The first monthly Zero-Budget Filmmaking Workshop of 2014, organised by the
Durban Film Office (DFO), takes place on Saturday 1 February from 09h00 to
16h30 at the Albany Hotel in Joe Slovo Street in Durban.
Aimed at developing the local film industry by providing practical skills to aspiring
and emerging filmmakers to meet the growing market demand of low- or zero-
budget films, this is a free to the public initiative.
Zuko Nodada, one of the directors of Intersexions, the award-winning SABC1
drama series, will be the guest speaker and will do a presentation on first-class
directing and producing skills based on his personal experiences in the industry.
Nodada graduated from the former Technikon Natal (now Durban University of
Technology) in Drama Studies. He has more than 10 years’ experience in the
industry and has worked on a range of commercials, dramas and short films.
He has directed two films commissioned by Mzansi Magic, namely The Secret and
iPhupho, and feature film Ithala Reunion, which releases on the big screen in
February.
Nodada is committed to community upliftment and development projects and
regularly assists with the training and mentorship of scriptwriting, acting and
directing.
Said Toni Monty, head of the DFO, “We’re pleased to showcase another home-
grown export who is keen to give back to his community through sharing his
own experiences and skills.’
“We want to encourage Durban filmmakers to take advantage of learning from
an established filmmaker with the understanding that recognition and
advancement is possible,’ she added.
The newly established partnership between the DFO and the non-profit
organisation, eThekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA), is an exciting development
for the Zero-Budget Filmmaking Workshops.
“We believe that our collaboration will bring to the table fresh insights, ideas
and a holistic approach towards meeting our objectives,’ commented Monty.
Andile Buwa, chairperson of the EFA emphasised that the objective of
empowerment and skills development was at the top of the association’s
agenda.
According to Buwa, the EFA wants to improve quality scriptwriting skills pitch
proposals and accessing funding initiatives in the local film industry. The EFA will
host a scriptwriting session during the workshop.
“Anyone can be a filmmaker, but it takes a brilliant script, among other
components, to set you apart from the competition,’ said Buwa.
The DFO and EFA are committed to developing young filmmakers in South Africa.
Concluded Buwa, “There’s a lot to be learnt and we’re ready for it.’
Contact Buwa via email at efa031@gmail.com, call 072 994 3343 or contact Faiza Williams on
Faiza.Williams@durban.gov.za or call 031 311 4243 to book a place at the
workshop and for more information.
