At Durban FilmMart in July the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) announced its
strategic objectives for 2013 to 2016. According to Zama Mkosi, CEO of the NFVF, the
organisation intends to increase the number of South African films and previously
advantaged individuals producing them; increase audience access to South African films;
increase the number of people trained in the industry, particularly in areas of scarce
skills; promote the South African film industry locally and internationally; and promote
social cohesion and the expression of the nation’s stories through film.
“The number of films funded in development increased from 34 to 57 in 2012 and films
funded in production from 34 to 48 in 2012. From a total of 239 applications received in
2011, 68 (28%) of those were funded compared to 327 applications which were received
in 2012, of which 105 received funding (32%),’ said Mkosi.
In terms of films funded by race in an attempt to increase the number of South African
films and previously advantaged individuals producing such films, 37, 66 and 79 black
filmmakers were funded in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively while 31, 39 and 43 white
filmmakers were funded in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.
In its attempt to enhance access to information and increase audience access to South
African films, the NFVF funds, supports and participates at various platforms at which
South African films are showcased and during which workshops are held for aspiring
filmmakers such as provincial roadshows; the Bojanala Film Festival in North West; the
Macufe Arts Festival in the Free State; the Grahamstown Arts Festival in the Eastern
Cape; the Durban International Film Festival in KwaZulu-Natal; the Kwa-Mashu Film
Festival, also in KwaZulu-Natal; the Encounters International Documentary Film Festival
in Gauteng and the Western Cape; and the Cape Winelands Film Festival in the Western
Cape.
Projects highlights for 2013 and 2014 also included calls for proposals from 10 youth
filmmakers for which R2.5m had been allocated; a documentary slate for which R1.5m
had been allocated to develop three projects and produce one a year; in celebration of
the 20 years of democracy R5m had been allocated to provide 10 female filmmakers,
particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to
make a film in collaboration with other women on the theme; and R2m had been
allocated to provide 10 documentary filmmakers an opportunity to celebrate 20 years of
democracy by making four documentaries at R500 000 each.
Mkosi also announced that entries for the 8th South African Film and Television Awards
(SAFTAs) had closed on 2 August. The 2014 awards will be held in March over two days.
