South Africa

·       Rollaball, directed by Eddie Edwards andproduced by Steven Markovitz; South Africa

 Expert speakers

Parallel to the pitching sessions for selected projects, there are four days of seminars, workshops and masterclasses featuring industry experts and filmmakers. Exciting lead experts at Durban FilmMart this year include Juliane Schulze, Peter Broderick and Hetty Naaijkens.

Juliane Schulze will present a session on Film Finance Fundamentals. She is Senior Partner at Peacefulfish, a strategic media consulting company based in Berlin, specializing in content financing, and in particular in developing innovative financial solutions for audiovisual projects.   As Executive Advisor, she has extensive cross-industrial knowledge, covering feature film, internet and mobile content. She advises international production companies as well as public institutions and works on several projects for the European Commission and MEDIA.

 Peter Broderick will present on Distribution Techniques and will provide a guided tour of the worlds of “Crowdfunding and Crowdsourcing”. He is President of Paradigm Consulting, which helps filmmakers and media companies design and implement state-of-the-art distribution strategies. A key player in the growth of the ultra-low budget feature movement, Broderick has become one of the most influential advocates of digital moviemaking. 

Hetty Naaijkens-Retel Helmrich founded Scarabee Films, which specializes in high-quality creative documentaries, short films and features and her productions have been repeat winners at both IDFA and Sundance. Naaijkens works with broadcasters including NPS, VPRO, AVRO (Netherlands); HBO, PBS, and VRT (Belgium), Arte (France/Germany), TV 7 and France 3 (France) and Télévision Suisse Romande (Switzerland) amongst others. Naaijkens will present on Documentary Finance Wizardry.

 The Durban FilmMart is a joint venture between the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) created to raise the visibility of projects from the African continent and to facilitate financing and networking opportunities with potential co-producers and other industry players. To register as a delegate for the Durban FilmMart visit http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/DelegateRegistration.aspx 

For more information, contact Mona Pilane on e-mail durbanfilmmart@durban.gov.za and for assistance with delegate registration, Kamille Padayachee at info@thoughtfire.co.za.

Second annual Durban FilmMart (DFM) is set to take place in Durban from 22 - 26 July 2011, during the 32nd edition of the Durban International Film Festival. Aimed at raising the visibility of projects from the African continent and creating opportunities for African filmmakers, the Durban FilmMart is a joint venture between DFO, the film-industry development arm of the eThekwini Municipality and the Durban International Festival (DIFF), which is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal).

The inaugural Durban FilmMart in 2010 saw 200 producers, directors, sales agents, distributors, financiers and funding organisations from across the world, attending meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on the latest trends in film finance, marketing, distribution and new media technologies. Of the 75 qualifying applicants, 12 projects in both the feature film and documentary genres from as far afield as Egypt , Nigeria , Ethiopia , Zambia and Burkina Faso, were chosen to participate in the Finance Forum segment of the Durban FilmMart.

Commenting on the success of the first edition and noting the anticipatory interest of potential investors, Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office (DFO) added, “Film practitioners from all corners of the African continent are encouraged to take this opportunity as a means of promoting their projects, meeting lead experts and networking with industry professionals from across the globe”.

Peter Rorvik, Director of the Durban International Film Festival echoed Monty's sentiments: “ The Durban FilmMart will stimulate African cinema production and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers.”

The Durban FilmMart will also allow aspiring film producers the opportunity to be spotted for inclusion in the International Film Festival Rotterdam's CineMart one of the world's most respected co-production markets. Three producers who participated in last year's Durban FilmMart will attend the CineMart's 2011 Rotterdam Lab, a high-level producer workshop that supports independent film production, and provides an opportunity to meet and network with global film industry players.

