The South African film industry will once again have a presence at the annual AFCI Locations Expo in Los Angeles, which runs from 16 to 18 April. Included in the delegation are the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), Durban Film Office (DFO) and Cape Film Commission (CFC).
At a meeting held in Cape Town in February, it was decided to develop a joint international marketing strategy to present a collective South African Film industry brand. Consequently, the delegation will focus on four popular areas of question and discussion at the AFCI Locations Expo – locations, film infrastructure, marketing South African crew and talent to the world and the DTI’s film and television incentive scheme.
The delegation will hold meetings with international participants, filmmakers and studios and host a networking session with high ranking independent filmmakers and executives.
The South African Consulate to Los Angeles has, as with previous years, committed its support to the efforts made by the partners. “One of our priority objectives is the promotion of South Africa’s global image, not only as a leader in trade and technology but also as a prime destination for investment, tourism and most recently filming,” said Jeanette Ndhlovu, SA Consul-General in Los Angeles.
Since South Africa first exhibited in Los Angeles, it has won numerous awards for the stand design, taking first and second prizes. The country continues to grow from strength to strength and through these marketing efforts, films such as Ali, Blood Diamonds and 10 000 BC were shot in South Africa.
