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Johannesburg to benefit from filming of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron

Carly Barnes
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It has been confirmed that Marvel Studios will film parts of Marvel’s Avengers:
Age of Ultron in the Johannesburg city centre and surrounding areas in the
Gauteng province.

The Johannesburg Joint Operations Committee (JOC) announced that action
photography sequences will be shot throughout the city, but that principle cast
members will not be included in the local filming of the movie, directed by Joss
Whedon.

Marvel Studios enjoyed tremendous success with the blockbuster Marvel’s The
Avengers in 2012, which was the first film to reach more than $1bn at the
international box office and became the third highest grossing film of all time.

“We’re thrilled that Marvel Studios is bringing a major motion picture project to
Johannesburg, and we’re committed to showing them the very best our region
has to offer,’ said Phindile Mbanujwa, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission
(GFC).

According to the GFC, the organization “showcased the city to Marvel Studios in
2013, sharing information about Johannesburg’s physical assets and the
benefits of filming in the region which include the possibility of qualifying for the
recently revised government film incentive which is intended to encourage and
attract large-budget films and television productions that will contribute towards
employment creation, enhancement of South Africa’s international profile, and
increase the country’s creative and technical skills base’.

Parks Tau, mayor of Johannesburg, said, “We are excited to host Marvel and the
filming of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. It’s very positive for the city and we
have worked diligently with the JOC to make our city an attractive location for
films of all sizes.’

He concluded: “It strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a worldwide film
production centre with first-class facilities and production support. It also has a
very positive impact for the region and is a great opportunity for the city to be
showcased to a worldwide audience.’

Throughout the two-week shooting schedule, the film will also generate many
jobs for South African crew members who will be employed by the production.

The JOC, the Johannesburg Metro Police, the South African National Police, local
business owners and the citizens of Johannesburg and the Gauteng province will
all ensure that the production runs smoothly.

SABC GCEO steps down

Carly Barnes
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After much rumour and media speculation, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced that Lulama Mokhobo, the current group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the public broadcaster, is resigning from her post. She will vacate her position at the end of February.

The reason for Mokhobo’s departure is as yet unclear, but the SABC has stated that it was an amicable split. Zandile Tshabalala, the SABC board chairperson said, “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Ms Mokhobo for her positive contribution to the organisation over the past 24 months. The SABC would like to wish Ms. Mokhobo well in all her future endeavours.’

The minister of Communications, Yunus Carrim, after confirming that his office had been informed that the GCEO’s departure was mutually agreed between herself and the board, went on to say that his department is concerned about the public broadcaster’s stability and urged that the vacant post be filled quickly.

Word of the imminence of Mokhobo’s resignation first broke last week after a tweet by the Broadcasting, Electronic Media and Allied Workers Union, saying that she had already tendered her notice. According to TechCentral, there were numerous reports that Mokhobo had found her authority undermined on several occasions and that the senior power structure of the broadcaster had divided into two camps, with the CEO on one side and the group chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng on the other. Mokhobo may therefore have quit her post as she found it untenable.

Mokhobo had been appointed in 2012 by the former communications minister Dina Pule. The SABC’s official statement on the subject indicates that the company will recruit a replacement as soon as possible and will keep the public informed on developments in this regard.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom premieres in Berlin

Carly Barnes
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South African producer Anant Singh’s Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom premiered in Berlin, Germany on Tuesday 28 January, preceded by a benefit banquet which was held for the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Monday where popular international singer Katie Melua and Joy Denalane, a South African-German singer, performed.

Producer Singh, director Justin Chadwick, Idris Elba (who plays the role of Nelson Mandela), Zinzi Mandela (former President Mandela’s daughter) and Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, represented the film.

Since Berlin’s historic Zoo Palast cinema re-opened in November 2013, after a major renovation, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom was the first film to premiere there. German celebrities, Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Federal Foreign Minister), and Oscar nominee Armin Mueller-Stahl, who starred in Singh’s production, The Long Run, formed part of the VIP contingent at the event.

“The reaction was amazing and the standing ovation all through the credits was incredible,’ said Singh. “We are proud to be working with (distributor) Senator Film in Germany and look forward to the opening tomorrow,’ he added.

