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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The film industry continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of the economy in South Africa. According to research, the industry contributes R2.5 billion a year to the Gauteng economy and 80% of over 150 registered producers in South Africa are based in Gauteng.
Now, the National Film and Foundation (NFVF) have cast it’s net wider and partnered with integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media, and a creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) to conduct a four-day workshop in the North West province.
A seasoned actress, Nolo Phiri who is the Project Manager said: “The film and television space is one that increasingly grows with time. It carries legendary creative and produces state-of-the-art filmmakers who are dedicated to conceptualizing the filmmaking process.
“The fast-paced and innovative industry also calls for an opportunity to bring in new talent and perspective. Integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media; creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have partnered to host a 4-day production master class, in both Rustenburg and Mahikeng respectively.”
Phiri said the exclusive workshops will be led by actors Thato Molamu, Neo Ntlatleng, and Ayanda Sithebe among other industry leaders. She added that they will introduce a theoretical and practical curriculum for those that have an interest in creative storytelling.
“Scriptwriting, directing and film production will be some of the modules that are explored ahead of completing the end-to-end process of the filmmaking class. There exist a great number of untold stories that deserve to be told.
“Filmmaking is one of the most powerful forms in which rich content can be created and molded to entertain, inform and have your story heard. The upcoming master classes are designed to educate, empower and challenge those who want to grow in the field of Film and Television,” said Phiri.
She further said the master classes aim to connect and give access to creativity by up-skilling and providing relevant and comprehensive training. Phiri said entries are now open from the 23 to the 26 March for aspiring TV and film producers in Rustenburg and from the 5 to the 9 April for those in Mahikeng.
Meanwhile, the North West Tourism Board launched Film Festival in Taung late last year. North West Tourism Board CEO, Advocate Mothusi Tsineng said there are beautiful destinations across Taung that filmmakers can make use of.
“Our package won’t discriminate against anybody, whether you are a domestic or international filmmaker. Anybody who has an interest will be accommodated because to us, this is more than anything than economic development.
“There are areas here in Taung that you will go to and be amazed at. There are beautiful landscapes at Taung Dam. You can also go to Dinkgwaneng and take an aerial shot, they are very beautiful too. So, anybody who could see that would want to come and do their movies here,” Tsineng said.
The Tourism Board said it is in the process of building a film school so that would assist in upskilling locals to benefit from these tourism attractions.
The Guardian 