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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

DFO FESTIVALS & MARKETS SUPPORT PROGRAMME



The Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development unit, has announced that applications are now open for its Festivals and Markets Support Programme.

eThekwini film-makers are invited to submit applications for funding to support their efforts to attend national and international film markets or festivals to which they have been invited to develop their projects or screen films.

“One of the aims of the DFO is to support the promotion of locally based films,” explains Toni Monty, Head of the DFO. “Often one of the barriers for film-makers to the development of their projects or the promotion of their films, is mobility. This programme provides funds to help them pay for accommodation and travel to be able to attend these events, and in some appropriate cases to assist with marketing materials to do so.

The Durban Film Office festival and market support programme will sponsor up to a maximum R25,000 in associated costs per project annually. Applicants may apply for sponsorship of flight, accommodation, registration fees and marketing materials to be used for a festival or market.

The programme is available to eThekwini film-makers only. Only individuals or production houses that have been officially invited to screen their film in a film festival or present a film project in development at an official co-production market, may apply.

“Film-makers are always looking at how they can network, and grow new markets for their work, or develop their ideas and projects. In order to do this, they need to be operating on a bigger level with producers, financiers and other film-makers on a global level as well. By attending markets and festivals, film-makers are opened up to opportunities that can possibly provide a “next-level” for them for example, distribution deals, script assistance, financial investment and other relevant support. We look forward to seeing this programme will help nurture and grow local talent, and to see just how valuable these opportunities are for the growth of the local industry,” says Monty.

There are strict criteria that need to be met and all interested parties are urged to familiarise themselves with these criteria which is available on the DFO website – www.durbanfilmoffice.co.za - prior to application to avoid disappointment.