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Word from the Chief Executive

It was with a deep sense of shock and outrage that the filmmaking community watched and read about (learnt is too removed) the xenophobic attacks that hit South Africa in May. These events were made more surreal by the fact that they coincided with Africa Day celebrations and in particular the Africa on Screen film festival – a festival established to celebrate Pan African filmmaking.

It has therefore been encouraging to see that the filmmaking industry, in the form of Filmmakers Against Racism, has responded in such a vocal manner. Film offers a tangible way of countering corrosive attitudes in our society and we urge your support.

The events of May have also highlighted the vulnerability of many in our society – and in particular the youth. June is Youth Month and we know that film provides a particularly powerful means of responding to the pervasive social and economic vulnerability of our young. We are therefore excited to be a partner of Filmmaking Youth Take Action – an SA/ Mexico youth exchange programme that will be held at the University of Johannesburg this month. June also provides a rare opportunity to see Last Grave in Dimbaza (1974) which explores the bleak conditions created by the apartheid state that still defines much of our country’s social fabric.

As always, the Encounters International Documentary Festival promises enlightening viewing while youth creativity is celebrated at the AFDA JHB Annual Mid-Year Experimental Film Festival. See you there.

Terry Tselane
Chief Executive

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BEHIND THE GFC:

Who is the CEO?

Since he began writing for the GFC newsletter Andrew Worsdale has been wondering just who Terry Tselane is. He sat down with the CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission to discover where he comes from, what makes him tick and how his plans to drive Gauteng as a major South African film hub are coming together.

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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IN BRIEF

CANNES DO…? 

Andrew Worsdale gets some feedback from this year’s Cannes; and we tell you how things panned out for the GFC and others at the South African Pavilion on the Croisette. This year’s Cannes Film Festival was overcast and rainy. And, as if to mirror the gloomy weather, reports by the trades indicated that the market was slow and lacked any punch or passion. Screen International said: “Maybe it was the dollar exchange rate or the rain that dampened enthusiasm…

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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Flies On The Wall With Attitude

Andrew Worsdale gets the scoop on the upcoming Encounters Documentary Film Festival that celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and, despite funding challenges, is more vibrant and funky than ever before. ‘Flies on The Wall with Attitude’ is the title of a 2001 article in the Austin Chronicle about famed documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles, legendary non-fiction moviemaker and founder of ‘direct cinema’. In the piece he says: “I think it’s inevitable that people will come to find the documentary a more compelling and more important kind of film than fiction…

…to read more CLICK HERE

Filmmakers Against Racism Appeal

Filmmakers Against Racism (FAR) – an initiative launched on 23rd May in response to the shocking wave of xenophobia violence hitting South Africa – will be producing six 24 minute documentaries as well as many 30 second Public Service Announcements, which will be broadcast by SABC, and hopefully other commercial broadcasters as well as community TV stations…

…to read more CLICK HERE

Filmmaking Youth Take Action

An exciting Mexico/SA collaboration aimed at igniting the passion of young filmmakers stars this month, with the launch of the FYTA Film Festival (Filmmaking Youth Taking Action) at the University of Johannesburg. Running from 13 – 16 June, the international film festival offers free workshops, showcases opportunities and provides a South Africa-Mexico exploratory and expressive film platform…

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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We’ve got News

Sunday night saw the launch of e.tv’s eNews Channel, South Africa’s first independent round-the-clock news service, on Channel 403 on DStv Premium and DStv Compact. And for the first time, viewers saw live the interaction between Jeremy Maggs and Redi Direko, anchors on the weekday prime-time 7pm – 9pm News Night slot…

…to read more CLICK HERE
 
 
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PERFECT LOCATIONS

A treasure chest for Kruispad

Johannesburg is a treasure chest of spaces and hidden delights, according to Daniel van Zyl of Locations Ahead, who was responsible for the scouting, location and unit management for the production of a 13 x 48 minute drama series entitled Kruispad, for production company Bottomline Entertainment.

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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MADE IN GAUTENG

New series looking at Gauteng’s suppliers – featuring Sony and Media Host

As one of GFC’s key objectives is to be of service and support to the Gauteng film industry, In Focus is introducing a new series, Made in Gauteng. We’ll be profiling various manufacturers, suppliers and services who cater specifically for the film and television industry in Gauteng, be they large or small. And we hope to introduce our readers to services and equipment that they were completely unaware were Made in Gauteng…

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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BEHIND THE SCENES:

Jozi is a SOAPDISH

South Africa boasts over seven daily dramas or soap operas – and all of them are shot and set in Gauteng. In a series exploring the world of soapie production, we investigate this phenomenon and look at the nuts and bolts behind the dramas. And this month, following a look at our soapies, we focus on Egoli and Rhythm City…

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL FEATURE

The Man Who Wants To Help Make Your Film

As we bring our special focus on training to a close Andrew Worsdale talks to Kevin Harris, the award-winning filmmaker about making documentaries, problems with the powers-that be, and his mentorship programme which gives six newcomers the opportunity to make a 48-minute documentary within the next eight months. For details of how to take part read more…

