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Message from the Chief Executive
Recently we announced a review of our industry support and development programme with a view to responding to the current local production crisis. As a result, the GFC is pleased to announce that it has reassessed its funding programmes and will be providing greater support to independent filmmakers working in the Province. In this edition, we call on the industry to send us proposals in line with our vision of supporting our independent filmmaking industry through these trying times. We also urge filmmakers to submit titles for inclusion in our 2010 catalogue.
It has been gratifying to note that South Africans ? like their American counterparts ? are flocking to the cinemas to see District 9 ? a science fiction film that is promising to be one of this year?s global blockbusters. During August the GFC, in association with Ster-Kinekor, Soweto TV and Hype Magazine, facilitated a special screening of District 9 to a packed Soweto audience. It was an honour to take the project back to the very community that played host as principal location. In this edition we report extensively on local and international responses to the film.
With the Out of Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the Tri Continental Film Festival, the World Summit on Arts and Culture, the People to People Documentary Conference and the Promax/BDA Africa Conference and Awards, Spring has arrived with a bang. Joburg will be buzzing.
Terry Tselane
Chief Executive
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SPECIAL FEATURE
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The figures, the reviews & the backlash
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District 9 made its budget back the weekend it was released. Since then it has garnered glowing reviews while retaining its hold on the box-office. Last week (28 August) it opened well in South Africa, though it?s no Schuster and now it?s about to land over Europe and Asia with an expected box-office boom. Despite its financial and critical success some have criticised the film, accusing it of racism and some local filmmakers have even accused it of not being South African. Andrew Worsdale looks at the figures, the reviews and the adverse reaction?
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Joburg boasts world?s biggest 3-D screen
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Nu Metro boasts the biggest 3-D screen in the world at Montecasino in Johannesburg. Mark Harris, Content and Marketing Head for Nu Metro Cinemas, explains: ?The screen at IL Grande at Montecasino is a massive 77 foot 3-D screen. When this screen becomes operational in September this year, it will be the biggest RealD 3-D screen in the world!?…
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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IN BRIEF
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GFC announces review of industry support programmes
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In what might prove to be the start of an exciting new phase for Gauteng’s film and TV industry, Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) recently announced plans to revise its industry support and development programme with a view to responding to the current local production crisis…
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Movie attendance thrives in recession
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Echoing past recessionary years, the movies continue to flourish as moviegoers seek escape from life in the silver screen. According to figures released by Cinemark last month (12 August 2009), Ster-Kinekor total attendances are up by 779 515 from August 2007 – July 2008 vs August 2008 – July 2009…
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Countdown to SAFTAs 2010 has begun
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The fourth South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) judging phase began on 1 September 2009, with 221 entries, across 18 genres in television and film, submitted from South African production companies and broadcasters alike. The SAFTAS 2010 will take on the theme of National Identity.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Record-breaking month for Nu Metro Cinemas
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Following the release of Ice Age 3 and Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, Nu Metro has broken its all-time daily attendance records twice in one month. In addition, the attendance figures for Nu Metro Cinemas’ July 08 vs July 09 have seen a whopping 44% increase…
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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It’s a quick one-two for Alan Irvin
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Picture Tree’s Alan Irvin did a quick ?one-two? punch, nailing first and second place in the latest Creative Circle results for TV/cinema. Irvin directed the Lexus/Mark Levinson Sound System spot Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for Draftfcb Jhb that won first place, as well as the second place winner Vodacom/Rugby Player 23+1 also for Draftfcb Jhb…
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Gauteng Film Commission proud that District 9 has landed in SA
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It went to top of the US box office on its release (August 14 2009), making District 9 Sony/Tri-Star?s highest opening day for an R-rated August release, after 2007?s Superbad and last summer?s Pineapple Express. Award-winner Peter Jackson?s sci-fi movie, about aliens in South Africa, was 100% filmed in Gauteng and directed by local boy-made-good Neill Blomkamp…
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New township film distribution concept launches
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A new township film distribution concept, dubbed Ekasi Cinema Caf?, has kicked off, aimed at developing a nationwide township-based movie theatre network. Ekasi Cinema Caf? is dedicated to screening independent films from the African continent and its Diaspora, the developing world as well as the latest Hollywood releases.