Filmmakers preparing submissions to the Durban FilmMart can note the comments of Egyptian filmmaker Hossan Elouan, whose film Hawi scooped an award at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. Elouan took part in the Durban FilmMart in July 2010 and described it as “an exciting experience - it gets all the participants under one roof, so they can exchange ideas, and do business together. It is also important because it puts African filmmakers and producers with the right industry contacts in Europe and North America , which opens doors for international co-productions with Africa , and better distribution possibilities for African films across the globe.”

For more information on the Durban FilmMart please visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

For further enquires contact email: durbanfilmmart@durban.gov.za or durbanfilmmart@gmail.com

Issued by the Durban Film Office and Durban International Film Festival

At this morning’s opening of the Hot Docs Forum it was announced that Hot Docs and Blue Ice Film have partnered to establish the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Film Documentary Fund. The $1-million production fund will provide financial support to independent documentary filmmakers based in developing African countries, with the goal of increasing the quality and quantity of social, cultural and political documentaries produced in the region. Generously established by Toronto-based Blue Ice Film, the Fund will be administered by Hot Docs and disbursements will be made over the next five years.

The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Film Documentary Fund will disburse six to ten grants each year to successful applicants for projects in various stages of production. Grants will range from $10,000 to $40,000. In addition to financing, the initiative will also offer valuable resources and industry connections. Through an accompanying mentorship program, selected African producers will team with international production partners to bring their projects to international markets, festivals, broadcast and online audiences.

The first application deadline for the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Film Documentary Fund will be in the fall of 2011 and guidelines will be available in September. The five-member selection committee will consist of representatives from Hot Docs and Blue Ice Film, in addition to other international industry professionals.

http://www.hotdocs.ca//news#hot_docs_and_blue_ice_film_announce_1-million_production_fund

The second edition of the Durban FilmMart 2011 will take place from 22-25 July 2011 during the 32nd Durban International Film Festival (21-31July).

This partnership project between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) provides film professionals from across Africa an opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors and sales agents as well as participate in an exciting master-class and workshop programme.

The successful inaugural edition of Durban FilmMart hosted 200 international producers, sales agents, distributors, financiers and funding organisations, who filled meeting lounges and seminar rooms over four days, attending meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on latest trends in film finance, marketing, distribution and new media technologies.

Designed to create partnerships and further the development and production of African cinema, Durban FilmMart ultimately aims to raise the visibility of projects from the African continent, create networking opportunities with potential co-producers and other industry partners and act as a feeder stage for established co-production markets such as DFM’s official partner, CineMart, of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

The organisers are now calling for project submissions for the 2nd Durban FilmMart 22 – 25 July 2011, offering filmmakers from the continent of Africa the opportunity to be selected to pitch projects in one-on-one meetings with potential investors within the Finance Forum segment of the programme. African film practitioners are encouraged to take this opportunity as a means of promoting their projects, meeting experts and networking with industry professionals from across the globe. The closing date for submissions is 15 February 2011.

Entry is open to:
Projects with an African citizen attached to one of the three key creative roles of producer, director or writer. Proof of African citizenship or birth must be provided through a certified copy of a valid African passport/ birth certificate; Africans living in the Diaspora, but who still have African citizenship or have proof of birth in Africa; Projects with a producer attached. For more information on the Durban FilmMart and how to submit your project please visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

For further enquires contact email: durbanfilmmart@durban.gov.za or durbanfilmmart@gmail.com

White Gold Premier

The premier of White Gold, a local production that commemorates the arrival of Indians in South Africa, was a great highlight in the celebrations of 150 years of the arrival of Indians in South Africa. The premier was held at Ster Kinekor Cinemas in Gateway. VIP guests were treated to a cocktail function, which was a great networking platform. The turnout demonstrated not only the interest in the movie, but active support for a local production.

White Gold also made one realize the strides being made in the journey of showcasing Mzansi’s talent to the world. The cast was very local, with very global standard. More pleasing is the fact that White Gold is a Durban film. Congratulations to the creators of White Gold, the entire cast and production team for a sterling job. White Gold comes hot on the heels of other equally hot local productions, i.e. 31 Million Reasons and Spud.

