On 3 March 2016, the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC) hosted its ‘Homecoming’ event at The Capital Moloko Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The event marked the start of a new drive by the KZNFC to entice KwaZulu-Natal born film talent, currently residing in Gauteng, to use their specialised skills in their home province – to the benefit of both KZN and Gauteng.
Facilitated by the KZNFC’s marketing and communications manager, Buhle Malunga, the event showcased the workings of the commission’s various departments and the opportunities available to Gauteng-based filmmakers and talents wanting to work in KwaZulu-Natal with the KZNFC. Everything from available film funding schemes and tax rebates, prospective locations, to marketing and distribution opportunities, as well as the building of a film cluster, were presented at the Homecoming event.
Jackie Motsepe, head of marketing and industry development at the KZNFC, who gave the opening keynote address said: “We go to various markets and festivals around the world, inviting people to come to KwaZulu-Natal to shoot their films in the province, to access our film fund, to access our incentives and we’ve never done it at home. We thought it’s about time that we actually speak to industry in South Africa, but at the same time we also know that a lot of people working in the industry, particularly in Gauteng, are originally from KwaZulu-Natal. We’re trying to build an industry in the province where currently we don’t have the skills base that we need and we know that many with those skills resides here in Gauteng. So this is a way for us to extend an invitation for filmmakers to look at KwaZulu-Natal, look at the opportunity that we can present for you in terms of using the province as a location for film.”
A most noteworthy addition to the KZNFC’s programme which was announced at the Homecoming event: the forming of a film cluster comprising of edit suites, studios, a 50-seater cinema, hot desks, rentable office space and equipment. According to the KZNFC, the facility, which will be launched in July 2016, will be equipped with state-of-the art equipment, to make working in KwaZulu-Natal easier for visiting filmmakers by providing easy access to the infrastructure needed to make great films. Simphiwe Ngcobo, production and development manager for the KZNFC, commented: “Let’s form a cluster which will ensure that the emerging filmmakers will have all the support they need – promoting synergy and shared knowledge.”
Ngcobo says that the Homecoming presentation is aimed at showcasing the achievements of the commission to date and to show Gauteng-based talent what they can expect to see from the KZNFC in the years to come, but most importantly to inform them of what they stand to gain by using KwaZulu-Natal as a location for film.
Ncgobo concluded: “KwaZulu-Natal is open for business, this for filmmakers wanting to work in the province, whether or not they have partners in there. The facility is there to ensure that filmmakers do not think hard about doing anything film and TV related in the province. KZNFC wants filmmakers to be able to run sustainable businesses in the province, not only in the production arena, but throughout the film and TV value chain.”
