The annual film and television market event, Sithengi, which was cancelled last year has been given a new impetus under its new board of directors which was elected in November last year. The board has committed itself to launching "a brand new Sithengi - Africa's Annual Global Media and Entertainment Market (12th Edition)" in the first quarter of 2009.

The Sithengi board announced at the end of March that Faith Isiakpere had been appointed chairperson, with Dezi Ršrich serving as vice chairperson. Isiakpere is an accomplished producer and well known figure in both the international and African broadcasting arena. Djibril Diallo, director of New York UN Office of Sport for Development and Peace, says 'Faith's accomplishments have been praiseworthy and deserve every consideration for Africa's advancement.

The other board members are Bobby Amm, Dorothy Brislin, Firdoze Bulbulia, Carolyn Carew, David Forbes, Catherine Meyburgh, Zwelethu Nondumo, Judi Nokwedi, Mariam Sha and Richard Nosworthy. In the past three months the board has engaged in strategising a sustainable future for Sithengi to ensure it is retained as a valuable platform from which the African film and television industry can conduct local and international business.

"Getting a new market going is a collaborative effort. We need the support of the industry and this time round, embrace them as partners." says Rorich.

Read more in the April 2008 issue of Screen Africa