Two of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading cultural professionals will lead masterclasses for the revitalised isiZulu Scriptwriting Masterclass at the 45th Durban International Film festival presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are proud to engage two leading Durban-based figures, Dr Edmund Mhlongo and Zunaid Mansoor, whose illustrious careers and credentials will support our aspiration to become a national hub that supports isiZulu creative work and the development and dissemination of the language through the medium of film”, says Film Festival Manager, Andrea Voges.
Dr Edmund Mhlongo is an eThekwini Living Legend (2015) recipient and has produced many internationally acclaimed musical productions and co-produced the SABC3 Healing Power Nature documentary series. A scriptwriter, director, and development facilitator, he is the founder and director of the annual KZN African Film Festival (KAFF). Many aspirant writers have benefited from the incubator programme, K-CAP Writers Lab where he has taught for several years. Dr Mhlongo is also the founder and director of K-CAP: Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre, in Kwa Mashu.
UKZN alumnus, Zunaid Mansoor earned two degrees cum laude at UKZN, following which he also graduated with an MFA from multiple Oscar-winning film school, Chapman University. He has mentored 8 500 students and mentees as a consultant and script editor with the NFVF, KZNFC and AFDA Joburg.
“Our investment in strengthening the isiZulu Scriptwriting Workshop is aligned with the UKZN’s language policy, which aims to broaden access, promote diversity and encourage inclusivity”, adds Andrea. “This is an incredible opportunity for scriptwriters to gain knowledge from these two industry stalwarts who are passionate about film, culture and language”, says Film Festival Manager, Andrea Voges.
The unique, five-day programme aimed at developing the skills of emerging scriptwriters will be hosted during the festival this year. Ten participants will be selected and afforded the opportunity of learning in this newly revitalised masterclass programme.
Eligible applicants must:
- reside in KwaZulu-Natal.
- have matriculated.
- have written / co-written a film that was produced.
- have not previously participated in the IsiZulu Scriptwriting workshop series.
The masterclasses will take place from 22 to 26 July 2024 at the Belaire Suites Hotel in North Beach, Durban. The deadline for applications is 14 May 2024 and can be completed online here.
