The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has announced that the South African Government has heeded its call for an increase in its budget allocation. The additional budget allocation is R135 218 000 allocated for the period 2011 -2013.
The additional annual allocation to the NFVF for the financial year 2011/12 is R 33 538 000, taking the total allocation amount to R74 879 000. 2012/2013 additional amount is R42 750 000, the total allocation is R86 158 000 and 2013/14 the additional amount is R58 930 000 taking the total allocation to R104 725 000.
The allocation was made to the NFVF in alignment with government’s New Growth Path (NGP) in order to create jobs and address skills shortage in the industry.
“The increase is in line with the commitment made by Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile who has prioritised film within the Arts and Culture Programme,’ says the NFVF.
According to outgoing NFVF CEO Eddie Mbalo, the increase in funding is a definite sign that the government is committed to the development of the film industry in South Africa.
“This is the greatest send-off I would have hoped for,’ says Mbalo who has been CEO of the NFVF for 10 years.
