The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Namibia Film Commission (NFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2016. The signing ceremony was held at the Elangeni Hotel on 21 June and the MOU was signed by NFVF CEO Zama Mkosi and Obed Emvula, chairperson of the board of the NFC, with the participation of officials and producers from both countries.
The aim of this MOU is to create a framework for developing cooperative relations between the NFVF, an agency of the department of Arts and Culture of South Africa, and the NFC, which supports, encourages and promotes film production as well as the development of the film industry in Namibia.
Actions undertaken within this framework are intended to benefit each organisation and their respective members, generating opportunities for connecting audiovisual content producers in SA with film commissions in Namibia and locations for audiovisual content production, as well as generating new economic activity in their respective countries.
“Our mandate as the NFVF is to form solid partnerships. Not just in SA, but across the African continent,’ said Mkosi. “47 per cent of foreign productions coming to Namibia are from South Africa, this shows the growth and the need to form firmer ties between South Africa and Namibia,’ said Emvula.
Specific provisions of the agreement include:
– Establishing an organisational level relationship between the parties to provide framework to support and strengthen the respective parties operational pillars.
– To promote co-production of films, television and other audiovisual content by Namibian and South African filmmakers, as well as production service business, and on-location filming in Namibia and South Africa.
– To maintain a bilateral communication channel designed to share ideas and best practices on domestic and international film production and promotion.
– To facilitate the visit of producer delegations from the two countries, as well as specific information to producers in regards to filming locations, regulations, incentives and clearance requirements in each jurisdiction of their respective countries.
– To promote distribution and exhibition of South African and Namibian Films.
– To facilitate training and skill exchange between film practitioners from the two countries.
