The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of
Arts and Culture, calls for female filmmakers to apply for an opportunity to be
considered for the Blingola filmmaker project 2015/16.
The concept for the Female Only Filmmaker Project is an initiative to provide recent
female entrants into the industry, particularly those from historically disadvantaged
backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration with other women.
Successful applicants will be guided in the development of their stories into a 24 to
27minute script over a period of five months.
Ten to fifteen shortlisted submissions will go through a development process in
preparation for the production of the films, which will be shot over a five-week
period, however only 10 of the scripts will be selected to go into production in 2015.
The development process will include three three-day workshops between May and
early July 2015, working with facilitators and mentors. During this process, each
director will also be provided with the necessary tools to break down scripts for
camera as well as detailed strategies for extracting the best performances from the
actors. The successful projects and teams will then be provided with a professional
production crew to shoot their film. A post-production supervisor will be appointed
to assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film.
A special premiere of three of the best completed films as chosen by their peers
will be held at a suitable venue to be confirmed with the cast, crew and creative
personnel as well as NFVF council and staff.
Eligibility
In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must
meet the following requirements:
-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) standalone film
with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be
packaged with at least five 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.
-Short-listed submissions will be invited to present their proposal in person.
Theme
“Negotiating Spaces’
The series of films that will be produced need to be packaged as a cohesive series,
and order to achieve this, we have put forward a theme around which writers can
submit their story idea.
In an effort to avoid stereotypical and cliched themes usually associated with
women films, we want to explore current themes that resonate with modern day
African women, themes that explore the values and expectations of modern African
women today.
How do women negotiate their position as mothers, wives, daughters, career
women and professionals, girls etc. – in an ever-changing society? The pressures
and expectation imposed by society on women requires them to continuously
negotiate and navigate their place and position and within their own personal
desires. Our proposed theme is thus: “Negotiating Spaces’
The theme offers a variety of subjects to be explored including: family
(responsibility and expectation); taboos (cross cultural); love; life lessons (lived
experiences and how they mould us); the heroine inside and outside the family etc.
These are just some of the subjects that can be explored and we believe there is a
multitude of stories that can be explored within this theme. The ultimate goal is to
produce relevant stories that will resonate with audiences today, told from a female
perspective and stories that we as a country can recognise ourselves in.
Applications
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy
triplicate for consideration:
-Narrative treatment for one 26 min film including character bible, detailed
synopsis, major turning point document.
-CV and copy of ID document.
-Show-reel.
Closing Date
27 February 2015. All applications must be submitted as hard copies to the National
Film and Video Foundation offices, by the closing date.
Address: 87 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 4830880
All enquiries must be directed to: Bongiwe Selane – 083 2607929/
bongiwe@blingola.co.za
NB: Please note that no email entries will be accepted.
Important Dates
27 February 2015 – Closing date for submissions
30 March 2015- Announcement of top 10 shortlisted submissions
9 and 10 April 2015 – Shortlist presentation to NFVF panel and producers.
