TRAINING NEWS

MultiChoice celebrates FTI graduates

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:08

The 16 aspirant filmmakers who made up the MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator (FTI) Class of 2010 graduated on Thursday, 10 March at a ceremony held at the Ulwazi Centre in Johannesburg.

Two of the graduates, Zamo Mkhwanazi and Uzanenkosi Mahlangu, were specially selected by MultiChoice and its FTI training partner, Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking, to do the Grooming Exceptional Talent (GET) programme. This saw them each undertake a four-week film course at an overseas institution of their choice and go on to make a short film afterwards.

Said MultiChoice Corporate Social Investment (CSI) manager Itumuleng Letebele: "The FTI programme was launched in 2007 to develop local film talent from the previously disadvantaged sector. Sixty-four students have done the eight-month training programme to date. FTI students get to work with state of the art equipment and top tutors from the industry, in this instance headed by producer David Max Brown. The FTI training is grueling and very hands on.

"In 2009 we introduced the GET programme for people who have at least five years working experience in the industry."

MultiChoice GM of Corporate Affairs Jackie Rakitla noted that the FTI programme has grown since inception. "Every year we're amazed by the high calibre of our students. A graduate of the FTI Class of 2009, Palesa Shongwe, had her film Atrophy showcased at the Encounters Film Festival. In addition Atrophy has been selected for viewing at the African Asian and Latin American film Festival in Milan later this month.

"We're pleased at the impact the FTI programme is having in sharpening skills from the local previously disadvantaged sector. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully in the growth of the industry. I would like to thank Dr Melanie Chait of Big Fish for her huge contribution to the FTI programme."

Chait said that at every FTI graduation ceremony she felt both happy and sad. "I'm happy because the graduates have learnt so much but sad because we have become accustomed to seeing them at Big Fish. But now they are ready to make an imprint on the industry. We're proud that FTI won its first Vuka! Award last year.

"I would like to thank Itumeleng Letebele and Jackie Rakitla for believing in training and recognising its importance in growing the local industry. Our graduates from previous years are consistently absorbed into the industry – there are currently four of them working as interns at M-Net.

"It's worth noting that Big Fish has received funds from the National Lottery so any of our graduates who want to make a film are welcome to approach us as we now have the money to help them."

The 2010 FTI graduates are: Akhe Beku, Karabo Malefo, Lerato Ngcelwane, Ntombifuthi Ntanzi, Moyahabo Mokwebo, Lehlohonolo Mokoena, Mathepe Mongale, Mlungisi Zondo, Paul Zisiwe, Sanele Makhubu, Selaki Mahlangu, Siphiwe Linda, Siviwe Besman, and Themba Boikanyo.

MultiChoice and Big Fish named Homeless in Afghani as the best overall film produced by the 2010 graduates.

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