T3 Media will be launching an industry initiative called African Film Initiative (AFI). The aim is to address the socio-economic conditions in the South African film and entertainment industry.
Ezio Taranto explains that the purpose of AFI is to broaden the industry by creating work for professionals and trainees. “Our objectives are to train and hone the skills of non-professionals and students and to create home-grown entertainment for South African audiences. The primary mission is to alleviate poverty by creating a sustainable model that uplifts people and creates work opportunities.’
The training works on two levels. “Firstly a SETA accredited partner will provide education and life skills and secondly our professional crews will be shadowed by a small group of trainees who will learn the various functions within the film making business. This will be a three year process, thereafter each successful trainee will receive a certificate and continue to produce films within the AFI structure or branch out and work within the greater industry.’
Taranto says that they have already started the process with a short film that was shot based on the AFI training principles. “We shot a short film called Mrembula which is the story based on the notorious gangster, Tebza who terrorized Soweto. The writer and DOP was Katlego Shibambo, approached me and told me of his plan to do the film and many like it. He has two other partners, Kuhlegonke Nkosi (director) and Malope Makola (editor). I then introduced them to T3 Media’s AFI initiative and we soon agreed that the film would be a great launch pad for the initiative.’
Taranto elaborates that they believe AFI will be self-sustaining within a year. “We are looking to build partnerships with businesses, industry organizations and are officially launching the initiative in March 2011.’
