As of the end of November 2012, the Durban Film Office will host a monthly networking event for budding filmmakers. The initiative has been designed to meet the growing need to develop a film culture in Durban to support the development of a robust film industry.
This exciting new initiative will take place on the last Saturday of every month at Durban’s famous cultural hub, the BAT Centre, and the monthly one -day event will include a workshop programme on scriptwriting, content origination, and the creative, technical, business aspects of the industry such as producing, directing, new technology, funding, distribution, marketing and craft of content creation. In addition the programme will include screenings of local and groundbreaking films, and an open pitching session, where budding filmmakers can develop their presentation skills.
The initiative forms part of a drive to make local films accessible to a wider audience and is poised to provide a platform for Durban filmmakers to develop their craft, promote their projects, network and collaborate with other filmmakers on new projects.
“We have many new talents in Durban that are struggling to find their way into the market place and achieve recognition for the work they are doing. The main goal of this initiative is to give the emerging content market in Durban a true identity. We are very excited to launch the first event on the 24th November 2012, and we are looking forward to helping grow a community of young filmmakers that will contribute towards building Durban as a Film City,” says Toni Monty, who heads up the Durban Film Office.
In recognition of Heritage Day and in celebration of the upcoming Market day on 24th November, the Durban Film Office has also announced the Durban, ‘My City, My heritage short film making competition’, that will run from 1st of October to the 31st October 2012. Top three films will be selected and will be screened at the inaugural “My Reel Story Event” on the 24th of November 2012 at the Bat Centre.
Interested filmmakers have a month to write, shoot and edit a short film or video, the content of the films/videos must have the following key words: Durban, My City, My Heritage. The aim of the competition is to encourage the origination and development of local content and talent. We also would like through this competition for filmmakers to tell us their stories on what Heritage Day means to them?
The following themes have been selected and participants are encouraged to make their short films under these selected themes:
- Isithembu (Polygamy)
- Traditional Food
- The land of sugar and spice
- Impepho ( Incense)
The following rules apply to each participating group/production team:
- Write, shoot and edit a 3-5 minute short film in 4 weeks.
- The competition will take place between the 1st of October to the 31st October 2012.
- Filmmakers must complete their film/video work in time to submit by 12h00 at the Durban Film Office 11th Floor Rennies House, films submitted after this date are not eligible. For submission, send an email to Filmdurban@durban.gov.za.
- The competition is open to filmmakers in Durban/KwaZulu Natal.
- During the official competition period, all creativity will take place, including but not limited to:
- Writing the script
- Rehearsing
- Costume/Set Design
- Shooting
- Editing