16 June 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, where a number of young South Africans lost their lives when a series of protests led by high school students erupted in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in local schools. To commemorate this iconic historcal event the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has chosen the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising as the theme for two documentary films to be produced and screened in 2016.
The films will need to take into account the transition to democracy and ask a variety of engaging questions about its impact on our lives. The questions may be applied to various subjects including culture, trends, music, urban spaces, communities, activism, politics and social issues, to name a few.
Terms of Reference
The call proposes to allocate R750 000 to a production company to produce one film in keeping with the theme.
The films that emerge from this process need to meet the NFVF’s desire for content that moves beyond information and education to the presentation of unique perspectives on South Africa’s realities utilising engaging characters and exploring original points of view.
Theme
The proposals brought forward should think laterally about what the 40th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising means in a modern day South Africa.
The panel will be on the lookout for:
• Concepts with a strong and clear premise
• Concepts that aim for objectivity, while still presenting a clear point of view
• Fresh and quirky takes on the theme
• Concepts that can be delivered by 30 May 2016
Eligibility
In order for a production company to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
• South African citizens or permanent residents
• Producer should possess some knowledge regarding the packaging and marketing of documentary films
• Producer and production company to have a clean industry record
• Production company should have completed at least three documentary films which have been broadcast on television or exhibited at a festival
• Production company to be at least 51% owned and managed by applicant, preferable PDI
• BEE compliant
Selection criteria for projects
• A strong written concept for a standalone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea, that will allow it to be packaged with the other three projects under the theme ’40th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising’
• The length of the film should be 60 minutes
• The film must have completed development or be in early stages of pre-production in order to meet the deadline for the June screenings
• Knowledge of target audience
• Distribution potential
• Solid production budget experience
• The producer must demonstrate a plan to complete and deliver the project by 30 May 2016
Applications
All applications should have ‘Soweto Uprising: 40 Year Anniversary’ in the subject line. Applicationes must be emailed to refiloeh@nfvf.co.za
Applications must include:
• One page synopsis
• Visual treatment
• Detailed outline
• Character book
• Consent forms
• Resumes for key creative team
• Budget
• Proposed production schedule
• Original tax clearance certificate
• Certified copy of identity document
• Company registration documents
Closing date for applications is 26 February 2016
For more information contact: Thandeka Zwana on thandekaz@nfvf.co.za
