The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in its mission to join forces with
all stakeholders in supporting the development and promotion of a flourishing
South African film industry, will facilitate a seminar on “How to enter the South
African film industry’ on Saturday 14 December.
As part of the 10th KwaZulu-Natal African Film Festival (KAFF) programme
underway in Durban, the NFVF seminar takes place from 10h00 at the Ekhaya
Multi-purpose Centre in KwaMashu.
Mutodi Neshehe (Little One, Muvhango), Isaac Mogale (producer of Blitz Patrollie
and entrepreneur) and Durban-based filmmaker Bonnie Sithebe will participate
in the session and will share their knowledge and experience in the local film
industry, talk about what to expect as an emerging filmmaker, discuss the do’s
and don’ts when pursuing a film career, and give advice on how to navigate
markets and festivals.
The interactive session will allow the audience to ask film-related questions.
Additionally, the NFVF will do a presentation on where the industry currently is,
elaborate on research that has been completed and talk about available
programmes for emerging and advanced filmmakers.
For the past 10 years, the NFVF has been one of the key partners of KAFF. Its
reach to communities that usually don’t have access to film-related activities is
one of the unique elements of the festival.
Tumi Rabanye, the NVFV head of Marketing and Communication, said, “A key
focus area as the NFVF is to promote filmmaking and its consumption as widely
as possible in the country. KAFF is highly valuable to us for this reason. It
creates a platform for exposure for young people in communities that would
otherwise be marginalised. It’s also exciting to see the initiative being taken by
communities in this regard.’
She continued: “The intention is for the sessions to be an eye-opening
experience to young people who would like to pursue careers in filmmaking.
They will get an opportunity to interact with industry figures who have been in
the game and understand the challenges face on the ground. We are also going
to present programmes that educate the audience on funding and application
processes.’
Edmund Mhlongo, festival director, commented that they were honoured for the
support they had received from the NFVF for the past 10 years.
Mhlongo said: “The ongoing support from the NFVF as the national body has
come a long way in the recognition of KAFF as one of the notable festivals on
the film calendar. We are committed to growing this festival and ensuring that it
has tangible impact in the lives of young people in the province.
“The NFVF seminar is one of the key events in the festival’s programme and it
has always provided a great platform for local youth to learn more about the
industry. We would like to invite all up-and-coming filmmakers to attend,’
concluded Mhlongo.
KAFF ends on Sunday 15 December.