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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HOT SHOTS:

Susan Scott, member of SAGE

Well, feedback from readers has led us to bring back a previously regular slot – Hot Shots, looking at the people behind the productions and our industry. This month we’re focusing on Susan Scott, a full member of SAGE, well-known for her expertise in cutting documentaries and talking to her about her latest project, a wildlife documentary about dolphins for National Geographic…

 
…to read more CLICK HERE
 
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FESTIVAL & AWARD WATCH

Filmmaking Youth Taking Action (FYTA)

University of Johannesburg, FADA Building, Bunting Rd, Auckland Park
13 – 16 June 2008
10h00 – 17h00
Free entry
For more information, contact Nalisha Lalloo on 084 514 1806 or email

Youth Day Film Screening

16 June 2008
Ster-Kinekor, Maponya Mall, Soweto

Local Release: Son of Man

20 June
Cinemas across SA and Gauteng
Filmed in Khayelitsha and on the Eastern Cape, this new and adventurous interpretation of the New Testament was filmed and produced by Mark Domford-May, in collaboration with the pioneering Dimpho Di Kopane theatre troupe and choir network.  As with his first film, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, the original yet traditional dance, songs and rhythms infuse this film with life and spirit.

Special Screening: Last Grave in Dimbaza

14 June
Venue: Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Rd
In honour of Nana Mahomo, the first South African to win an Emmy award (A Black View of South Africa, 1970), Born Free Media, supported by the Gauteng Film Commission, is hosting a private screening of his documentary Last Grave in Dimbaza (1974). This film is a remarkable achievement, as it was shot stealthily and ‘illegally’ during the height of apartheid. In addition, the team remained anonymous for fear of reprisals against them and the people who assisted them. The documentary juxtaposes the separate communities of South Africa to shocking effect, and the cold statistics of its commentary are as chilling now as they were then. The film will be introduced by Mickey Madoda Dube

For more information, email or contact Sophie on +27 11 883 4078

First Wednesday Film Club

Free screenings and discussions every first Wednesday of the month
Studio 4, Atlas Studios, 33 Frost Ave, Milpark
Contact: Rochelle at +27 11 482 7111

Johannesburg Classic Film Society

Screenings of classic cinema every third Sunday of the month
SA Museum of Military History, Erlswold Way, Saxonwold
17:00 for 17:30

AFDA JHB Annual Mid-Year Experimental Film Festival

13 June

The Loerie Awards

2008 is the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s top advertising awards event
Festival Weekend, Friday 25 – Monday 28 July 2008, at Margate
For more info, go to

 
 
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NEED TO KNOW

GROUND-BREAKING UPSKILLING “NEW VENTURE CREATION” MEDIA BUSINESS OPERATIONS COURSE ROLLING OUT

GROUND-BREAKING UPSKILLING “NEW VENTURE CREATION” MEDIA BUSINESS OPERATIONS COURSE ROLLING OUT A ground-breaking up-skilling program, funded by the MAPP SETA and currently rolling out Johannesburg, is clearly demonstrating that the model of master classes driven by professionals offering mentorship in their field is the ideal route to go. Consulting Dynamix, one of South Africa’s leading training and business development companies, has 15 of their learners participating in the ‘master-class’ New Venture Creations Media Business Operations up-skilling course, running since March this year.
…to read more CLICK HERE

Weekend Workshop for Scriptwriters

Independent training initiative The Writing Workshop, is running a weekend workshop for aspirant scriptwriters who would like to develop their craft and write for a visual medium.  The workshop is hosted by Screen Africa
Date: Friday June 27 2008, from 18h00
Cost: R950, with discounted rate of R850 for scholars, students and pensioners.
Bursaries are available on discretion for unemployed writers from disadvantages communities
Venue: Sasani Studios, Highlands North

For more info and to register: ; 072 474 1079 or

The Loerie Awards Judging Seminar

During Judging Week, The Loerie Awards will run a seminar, at which the 3 international chairpersons will speak – Advertising: Erik Vervroegen, Executive Creative Director, TBWA/Paris; Design: Vince Frost, Frost Design, Australia; and Experiential: Peter Bidenko, Creative Director, Tequila/Australia
Venue: Vega Campus, Johannesburg

For more information, visit the website at www.theloeriesawards.co.za

Wildlife Film Academy Course

The Wildlife Film Academy runs an intensive one month course on wildlife filmmaking, developed by experienced and award-winning wildlife filmmakers.
To maximise the experience that students gain from attending the course and to ensure the most professional tuition – spaces are limited to 10 students per course. 

If you are interested in booking for this course email or visit

Cannes Lions 2008

55th International Advertising Festival
15 – 21 June
To register or find out more, go to
If you?re attending Cannes Lions, make sure you visit New South Africa House at La Plage Royale, with hosts including CFC, DFO, GFC and others.

 
 

Gauteng Film Commission

9th floor, 56 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2108
Tel: +27-11-833-0409
Fax: +27-11-833-0282
Email:
Web:
 
 
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