In honour of the film, Makhenkesi Stofile, South African Ambassador to Germany and former Minister of Sport and Recreation, hosted a post-premiere reception at the South African Embassy in Berlin.

The film about the iconic late struggle hero has been dubbed in German, and is distributed by Berlin-based Senator Film. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will be released across Germany on Thursday 30 January on 280 screens.

Winners emerge in the MTN Afrinolly Short Film Competition

Carly Barnes
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The top three winners in the MTN Afrinolly Short Film Competition have finally been selected. After submissions opened for Season 2 of the competition on September 1, 2013, over 400 entries were received from African filmmakers from 16 countries by the deadline of November 30, 2013. An international panel of judges in the creative industries pruned it down to the best 10 films in both the Short Film and Documentary categories.

The jury shortlisted 20 entries based on concept and execution i.e the story’s originality and imaginative force, clarity of purpose and its ability to captivate as well as how effectively the filmmaker reflected technical knowledge of acting, editing, sound, lighting, camera work et c.

Online voting was then opened to the public for 12 days to choose their favourite Short Film and Documentary. Voting closed 19th January, 2014 but winners’ announcement was postponed due to the sad loss of BBC’s Komla Dumor a member of the Competition jury. The following films took the top three positions in both categories.

Short Film:
First Prize ($25,000) – Everything Happens for a Reason by Florian Schott

Second Prize ($10,000) – Crimson – Your Cup of Tea by Daniel Etim Effiong

Third Prize ($5,000) – 10:10 by Gbenga Salu

Documentary:
First Prize ($25,000) – Creative Minds by Victor Okoye

Second Prize ($10,000) – Awele’s Diary by Ronke Ogunmakin

Third Prize ($5,000) – Yellow Fever by Ng’endo Mukii

Other finalists in both categories will receive $500 each. The awards presentation ceremony themed “Lions Rising’ will be held in Lagos, Nigeria on 22nd February, 2014. The invite only event to celebrate the Generation of Digital Film Makers in Africa would have the introduction of some individual awards, most notably the “Komla Dumor Award for Storytelling’ in memorial of one of the Competition judges.

The Afrinolly Short Film Competition is an initiative of the developers of Afrinolly mobile app. The Competition was supported by MTN, Cote Ouest Audiovisuel, IREP, Goethe Institut. Media partners include EbonyLife TV, Beat 99.9FM and BellaNaija.

Visit: Winning videos to view winning entries.
Visit: Afrinolly Awards Montage for more information.

SA filmmakers to attend Berlin EFM through ATFT

Carly Barnes
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The Association for Transformation in Film and Television (ATFT) was launched in South Africa in 2013 to provide a platform for individuals who are traditionally underrepresented, such as black and female filmmakers and people with disabilities in the industry.

For the first time, and organised by ATFT, a South African delegation of filmmakers will have a presence at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM).

Led by Dutch Indies’ chairman Hans Boscher and industry veteran Fred de Haas, ATFT held structured export market readiness workshops in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) to prepare potential delegates for Berlin’s EFM.

The film market takes place from 6 to 14 February.

African films headed for success in 2014

Carly Barnes
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The future of African film is looking bright, with a number of talented African filmmakers across the continent and abroad gaining international recognition for their productions. This selection of African films is anticipated to do well, and is worth viewing in 2014.

Pearls of Africa

Set in the 1970s, a young Kenyan girl struggles for her education and independence while resisting the patriarchal tradition that insists on her marrying a doctor, in return for a customary dowry. Her world intersects with a young British man, who has left his fiance in the UK to work in Africa. The two fall in love but are held apart by the hate and prejudice of others.

The film is written and directed by Sharon Agina (The Trade Winds of the Indian Ocean) and stars Lizz Njagah (House of Lungula), Kevin Leslie (Essex Boys Retribution) and Neil Reidman (Casualty).

Visit: Pearls of Africa trailer to view the trailer.

