In an initiative to provide emerging female filmmakers, especially those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to produce a short film, the NFVF invites entrants to apply for the Female Only Filmmaker Project.
Ten shortlisted submissions will have the opportunity to develop a 24 to 27 minute script. Of these, six scripts will be selected to go into production and will be shot over a five-week period in 2014.
The development process includes three three-day workshops with facilitators and mentors, which will take place between June and August 2014. Participating directors will also be provided with a number of valuable production tools, and successful projects and teams will be provided with a professional production crew to assist them in shooting their film.
In an effort to avoid cliched content, the series of films will be themed Negotiating Spaces and will explore how women negotiate their many roles, as mothers, wives, daughters, career women and professionals, in a constantly evolving society. Stories will need to present the pressures and expectations imposed by society on women, which result in them having to continuously navigate their place within their own personal desires.
Some of the issues that can be explored with this theme are:
• Family (responsibility and expectation)
• Taboos (cross cultural)
• Love
• Life lessons (lived experiences and how they shape us)
• The heroine inside and outside the family etc.
Eligibility
In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must:
Have worked in the industry for at least two years.
Have worked in one or more departments including (but not exclusive to): writing, directing, editing, cinematography, producing, assistant director, production managers and actresses.
Be a historically disadvantaged individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of eight months to complete the programme.
Selection Criteria
Eligible candidates for the project must:
Have a strong written concept for a half hour (approx. 26 minutes) stand-alone film, with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with at least 5 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.
Be able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
Have a show-reel that demonstrates their creative abilities.
Have written, directed, photographed or edited two or more short films, documentaries or commercials
Applications
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy triplicate for consideration:
Narrative treatment for one 26 minute film including character bible, detailed synopsis and major turning point.
CV and copy of ID document.
Show-reel
All applications must be submitted as hard copies to the National Film and Video Offices.
Important Dates:
Submission deadline: 6 June 2014
13 June 2014: Top ten shortlisted submissions announced
20 June 2014: Shortlist presentations
Contact Bongiwe Selane on 083 2607929 or via email on bongiwe@blingola.co.za for more information.
