The Durban International Film Festival
officially launches its Isiphethu - Emerging Filmmakers Hub, industry programme
at this year’s 39th edition which takes place from July 19 to 29, 2018.
Hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s
Centre for Creative Arts, the DIFF has designed an industry programme for
KZN-based filmmakers to use as a platform to engage with industry experts
through masterclasses, panel discussions and workshops.
“The programme is conceived as a vehicle to
address the skills and knowledge gaps in the province,” explains industry
programme curator Russel Hlongwane. “Isiphethu will have high local relevance
whilst introducing a sharp focus on the broader African film industry.”
“We have named this programme, Isiphethu,
the isiZulu word for “water spring” as we see this as a new beginning, or
inspirational source for filmmakers,” explains Hlongwane. “This programme will
provide a fertile space where new possibilities and insights are able to be
nurtured and emerge, with the ultimate aim of generating a groundswell to
accelerate growth of the local industry.”
“The programme is free, and speaks to the
theme of this year’s festival - ‘’leaving no filmmaker behind”. We trust local
filmmakers and film-enthusiasts will take full ownership and enjoy the benefits
of participating.”
Filmmakers and film enthusiasts are able to
attend masterclasses and panel discussions facilitated by international and
local guests. Some of the insightful discussions include ‘’getting to the heart
of your story”, “positioning your film in Africa” and “making a local story go
global”. There will also be opportunities to network and meet filmmakers
attending the DIFF and the Durban FilmMart, co-production market, and Talents
Durban."
Some highlights for this year includes the
SABC & KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission’s MOU announcement and the DTI will
also announcing the DTI Emerging Black Filmmakers Fund. This will be followed
by a panel by the SABC content team that will highlight the various genres that
the SABC is interested in soliciting. “We regard this as important information
so that our filmmakers get a firsthand explanation from the broadcaster so that
we can see more KZN content on our small screens,” says Hlongwane.
To participate in Isiphethu, members of the
public and filmmakers can check the full programme on www.durbanfilmfest.co.za
from July 10, 2018.
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