Foleni Man

This super hero movie tells the story of a Tanzanian man who, after suffering a number of hardships due to road congestion in Dar Es Salaam, decides to fight against road jams as the superhero: Foleni Man. Wearing a suit marked with a big F, Foleni Man tackles issues relevant to the people of Tanzania.

Produced by Selemani Kaki and the Kaya Film Company, the film is set for release in early 2014.

My Nigeria

A documentary about a first generation American filmmaker of Nigerian descent, who seeks to clarify misinformed public perceptions of her ancestor’s homeland and discover her own cultural identity. The film showcases the beauty, culture and people behind Nigerian history.

Produced and directed by Maeyen Bassey (Nigeria at Fifty), the movie features Nigerian musician Femi Kuti, Nigerian elder statesman and nationalist Pa Enaharo and German-Nigerian hip hop and soul singer Nneka.

Simi Visits Grandma

An animated feature about a young girl in Lagos who visits her grandmother, situated outside of the city. While there, their relationship develops and the girl begins to understand the value of elders, family and cultural heritage.

Produced by Lagos-based animation company, Ostudiolabs, and directed by Mayowa Osewa, the film is set to release in December 2014.

Though not originating from Africa, The Good Lie is a movie which tells a compelling story with African themes. African actors feature in the cast and a number of scenes were shot in South Africa and Kenya, serviced by Kenyan production company, Blue Sky Films.

The Good Lie

The film is based on the true story of an American who attempts to help four Sudanese refugees, who have won a relocation lottery to come to the United States, escaping the civil war in their country. Famously known as the “lost boys’, they struggle to adjust to a new life, remembering those they left behind.

The film is directed by Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar), was written by Margaret Nagle (Boardwalk Empire) and stars Reese Witherspoon (Water for Elephants), Corey Stoll (House of Cards) and Maria Howell (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire).

Africa’s VOD subscriptions to increase by 1 million in 2014

Carly Barnes
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TechCentral reports that the number of video-on-demand (VOD) subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa will grow by one million in 2014, despite the lack of broadband infrastructure in the region. This is according to findings published in Deloitte’s “Technology, Media and Telecommunications Predictions 2014.’

Most of these new subscribers will receive their VOD-based services, not over broadband connections but over traditional satellite television services, which will push and store VOD content on products like MultiChoice’s DStv Explora personal video recorder (PVR).

The report further reports that most viewers in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to an unlimited selection of VOD titles online, and will instead select their programmes from the more limited offerings pushed and stored to their PVRs.

“This user behaviour will be the equivalent of that taking place in millions of broadband-equipped homes around the world,’ Deloitte says. “However, in sub-Saharan Africa, VOD content will play back from digital video recorders and the files will have been distributed principally via satellite links, and for a few households via digital terrestrial transmission.’

The report notes that only one per cent of people in sub-Saharan Africa have access to fixed broadband. For this reason, sub-Saharan Africa has, until now, “not participated in the wave of VOD adopting,’ which has taken place in around the world.

“At their peak in the 1970s and 1980s, copper networks were never extensive, and following the liberalisation of most markets in the 1990s, capital poured into mobile infrastructure, leaving fixed infrastructure on the sidelines,’ the report adds. The relative prevalence of mobile infrastructure – the report states that mobile broadband has 13 percent penetration on the continent – the prices of mobile services in Africa are around 50 times those in Europe. This, combined with the limited reach and capacity of the continent’s broadband makes it unsuitable for “bandwidth-hungry services like VOD’.

But there is still a demand for VOD, especially in South Africa and Nigeria – whose citizens make up more than 50 per cent of the continent’s consumer spending. “In these countries, and in a growing number of wealthier capital cities across the continent, there is considerable buzz about the availability of VOD services in developed countries. Satellite and DVRs can provide a solution that replicates a VOD experience.’

Until such time as broadband services have been rolled out more extensively on the continent, Deloitte’s report says, VOD services will have to operate within the infrastructure that already exists. Apparently this will not be an obstacle for around one million Africans eager to adopt the service this year. This prediction may indicate that, were broadband infrastructure to be made more extensive and cheaper on the continent, VOD and other broadband-related services would be likely to see an exponential increase in subscribers.

