The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is again supporting the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which celebrates its 38th edition from 13 to 23 July 2017, with over 250 screenings of cutting-edge cinema from around the world with a special focus on films from South Africa and Africa. DIFF has an important film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are almost non-existent.
As the largest of Southern Africa’s film festivals and the most important film festival in Africa, “the GFC sees this as an important platform to support Gauteng filmmakers to receive exposure and network but more importantly to promote themselves and gain skills,” said Simangele Sekgobela, acting CEO of the GFC.
The GFC’s participation in this year’s edition of the festival can be separated into three tiers:
- Talent Campus
- Durban FilmMart
- Film Awards
The GFC will support 10 emerging filmmakers from Gauteng to attend the DIFF Talent Campus. The partnership seeks to provide emerging filmmakers from Gauteng with an opportunity to receive training, information and be able to network with other filmmakers regarding the development of this ever evolving industry. The filmmakers will participate in a five-day programme which focuses on a range of filmmaking disciplines and includes hands-on training programmes, master classes, as well as Africa in Focus and Meet the Filmmakers sessions. The GFC will also helm a presentation on the role that the commission plays in the film and television industry. Additionally, the presentation will showcase the Gauteng province as a film friendly destination.
For the third year in a row, the GFC will also support the DIFF Awards, which will take place on the 22 July, at The Playhouse. Last year, the GFC supported two categories; The Best South African Short and The Best Africa Short. “We are excited to be part of the awards again this year, and are confident that these awards encourage filmmakers and bring the best out of them in pursuit of their dreams,” said senior manager, Marketing and Communications, Shalo Mbatha.
