SCREEN AFRICA EXCLUSIVE: A documentary project about fracking, a controversial gas extraction process, won a WorldView development grant to the value of €2,500 at the recent Durban FilmMart Awards.
Unearthed is directed by Jolynn Minnaar and produced by Dylan Voogt of Stage 5 Films and Stacey Keppler at Zootee Studios.
Says Minnaar: “In order to remain independent during our investigation, Unearthed has depended entirely on personal funds and an online crowdfunding campaign throughout production. The development grant from WorldView is the first time Unearthed has received formal funding and we’re incredibly grateful for this timeous support as we seek financial assistance to complete post-production.
“But winning the WorldView award goes far beyond a financial contribution. After 18 grueling months of research, filming across South Africa, North America and the UK and participating in the heated, polarised fracking debate, the award recognises the international significance in Unearthed’s investigation. This acknowledgement, knowing that people out there, from all corners of the globe, are seeking information and supporting your commitment to getting to the bottom of the controversial topic, is the biggest gift.’
Voogt adds: “It feels amazing and timeous to have won the award and we are grateful. I think the project appealed to the judges because it has international appeal. Also, the project is very developed. At this stage we are in offline post-production, having shot the film over two years. Jolynn and I are looking for completion finance for offline and online as well as for a transmedia campaign to extend the work of the film beyond the big screen.’
The WorldView website http://worldview.cba.org.uk/durban-grants-awarded-to-films-on-fracking-and/ reads: “WorldView felt that the Unearthed project provided a rare and detailed insight into an increasingly important international issue”.
Minnaar notes that fracking, a practice which developed in the United States, is currently being proposed to countries from South America to Europe, from the UK to Africa.
“Many are desperately seeking to understand the practice of gas extraction and the risks and benefits it may bring. For this reason, a growing international audience anticipates the release of our film, which investigates fracking in the country of its origin, the US, and asks it could mean for the Karoo and the many countries considering its implementation,’ she explains.
During research and filming Minnaar met with families with contaminated water supplies, farmers who have lost everything and communities choking on air pollution. In addition she has met with the top multinational corporations promoting the technology. Minnaar has also met with members of government both locally and abroad and has filmed exclusive interviews with the leading engineers and specialists working in the fracking industry.
She continues: “During our pitches and one-on-one meetings at Durban FilmMart, delegates learnt about Unearthed’s extensive investigation and tireless efforts to fight for open, accurate information on an international topic shrouded in secrecy. Outside of being at the forefront of information on fracking, we were also to show snippets of the excellent production value that many believe will establish a new benchmark for documentary filmmaking in South Africa.’
Minnaar and Voogt are resolute in their original goal of arranging screenings of the completed film across the rural Karoo and taking the information to those who deserve it the most.
For news of other DFM award winners see the September 2013 issue of the Screen Africa print magazine.
Report by Joanna Sterkowicz
