The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) of South Africa recently appointed Thandeka Zwana as its production and development executive, replacing Ryan Haidarian who has left to pursue new ventures.
As someone who is passionate about script development, advancing the local film industry and who has vast production experience, Thandeka Zwana feels she is well qualified to take on the NFVF position.
“Previously I had been through the NFVF skills development process, starting with the Sediba Spark programme for script editors, followed by the Sediba Masters programme. In a way I am a product of the NFVF mandate and its values. By joining the NFVF now I can “pay it forward’.’
Zwana stresses that the NFVF must, first and foremost, adhere to its Parliamentary mandate, which is to develop and promote the industry, provide information, skills development and training and address historical imbalances. “Applying this ethos to my department, my responsibilities include engaging with filmmakers, experienced and novice, offering support and advising them on how to be successful filmmakers.’
One of the NFVF’s biggest challenges is to build on its relationships with filmmakers. Says Zwana: “The NFVF has had a somewhat shaky relationship with many of the more seasoned filmmakers who may not agree with some of its policies. We strive to explain our mandate to them so that they recognise it is in line with Parliamentary objectives.
“The NFVF supports the industry as a whole and one of our big drives is for filmmakers to be fully self-sustainable and avoid working on a project by project basis. Our Sebiba Producer’s Programme teaches delegates the business of film.’
Another challenge facing the industry is the lack of basic skills in previously disadvantaged communities. “We find aspiring filmmakers who have a great vision yet don’t know how to package a concept to attract investors and creative partners. The NFVF wants to partner these filmmakers with graduates of the Producer’s Programme so that they can learn the business of film,’ explains Zwana.
She believes it is critical to align South African film budgets to local box office performance. To this end the NFVF has analysed box office figures and the figures can be found on the NFVF website (www.nfvf.co.za).
Also on the website is the list of nine documentaries and 11 feature films that the NFVF has in development. Says Zwana: “We are about to have our first council meeting which will select the next batch of projects to be granted development and production funding. Each submission is sent to independent panelists who assess and give recommendations on the projects.
“Once notes are received from the panelists my department goes through them and we add our own recommendations. These combined notes go to management and then council makes the final decision on which projects will receive funding.’
Zwana notes that the industry should move away from the mindset that filmmaking is not financially viable and that investors should only view film funding as a tax break. “We must become a sustainable and viable business and develop a culture of consistency,’ she adds.
