Internationally renowned Durban-based film production and distribution company Videovision Entertainment has continued its association with the DFM (Durban FilmMart) as the sponsor of the Best South African Film Project Award introduced at the DFM in 2011. The objective of the award is to nurture and develop emerging South African filmmakers.
The prize money awarded to the winning project is valued at R75 000 and will go towards the print, advertising and marketing costs related to the release of the film. Additionally, Videovision Entertainment guarantees the distribution of the film in South Africa. The company will also give the filmmakers’ strategic advice on the marketing and distribution of the film, and evaluate the potential of the movie for international distribution after viewing the final cut of the successful project.
The DFM, which is considered Africa’s premier film finance and co-production forum, is a joint project of the Durban Film Office and the DIFF (Durban International Film Festival) in South Africa. The DFM comprises a finance forum, master classes and Africa in Focus workshops. Nineteen feature and documentary projects have been selected for the Finance Forum and filmmakers will pitch their projects to a panel of producers and financiers. One of the South African projects will be in line to receive the Videovision Entertainment prize.
Among the leading independent film production and distribution companies in Africa, Videovision Entertainment has produced some of South Africa’s best known films, including the Oscar-nominated Yesterday. It’s currently in post-production with Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, the big screen adaptation of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography.
“We have a firm commitment to the South African film industry,’ says Sanjeev Singh, Videovision’s director of Acquisition and Distribution. “As a successful industry player it is incumbent on us to nurture and develop emerging filmmakers. As part of the prize, which will be effective on completion of the film, we will also guarantee to acquire the local distribution rights and provide funding for P&A for the release of the film in South Africa.’
“We are really pleased to have forged this partnership with Videovision,’ says Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. “One of DFM’s objectives is to contribute significantly to the development of the African film industry to boost opportunities for filmmakers. Videovision’s positioning as a global player in the industry offers emerging filmmakers a unique opportunity to set their goals on the completion of their projects. Additionally, as they are a Durban-based company, this partnership further cements the commitment we have to the development of the film industry in the city.’
The 4th edition of DFM takes place from Friday 19 to Monday 22 July 2013 and runs concurrently with the DIFF. Visit www.durbanfilmmart.com for more information and to register.
