On 19 May at the Cannes Film Festival in France, South Africa’s NFVF (National Film
and Video Foundation) signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the
Kenya Film Commission to afford filmmakers from both countries the opportunity to
access each other’s facilities and to conduct business together.
The MoU was signed by NFVF CEO Zama Mkosi and Peter Muthie, CEO of the Kenya
Film Commission.
Present at the ceremony were South Africa’s Ministry of Arts and Culture represented
by director general Sibusiso Xaba, NFVF council member Sandra Gordon, Kenya Film
Commission chairperson Chris Foot, filmmakers from both countries and various
stakeholders.
On signing the MoU Mkosi stated that it would, among other objectives, create a
platform for growth of African filmmakers as well as encourage skills transfer between
the two countries.
“The MoU will provide us with opportunities to work together to tell our African stories
in order to achieve our strategic goal of globally positioning Africa. Working together
will guarantee joint development of content as well as marketing of both the
countries’ films and talent.’
Muthie added: “On behalf of the Kenya Film Commission and the entire Kenyan film
industry we are pleased to enter into this partnership with South Africa. This is the
beginning of a strong relationship that will ensure that we tell authentic African
stories. We are also celebrating our first official participation in Cannes and already,
opportunities are opening up for our filmmakers.’
South Africa is well-known for telling authentic South African stories, discovering
talent and producing award-winning films. Among the films that have won awards
locally and internationally are the Oscar-winner Tsotsi, Skin, as well as Drum,
Yesterday, Otelo Burning, Life Above All and Skoonheid. Last year the country
released its first stereoscopic 3D animation feature film which had a successful run
globally crossing $5.8m in CIS, $3.2m in Poland, $3.1m in Benelux, $3m in Korea, 2.5m
in Australia, $1.2m in Italy, $1m South Africa, $758k in Israel and $735k in Portugal.
The MoU signing event ended with the two CEOs exchanging gifts from each of their
countries.
South Africa’s participation at the Cannes Film Festival is hosted by the NFVF. The
South African Pavillion 120 is situated at the International Village and offers all South
African filmmakers a business environment equipped with facilities.
