This was confirmed by the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Joe Phaahla, at the recent 6th South African Film and Television Awards held over two-nights at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.
Speaking exclusively to our online, the energetic Dep. Minister said developing, promoting and harnessing the importance of arts, music and culture in the country has to begin with us, as industry advocates.
After a series of persuasion, Phaahla who was not ready to divulge the exact amount, finally succumbed and promised the budget would amongst others, help with intensive training which budding, film and video makers would receive from NFVF
“ We have noted with concern that, our arts is still lacking in terms of soliciting funding and, as the department should act as catalyst in bridging that gap. With the allocation of the funding, we will strive to make our arts industry more viable and exciting since this is part of our heritage.
“Developments, training and access to funding, particularly in black areas is a mission. Therefore, with the little budget to be allocated, we foresee the NVFF absorbing and reaching out to the masses in a manner possible to reach every corner of the country. That is our goal,” he declared.
He also mentioned that bioscopes and dance groups in location should also be revived, as part of getting youth’s off the streets and begin inculcating the importance of arts in their minds.
Meanwhile, SABC 1 drama series Intersexions received 11 awards from 23 nominations and SABC 3 soapie Isidingo won the sought after Best Soapie award which is decided by the public through voting.
A South African-Dutch-German co-production Black Butterflies won the Best Feature Film award and received R50000 courtesy of Etana Insurance.
SAFTAs also honoured three industry veterans with Lifetime Achievement awards for their contribution in different fields of the industry. Athol Fugard was honoured for his contribution in the field of writing and development, Humble Mhlongo for sound and design and Roberta Durrant for his role in the production.
Surprisingly, ETV which backed-down at the eleventh minute citing unprofessionalism was recognized and received awards for winning programmes.
Asked on the saga, the Deputy Minister who is regarded as “Silent Shaker” said he will engage with all parties to resolve the impasse.
