Two film commissions partnering to orgnise summit
By CityLife Arts Writer
The KwaZulu Natal Film Commission (KZNFC) together with Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), two of South Africa’s leading provincial film funding agencies, have announced their inter-provincial partnership and collaboration. In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the executives on 18 August 2022, the entities have undertaken to foster collaborative efforts that will contribute towards the growth of the Film industry in the country.
The partnership entails assisting filmmakers from both provinces to benefit through collaboration of the two funding agencies .
GFC’s CEO, Ms Keitumetse Lebaka, stated that “one of the most frequent questions we get asked as film commissions is whether we fund filmmakers from other provinces. This MOU allows us as the Gauteng Film Commission to officially fund films by KZN Film makers provided that up to 60% of the film is shot in Gauteng, likewise, filmmakers from Gauteng to also be eligible for funding from the KZN Film Commission if they can prove that up to 50% of their films will be shot in KZN.”
The KZN Film Commission also stated that “The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission is thrilled to partner with the Gauteng Film Commission. This MOU will ensure that KZN Filmmakers are able to access funding from other provinces such as Gauteng and will further allow the two entities to collaborate on strategic matters such as information sharing, skills transfer, Human capital development with the aim of fulfilling our respective mandates of developing local film industries, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, and further positioning our content and locations to the local and global film industry,” said Mr. Victor Senna, the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission’s Acting CEO.
The KwaZulu Natal Film Commission and GFC agree to co-operate and work together to:
• Initiate and coordinate stakeholder engagement and activities focused on achieving the mandates of both parties,
• Share information and experience within the Film/TV industry,
• Ensure joint participation in all initiatives that encourage the development of the local film / TV industry, especially people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds,
• Undertake joint communication through media and other platforms on the focus areas of this agreement; And
• Provide support and resources to ensure the success and effectiveness of programmes agreed to.
The KwaZulu Natal Film Commission is also proud to announce that it will be supporting the Discover Film Summit taking place from October 19-21, at the Sandton Convention Centre, where one of the key objectives is to promote a single brand identity for the South African film industry.
About The Discover Summit 2022
The Discover Summit 2022 is an all-encompassing 3-day filmmaking platform, aimed to equip local filmmakers with the skills necessary to make them global leaders and financially sound industry entrepreneurs. Taking place from the 18th-20th October 2022 at the Sandton Convention Centre, the annual Discover Summit 2022 will upskill and develop local filmmakers, whilst providing the access to market and access to funding that was previously harder to obtain.
With an array of exhibitions, panels, masterclasses and workshops, the Summit promises to be an event that grows and empowers creatives through five key Summit Tracks:
Digital; Business/Funding/Marketing; African Pop Culture & Film; Filmmaking & Wellness.