Memorial service for late SA actress

Carly Barnes
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A memorial service will be held on 23 January at SABC’s M1 studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, for the late actress Lesego Motsepe, who played the role of Letti Matabane on SABC3’s soapie Isidingo for 10 years. She died at the age of 39 on 20 January.

On World Aids Day in 2011, Motsepe came out publically as HIV positive, and had been living with the disease for close to 13 years.

She said: “The virus lives in my blood. For 13 years I had known, and I wanted to use the opportunity God gave me to be able to be a mentor to those who will be going through the same struggles I have gone through.”

Jackson Mthembu, spokesperson for the ANC said, “Lesego… was a courageous young woman with whom many of us were privileged to interact with. She was also an unrelenting crusader in the fight against HIV/Aids.”

SA 3D Documentary TV series selected for World Design Capital

Carly Barnes
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Zamani, 3-D documentary series set to go into production in mid-2014, and dedicated to documenting the World Heritage sites of the African continent, has been selected for the official programme of the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014. Zamani means “the past’ in Swahili and “Zamani Project” is the original name given to the mission led by a team of four who have been documenting heritage sites for close to 10 years across Africa.

Under the expert supervision of Professor Heinz Ruther, The Zamani Project was initiated in the Geomatics Division of the University of Cape Town, partly funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and endorsed by (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The project is based on state-of-the art data acquisition and presentation technologies, including laser scanning and close range photogrammetry, which are used to generate Geographic Information Systems, 3D computer models and other spatial data.

Production of the series will be officially launched during an event in the city mid-2014.

Man Makes a Picture (MMaP), a Capetonian production company, has developed the Zamani Project documentary series concept. They are currently promoting the series locally and internationally, to finance the projected R30 million production budget via sponsorships and international TV coproductions and presales.

The series will uncover how the most interesting heritage sites in Africa came into existence and why, and also how they have transformed into complex “Cultural Landscapes’, through their role and meaning for the local population today.

Each episode will document various sites in different Sub-Saharan countries grouped by theme, such as “The Gold Trade’, “Man’s Footprint’ or “Castles and Fortresses’.

The Zamani Project Documentary series will combine travel and adventure, following the Zamani geomatic experts Heinz Ruther and Roshan Burtha as they discover and document the sites, sometimes in very intriguing and remote environments, state-of-the-art 3D entertainment and interviews with historians and local residents.

Worldwide distribution of this TV programme and its educational spin-offs will promote worldwide awareness of the richness of these “Cultural Landscapes’, constructed in the Past and inhabited by the Present.

The Zamani Project Documentary Teaser can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da5R2A73Fps.

Professionals can contact showrunner Joanna Tomkins for more information at: Joanna@manmakesapicture.co.za.

American Society of Cinematographers names Spotlight Award nominees

Carly Barnes
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The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has announced three nominees for its inaugural ASC Spotlight Award. The organisation created this award to recognise outstanding cinematography in features and documentaries typically screened at film festivals, internationally or in limited theatrical release. The winner will be announced at the 28th Annual ASC Awards on 1 February, at the Hollywood & Highland Ray Dolby Ballroom.

The nominees are:

• Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski for Ida, a Polish film that tells the story of a young novitiate nun whose commitment to her faith is brought into question when she discovers a dark family secret connected to the Nazi occupation.
• Mark Lee Ping Bing for Renoir, a biopic focusing on a specific episode in the life of artist Jean Renoir and his son.
• Camille Cottagnoud for Winter Nomads, a documentary telling the story of two shepherds on the French-Swiss border, making a major winter migration with their flocks.

ASC members submitted entries for consideration which went before a Blue Ribbon panel that chose the nominees. All active members will vote to select the winner.
“We’ve been honoring outstanding achievement in cinematography since we started the ASC Awards in 1987,’ says ASC Awards Chairman Lowell Peterson. “Several ASC members developed the concept for this award after being inspired by these types of productions. We chose to add this new honor to recognize and praise areas of our art form that previously might have been overlooked.’

For information regarding the 28th ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography visit www.theasc.com or call 323-969-4333.

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