In an effort to provide Durban filmmakers with invaluable support, assistance and
funding the Durban Film Office opened submissions for the Micro Budget Film
Programme and the Development Fund Programme at the start of 2014. The first
grantees of these initiatives were announced at a special event, which took place at
SmartXchange, on 1 October.
The Micro Budget Film Programme was awarded to Sizwe Mkhaliphi from Zamolade
Constructing and Resources for the project Mhlola, Andile Buwa from
Buwa Films for Family Matters, Akhona Matyila from Mulatto Films for
A History of Memory, and Similo Gobingca from Burning Coast Films for
Ports of Saints.
“I hope to achieve a beautiful film and gain better experience as a filmmaker. I know
if I put a lot of hard work and take in good advice this film could bring about other
opportunities,’ said Gobingca.
The Development Fund Programme was awarded to Bonie Sithebe from Durban
Motion Pictures and Junaid Ahmed from Junaid Ahmed Productions CC.
“I hope to achieve a well-developed script that would be of international standard. My
first plan of action is to involve all relevant creatives to assist in getting the project off
the ground,’ said Sithebe.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala commented, “I’m so glad to see how much the
Durban Film Office has achieved, in terms of making sure our dream of including the
development component in the film industry, especially with developing our own
people from Durban and from South Africa. The biggest thing is to make sure that we
encourage them to do exchange programmes whereby the up-and-coming artists will
be able to learn from those who have been a part of the industry for a longer
time.’
The Micro Budget Film Programme will give the selected participating filmmakers a
R100 000 grant to produce their film. It will also give them industry insight on
sourcing additional funding through the micro-budget model, and in depth training
focusing on marketing, sales, support, advertising, product placement and
sponsorship deals.
The Development Fund Programme grants filmmakers with R250 000 funding to
assist the production of their projects, which have been deemed to be commercially
viable as well as locally and globally competitive.
Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty remarked, “The Durban Film Office is proud of the
first grantees awarded the Micro Budget Film Programme and the Development Fund
Programme; we are confident in our choice and eager to see these programmes in
action. We are certain these programmes are going to give our Durban filmmakers
the leading edge in the competitive film industry. More importantly we know it will
equip them with sound knowledge, support and put them on the map locally and even
internationally.’
The second phase of submissions for these programmes is now open. Interested
emerging filmmakers can contact project manager Fezile Peko via email
fezile.peko@durban.gov.za or visit the Durban Film Office website for more
information.
