(Philani Sithebe & Bonie Sithebe of
Durban Motion Pictures; Ethekwini Deputy Mayor, Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala; Junaid
Ahmed of Junaid Ahmed Productions & Sizwe Mkhaliphi of Zamolade
Constructing and Resources)
The very first
grantees of the Micro Budget Film and the Development Funding Programmes were
awarded at a special Durban Film Office event, which took place at SmartXchange
at the beginning of October,
This Film
Development Fund event not only marked the start of an exciting new chapter for
the filmmaking grantees and the Durban Film Office, it also publicized the
official call out details for the next new submissions.
The Durban Film
Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development arm, kick-started
the submissions for the Micro Budget Film Programme and the Development Fund Programme
at the beginning of 2014 with imperative goals to help provide Durban
filmmakers with invaluable support, assistance and funding. Enthralled with the
standard of submissions, the Durban Film Office, along with the Deputy Mayor
Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, was thrilled and proud to award the first grantees for
these programmes.
“I want to
congratulate all the beneficiaries of our development programme in terms of the
film industry,” says Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala. “I’m so glad to see
how much the Durban Film Office has achieved, in terms of making sure our dream
of including the development component in the film industry, especially with
developing our own people from Durban and from South Africa. The biggest thing
is to make sure that we encourage them to do exchange programmes whereby the
up-and-coming artists will be able to learn from those who have been a part of
the industry for a longer time. I know once these programmes are known by the
public sector there will be people who will come on board and also sponsor some
of the film productions. So with that, we will be able to succeed, and will be
able to tell of these success stories in a few years to come.
Commemorating the
beginning of this new chapter, the Micro Budget Film Programme was awarded to
Sizwe Mkhaliphi from Zamolade Constructing and Resources for the project Mhlola, Andile Buwa from Buwa Films for Family Matters, Akhona Matyila from
Mulatto Films for A History of Memory,
and Similo Gobingca from Burning Coast Films for Ports of Saints.
This exciting new
programme is set to arm these emerging filmmakers each with a R100,000 grant to
produce their film and provide insight into industry know-hows on sourcing
additional funding through the micro-budget model, and in depth training
focusing on marketing, sales, support, advertising, product placement and
sponsorship deals.
“When I found out I
was a grantee for the Micro Budget Film Programme I was so excited and grateful
for the opportunity. It is a great platform and a little intimidating at times
when I think about what a really cool opportunity it is! I hope to achieve a
beautiful film and gain better experience as a filmmaker. I know if I put a lot
of hard work and take in good advice this film could bring about other
opportunities,” says Micro Budget Film Programme grantee Similo Gobingca.
The Development
Fund Programme was awarded to Bonie Sithebe from Durban Motion Pictures and
Junaid Ahmed from Junaid Ahmed Productions CC. These two filmmakers have been
granted R250,000 funding to assist the production of their projects, which have
been deemed to be commercially viable and locally and globally competitive.
“When I first
received the email to say that I am a grantee forthis fund, I read it three
more times to make sure it was real,” says Development Funding Programme
grantee Bonie Sithebe. “When I realised it was, I was so happy I called
everyone involved to let them know. I hope to achieve a well-developed script
that would be of international standard. My first plan of action is to involve
all relevant creatives to assist in getting the project off the ground.”
Durban Film
Office’s Toni Monty adds:“The Durban Film Office is proud of the first grantees
awarded the Micro Budget Film Programme and the Development Fund Programme; we
are confident in our choice and eager to see these programmes in action. We are
certain these programmes are going to give our Durban filmmakers the leading
edge in the competitive film industry. More importantly, we know it will equip
them with sound knowledge, support and put them on the map locally and even
internationally.”
The Durban Film
Office has announced the second phase for these innovative programmes and encourages
local filmmakers to take advantage of this exciting opportunity and submit
their projects for the chance to be the next grantees. For more information
about the programmes, and how to submit projects, contact Project Manager,
Fezile Peko via email fezile.peko@durban.gov.za at the Durban Film Office or go
to www.durbanfilmoffice.com
Posts