Mr Bob....shooting in Durban

Durban has once again been selected as a filming location for some of the scenes for the movie, Mr Bob. According to Greig Buckle, Production Manager at Enigma Pictures, the film is based on the true life exploits of Bob Denard in the Congo back in the 1960’s. Denard was a French soldier and a missionary known for doing jobs in Francafrique, a term referring to France’s sphere of influence in former French colonies.

The five-week shoot takes place in Durban and Richards Bay, with a portion of the film being shot at the old Natal Command property which the Durban Film Office assisted in securing.

In terms of local talent, the Durban Film Office introduced a few interns to the crew. The title role is played by Clovis Conillac, a French theatre, television and cinema actor. Since the film is French, most of the supporting cast members are French. “We have also had the good fortune of working with some of South Africa’s great talent such as Danny Keogh,” concludes Buckle.

The Durban Film Partnership Business to Business Breakfast recently organized by the Durban Film Office provided a useful platform for engagement between public and private sector organizations on ways of maximizing the film industry for economic growth.

Presenters unanimously called for deeper discussion and collaboration in order to ensure the sector is not seen purely as an entertainment sector. It must be positioned as a business sector and provide opportunities to both experienced and upcoming local practitioners and investors.

In his speech read by the CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Ndabo Khoza, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu expressed his pleasure with the industry’s evolution from an entertainment option into an economic sector that contributes significantly to the GDP (Growth Domestic Product). He said “the power of the film industry lie in its huge marketing muscle and such muscle must be used to tell local stories and promote local destinations.”

eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Obed Mlaba called for collaboration and the establishment of a single vision of developing the film production sector so that it can create jobs and grow the economy. He argued that there is a lot of potential locally and urged industry players to work together and fully explore and exploit all opportunities.

The President and Cultural Ambassador of the New Orleans South Africa Connection (NOSACONN), Damon Batiste was full of praise for the strides being made by Durban to seek and grow talent in local communities. He attended the recent and much successful KwaMashu Film Festival and got firsthand experience of local talent in action. Batiste felt there were great opportunities for further partnership between Durban and New Orleans in areas of trade, music, art and tourism. He called on local private sector organizations to support the local film industry.

Participants also benefited from informative presentations from various organizations including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Communications, Durban Film Office, National Film and Video Foundation and Industrial Development Corporation.

Acting CEO of the Durban Film Office, Ms Toni Monty gave an overview of the work of the DFO and highlighted a number of projects that have either been completed or are in production. She said the projects that have come to Durban demonstrate that the City is on the right track with its positioning as a compelling and differentiated film production location compared with its two main national competitors. The DFO is clear on the City’s positioning which is based on those elements that are uniquely Durban including the lifestyle, weather, culture and attractions. Monty emphasized the importance of the Durban Film Partnership. When everyone puts effort behind one single goal, the chances of success are greater.

Monty was proud to announce the projects in development for 2011 that are produced in Durban. The two projects Stockholm, Zululand and Mobile Muti were chosen to participate in the Finance Forum segment of the Durban FilmMart.

• Creature Club by Terno Productions
• Stockholm, Zululand Pre- Production by Fine line Productions
• For Better for Worse sequel by Niche Media Network
• 31 Million Reasons by Niche Media Network
• Lynwood Hall by Niche Media Network
• Meandering through the Midlands with Corrie Campbell by Sandra Herrington (Tekweni TV Production)
• House of Shaka by Paul Raleigh and Roland Mqwebu
• Mobile Muti by Julie Federikse and Madoda Ncayiyane
• Coded by Blue Fire Productions

The presentations by Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Communication, Industrial Development Corporation and the National Film and Video Foundation assured the Durban film industry that they are fully committed to funding viable ventures in the film industry as this forms part of their mandate of job creation and skills development.

The gathering was hailed as having provided an effective networking platform and exchange of information and ideas.