GFC hosts Film as a Career workshops and screenings

The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) on Monday (30 November 2009) hosted the first of 16 screenings and workshops focusing on Film as a Career, to roll out over a two week period, in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services and the Sedibeng Local District.

The project, which will be run from 30 November to 15 December, uses municipal infrastructure to involve communities within the vicinity of community libraries and recreational halls. In addition to exposing communities to the possibilities of film as a career, and bringing film screenings to under-resourced communities, the project also provides a platform for local filmmakers to exhibit their craft to, and interact with, local audiences.

Commenting on the project, Desmond Mthembu, project manager in the GFC’s Industry Support and Development unit, says: “Every community in the world wants to express their own cultural identity – and film and television provide the ideal channel. After all, they are the most powerful communication and entertainment medium and have the greatest degree of impact compared to any other media.

“Indigenous productions tell stories that societies need to hear. They define places and impact powerfully on people’s sense of belonging. Productions allow people the space to realise that they are important,” he adds.

The project promotes all forms of career within the audio-visual sector, aiming to broaden people’s perception, particularly those of the youth, of what options are available within the industry.

‘On any occasion when we engage young people about the role they would want to play in the film industry, their response is mostly around acting. Film as a Career will expose other opportunities in the industry and will be facilitated by filmmakers, with preference to those who grew up in the area so they can connect with and motivate the audiences,” explains Mthembu.