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Word from the Chief Executive
The last edition of �In Focus� for 2007 provides an opportune time for reflecting on the year that was. With a number of projects in production the industry had an active year with Gandhi My Father, Shakalaka Boom Boom, The Killing of Wendy, Surprise!, Skin, Triomf, Hansie Cronje, Three Hunters, Cheap Lives, Lullaby, Footskating 101 � The movie, Jerusalem Entjha, Cutting Silence, Rough and even South Africa�s very first full-length clay animation feature film, Tengers having strong Gauteng associations. These and many other recent productions show that Tsotsi was indeed no mere flash in the pan.
On the commercial production side we were pleased to note from the annual Commercial Producers Association survey conducted by Evolutions that Gauteng has enjoyed a steady growth in the number of commercials shot in the province over the past three years. Equally compelling is the fact that Gauteng is now home to approximately 70% of all South African TV productions, whilst 7 out of the top 10 SA TV shows are Gauteng-based.
On the festival-side we can report that more than 19 film festivals were held in the province during the year, reaching out to thousands of cinema goers across our cities. We also welcomed the opening of the 8-screen cinema theatre complex at Maponya Mall in Soweto, whilst a collaborative project between GFC and the Film Resource Unit reached out to audiences who don�t have regular access to cinemas.
Other industry highlights for the year include the announcement of Johannesburg as host city to the 2010 FIFA soccer world cup broadcast centre, the issuing of additional pay-TV channel licences, the launch of CNBC Africa, the first People to People Documentary Conference and last but not least the recent Gauteng Film Indaba.
Looking towards next year, 2008 will kick-off in earnest with final preparations being made for Input 2008 which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in May. In addition, we will also announce the member shortlist for the Gauteng Film Partnership, as well as update you on initiatives to take forward the recommendations from the Film Indaba.
All-in-all much work to be excited about.
Terry Tselane
Chief Executive
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