Consisting of emerging and mentoring producers, a delegation of South African
filmmakers will embark on a trade mission to the European Film Market (EFM)
2014 in Berlin, Germany courtesy of the Association for Transformation in Film
and Television (AFTF).
The team, functioning under the “South African Indies’ banner, arrive in Berlin on
6 February and will man the first ever South African stand at EFM.
“South African filmmakers will have a presence at Berlin’s European Film Market
for the first time this year,’ says EFM market director Beki Probst. She added
that she was particularly pleased to be able to welcome a delegation organised
by the ATFT.
At the EFM, South African producers will have the opportunity to showcase and
sell their films and projects in any stage of development or production in an
attempt to establish co-production partnerships; participate in a global market;
and develop new audiences for South African content. In addition, the
delegation will also market the country as one of the world’s top production
destinations.
As a means of forming professional relationships with key players based in
Germany, the SA Indies delegation will attend a networking function at the
South African Embassy in Berlin.
Filmmakers will also take a tour of the Berlin Talent Campus, participate in the
World Cinema Fund Day and take part in a “speed dating session’ facilitated by
the ATFT.
During these fast-paced conversations, distributors and sales agents interested
in the projects that form part of the delegation’s catalogue will spend 15 minutes
with the producers to familiarise themselves with films at the SA Indies stand
and the filmmakers behind the projects.
The South African delegation’s visit to Berlin is made possible by the Department
of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Export Marketing and Investment Assistance
scheme and the Western Cape Investment and Trade and Promotion Agency
(Wesgro).
The South African Indies Stand is located at stand number 108 at the Marriot
Hotel at the Potsdamer Platz.
