BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE North West Film Commission (NWFC) met with upcoming filmmakers in the province during its recent road-show campaign.

NWFC spokesperson, Pieter Kruger said that the tour afforded them an opportunity to meet with various filmmakers and film production companies.

“We conducted our road shows in Rustenburg, Mahikeng, Vryburg and Klerksdorp since last week. The dearth of the sector robbed North West people many opportunities in the past.

“Some of the challenges came across was that the province was poorly resourced and lacked skill pool to grow and develop the film and television sector. Hover most people were grateful to see the emerging of NWFC. They stated that the province will now play its role in utilising talents,” Kruger said.

He added that many implored the NWFC to mobilise financial grants, lobby government departments and facilitate distribution and marketing of their film projects.

NWFC has already held high-level meetings with MICTSeta. Kruger said the discussions were underway for the establishment of transformational relationship between the two bodies.

He added that Big Fish Production Company was another partner they will foster a relationship with.

“The Big Fish Production Company will provide training to local filmmakers.

Plans are afoot to fast-track the sector development. We also met with Zidaka to collaborate filmmakers and production companies in North West. This will result in a number of locations be identified for shootings.

“We will create opportunities for trainees and internships for North West talent. Five projects will form the core of this relationship between NWFC and Zidaka,” he said.

NWFC said they will also support the Mafikeng International Film Festival that will take place in August. Kruger said they will also meet with organisers of Bojanala Film Week.

Zidaka chief executive officer (CEO), Jeremy Nathan said: “The discussions about the province’s participation at major film festivals national and international as well as the national premiere release of the world acclaimed “Mandela’s Gun” are at an advanced stage.”

-TDN

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