The National Film and Video Foundation is seeking applications from young filmmakers who would like to be considered for the 2013/4 Youth Filmmaker Project.
The project is an initiative to give recent film school graduates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a career kick-start by pairing them with mentors. Producers Ramadan Suleman, Neville Josie and Bheki Peterson, will help them to develop their own story and collaborate with them on a 12 – 16 minute film.
Between July 2014 and January 2015 facilitators and mentors will host three three-day workshops in which filmmakers will learn a set of valuable filmmaking skills including directing, scripting and extracting good performances from actors. The mentoring process will extend into production, editing, post production and final delivery of the film.
Natives At Large, a Johannesburg-based film and television production company will produce the films, which will be themed: Push and Shove.
Theme
The Push and Shove theme speaks to the theme of exclusion and inclusion, and filmmakers are encouraged to explore what this means in relation to their own experience as young people living in South Africa’s democracy. Many youths are made to constantly Push and Shove to claim a space for themselves, often against great odds, threat and danger.
Story entries should show:
• Who is excluded and why?
• To what extent is exclusion based on being different to the norm
• The different forms of exclusion and how youth experience exclusion in their personal, family and public life
• What are the benefits of inclusion, if any?
• What the youth do to overcome exclusion in their personal, family and public life
Filmmaker requirements
• Filmmakers must have graduated from film school no more than two years ago.
• Filmmakers must have studied in one or more disciplines including (but not exclusive to): writing, directing, editing, cinematography or producing.
• Filmmakers must have been historically disadvantaged, as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
• Filmmakers must be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of 8 months to complete the programme.
Selection Criteria
Eligible candidates for the project must:
• Have a strong written concept for a short (approx. 15 minutes) standalone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with the other projects.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including software, formatting, scheduling and editing.
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work with others in pursuit of the same objective.
• Understand the value of and is able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
Applications
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy triplicate for consideration:
• A two page detailed synopsis for one 15 min film. No Scripts
• CV and copy of ID document.
Short-listed submissions will be invited to present their proposal in person.
All applications must be submitted electronically to the National Film and Video Offices, by 6 June 2014.
For more information, contact:
Neville Josie (yfilmproject2@gmail.com) or Lesiba Maile (lesibam@nfvf.co.za)
The top ten shortlisted submissions will be contacted by 13 June 2014.
