As of the end of November 2012, the Durban
Film Office will host a monthly networking one-day event for budding
filmmakers. The initiative has been designed to meet the growing need to
develop a film culture in Durban to support the development of a robust film
industry.
This exciting new initiative will take
place on the last Saturday of every month at the BAT Centre, and will include a
workshop
programme on scriptwriting, content origination, and the creative, technical,
business aspects of the industry such as producing, directing, new technology,
funding, distribution, marketing and craft of content creation. In addition,
the programme will include screenings of local and groundbreaking films, and an
open pitching session, where budding filmmakers can develop their presentation
skills.
The initiative forms part of a drive to
make local films accessible to a wider audience and is poised to provide a
platform for Durban filmmakers to develop their craft, promote their projects,
network and collaborate with other filmmakers on new projects.
“We have many new talents in Durban that
are struggling to find their way into the market place and achieve recognition
for the work they are doing,” says Toni Monty, who heads up the Durban Film
Office. “The main goal of this initiative is to give the emerging content
market in Durban a true identity. We are very excited to launch the first event
on November 24 and we are looking forward to helping grow a community of young
filmmakers that will contribute towards building Durban as a Film City.”
In recognition of Heritage Day and in
celebration of the upcoming Market day, the Durban Film Office has also
announced the Durban, My City, My
heritage short film making competition that will run from October 1 to 31.
Top three films will be selected and will be screened at the inaugural My Reel Story Event on November 24 at
the Bat Centre.
Interested filmmakers have a month to
write, shoot and edit a short film or video, the content of the films/videos
must have the following key words: Durban,
My City, My Heritage.
The aim of the competition is to encourage
the origination and development of local content and talent. This competition offers
filmmakers a chance to tell their stories on what Heritage Day means to them. The
following themes have been selected and participants are encouraged to make
their short films under these selected themes: Isithembu (Polygamy); Traditional
Food; The land of sugar and spice; Impepho (Incense); The following rules apply
to each participating group/production team: Write, shoot and edit a 3-5 minute
short film in four weeks.
During the official competition period, all
creativity will take place, including but not limited to Writing the script; Rehearsing;
Costume/Set Design; Shooting and Editing
All footage must be shot within the
competition’s time period as stated above. No stock footage or footage shot or
created at another time may be used. Animation and special effects are permitted,
but must be created during the competition’s time period. Still photographs are
permitted, provided that the team has the rights to them. The photos do not
need to be created during the competition time period.
The competition is open to filmmakers in
Durban/KwaZulu-Natal and will take place between October 1 and 31. Filmmakers
must complete their film/video work in time to submit by 12h00 at the Durban
Film Office, 11th Floor Rennies House. Films submitted after this date are not
eligible. For submission, send an email to Filmdurban@durban.gov.za
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