The initiative is part of the NFVF objective to provide training and workshops to assist emerging filmmakers to learn more about the film industry. This initiative, supported by the DFO as part of the planned Monthly Filmmakers Market programme, will help develop a keen interest from disadvantaged youth to consider filmmaking as a prospective career.
It will take place at Durban’s famous cultural hub, the BAT Centre this month between 23 & 24th of November from 09:00 to 16:00, hosting workshops, lessons on scriptwriting, and advice on the basic rules of movie making and how to enter the film industry.
The two day programme will include screenings of two locally produced movies, namely, award-winning “Man on ground” and “Skeem”, Aspiring filmmakers will get an opportunity to meet household names such as Bonginhlanhla Ncube, Loyiso Maqoma, and Wandile Molebatsi (Skeem, Intersexion).
On Friday Bonginhlanhla will conduct director’s master class “Movie Making 101”, this will be followed by “Man on Ground” screening.
On Saturday participants will be taken through an interactive session on “How to enter the film industry”, followed by Screen writing Master class “The elements that makes movies magic”, and a screening of “Skeem”.
In addition to this, attendees will receive presentations from the NFVF, the AFDA Film School, the Film & Publications Board and the Durban FilmMart.
The Durban Film Office has welcomed this initiative. “This is an important initiative for developing talent, and it forms part of our own broader programme towards enhancing local skills in the industry which complements the work of the NFVF,” said Toni Monty, Durban Film Office.
“We want to ensure that the authentic and truly South African flavor is given prominence in our films today. The partnership with NFVF provides the opportunities for local experiences to have a national and international audience.
The work that the organization does to form strategic relationships between government and industry structures, and the advancement of skills and enterprise development in the sector, helps those entering the market.
“Most importantly, the NFVF has played a key role in establishing South Africa as a serious participant on the global film arena.”
NFVF Communications & Public Affairs Manager Naomi Mokhele said its mandate was to spearhead the growth and development of South African film industry locally and internationally.
“Our objective is to take film and cinema to the people of South Africa, therefore with the film workshops we aim to position local film in the minds of the public and youth, connecting them to the widest range of SA Film, in the process promoting local film to the communities.
Our goal is to grow the next generation of filmmakers and audiences.”
She hailed the partnership with DFO and said it met the NFVF’s objective to encourage people from disadvantaged areas to consider filmmaking as a career.
“This initiative will assist us with empowering the people of KZN, introducing them to filmmaking and local films.
This is the first time the NFVF partners with DFO on such an initiative, as we’re constantly engaging with aspiring filmmakers. But this will not be a once off event.”
People who are interested in attending the workshop should confirm their attendance with Ms Valerie Mthembu. She can be contacted on email: Valerie.Mthembu@durban.gov.za or telephone, 031 311 4243 by latest Thursday 22nd of November 2012.
