Last week, 63 promising young film-makers
and live theatre practitioners gathered in a formal assembly with academic
staff, industry guests, media and dignitaries as Mayor of eThekwini, James
Nxumalo officially opened AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture
Medium and Live Performance), in Glen Anil, Durban.
This is the third AFDA school to open in
South Africa. The first school opened in Johannesburg in 1994, followed by the
Cape Town School in 2003, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Founded and run by Bata Passchier (CEO), Garth Holmes (Chairman) and Deon
Opperman, who has since left the school to work independently as a theatre
producer.
With the opening of the Durban school, AFDA
continues in its objectives to develop an institution that meaningfully
contributes to South African nation-building and rewards all stakeholders by
providing a stimulating and globally integrated tertiary learning experience.
Speaking at the opening Chairman and
Co-Founder, Garth Holmes said “We have learnt that the youth have an
inexplicable capacity and intuition to see far further into the future than we
as an older generation are able to; particularly in a world that is
experiencing rapid and exponential change; a world in which it is no longer the
most intelligent person who is most likely to succeed, but rather the person
who is most capable of dealing with change.”
“Part of this change is the shift in the
definition and role of the artist in society. It has become evident that we no
longer can rely on big corporates, multi-nationals and their accountants,
lawyers, actuaries and financiers to solve the problems of the world – we need
only look back to the recent events of the global recession and the impact that
it has had on our society. What has become evident to us at AFDA is that the
skills, processes and character of the artist - whether performer, film maker
or media maker, are well suited to the new cognitive, attitudinal, aesthetic
and technical demands being made by the new world economy.”
Bata Passchier addressed the students about
the role of art in society as they embark on their careers in what is globally
considered to be the fastest growing industry. “In South Africa art is a vital
part of us coming together as a nation as it allows us to see who we are and
what we can be. Art enables us to ask the question “Who am I?” and our
challenge is to confront that question, deeply, consistently and profoundly.
The challenge of a meaningful life is to seek that meaning and give that
introspection form, and through that humankind is able to move forward.”
The Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr James Nxumalo
said, “The City salutes AFDA’s commitment to facilitate a learning environment
that develops high-quality human and intellectual property amongst our youth with
the relevant skills to deal with the rigors of a fast expanding and
ever-changing industry.”
Toni Monty, of the Durban Film Office, was
upbeat about the impact the school will have on the industry. “We are pleased
that AFDA's management has seen the potential for growth of the film and live
performance industry in Durban. They have a track record of producing
entrepreneurs who are hungry to create work, and it is this kind of pioneering
spirit that helps to develop the industry."
The Dean of the Durban Campus is
experienced producer and film-maker, Franco Human, who was, until recently,
head of the producing department of AFDA Cape Town and the undergraduate course
director. “We have all been working long hours to ensure that the building is
ready for the first year intake, and to ensure that the course work and
curriculum are all in line with the school’s objectives.” said Human. “We are
all ready to begin this exciting journey with the founding students and judging
by last week’s orientation, we are in for a fabulously creative and stimulating
ride.”
Heading up the Film School is
award-winning, film director and producer Richard Green, with respected,
multi-talented award-winning playwright, director and actor Rajesh Gopie
heading up the Live Performance School and Janet van Eeden, an award-winning
scriptwriter and educator is production course administrator and script writing
lecturer.
Other core staff members include lecturers
Damien Tomaselli a performer, editor and producer; Stuart Strydom, an
experienced video and sound editor, and Sam Kelly who has worked in production
design for UK’s Channel 4 and BBC. Jessica Singh is Co-ordinator and
Administrative Assistant while Marketing Officer Milena Gevers, an AFDA
graduate, has been pivotal in the start-up of the new school, having overseen
the renovations of the building as well as the extensive recruitment drives
that have been done over the past year.
For more information about AFDA contact
Milena Gevers on 031 569 2252 or email: milenag@afda.co.za
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