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Six world premieres at SA?s Tri-Continental Film Festival
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Foreign film festivals a must for movie buffs
The 2009 Tri-Continental Film Festival, which runs from 11 September – 12 October 2009 at selected Ster-Kinekor and all Cinema Nouveau Theatres, aims to offer an outstanding selection of films from across the globe, including six world premieres, 19 African first showings and 22 South African films. Many of the films have gained international recognition by winning accolades at major international film festivals….
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CNBC Africa and Liliesleaf Trust to document historic story
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CNBC Africa and the Liliesleaf Trust have announced a partnership in documenting the story surrounding Liliesleaf and the role it played as a headquarters of the newly-formed MK (Umkhonto we Sizwe, translated ?Spear of the Nation?) during the height of apartheid…
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Debates to thrive at People to People documentary conference
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Following the successful inauguration of the People to People International Documentary Conference in 2007, the 2nd biennial conference is scheduled for this month (10 ? 12 September 2009)…
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GFC supports the local industry
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GFC Independent Filmmakers? Support Programme: Call for Submissions
The GFC is calling on Gauteng-based filmmakers to submit film projects for consideration as part of the GFC?s efforts to support the industry during the current downturn.
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Film ideal to advance cause of women in media
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South African women in media must take up decision-making roles in various media and communication platforms, especially in film organisations and film production companies…
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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For the young at heart
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A look at presenting and programming for kids
Programming for children?s television requires a rather different approach to adult programming and presenting. So In Focus spoke to Eugenie du Toit, executive producer at Yo.TV! to get the low-down on just what the approach should be and what the future of kids? television is in SA.
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EMERGING HOT SHOTS
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NFVF offers film bursaries and scholarships
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The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is contributing to the training of previously disadvantaged people wishing to enter the film and television industry by providing a range of film bursaries and scholarships.
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SHOT IN GAUTENG
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SA does it Fast and Furiously
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A South African version of The Fast and the Furious entitled Race-ist is currently being shot in the Gauteng suburb of Brakpan. The cast features a host of well known local artistes including ?Bad? Brad Woods (of Big Brother notoriety), Kurt Darren, Craig Palm (of Tsotsi fame), Ian Roberts and DJ fresh among others, and follows the dreams of a young boy who wants to be the quarter mile drag champion…
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PERFECT LOCATIONS
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From Baghdad to Art Deco in Joburg?s Little Africa
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In the early 1980s, Yeoville was home to film makers, writers, actors, artists and musicians. Indeed, a lot of people involved in the industry today lived in Yeoville at some time: it was the creative hub of Johannesburg. The genteel, bohemian air of Yeoville in the 80s has been replaced by a vibrant, colourful central African population which has changed its flavour to that of a more African neighbourhood, with street traders and markets. It has created an interesting contrast between colonial architecture and modern African living...
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2010 COUNTDOWN
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Virtual 2010 stadiums grow
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MTN Ekasi TV (formerly Township TV) has switched on its virtual soccer stadiums in another five South Africa’s townships – Makushane in Phalaborwa, Mhluzi in Middelburg, Kathlehong and Kwa Thema in Ekurhuleni and Etafeni in Tembisa.
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Content Call: 2010 Gauteng Catalogue
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The Gauteng Film Commission is compiling a catalogue of recently completed and independently owned Gauteng-made content, with a specific slant towards the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup South Africa?. This comes in light of interest shown by international buyers, at markets such as MIPTV, in independent 2010-themed content…
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| MADE IN GAUTENG |
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GPH generates business
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This month, as part of our series profiling various manufacturers, suppliers and services that cater specifically to the film and television industry in Gauteng, In Focus spoke to Generator and Plant Hire SA, specialists in generator hire, sales and rentals.
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| FESTIVAL & AWARD WATCH |
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66th Venice Film Festival
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2 – 12 September 2009
Venue: Venice, Italy
For more info: www.labiennale.org
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Out in Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
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3 ? 13 September 2009
Venue: Montecasino, Johannesburg
For more info: www.oai.co.za
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Tri Continental Film Festival
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10 ? 13 September 2009, Maponya Mall, Soweto
14 ? 20 September 2009, Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg
17 ? 20 September 2009, Bedford Square, Johannesburg
1 ? 5 October 2009, Brooklyn Mall, Tshwane/Pretoria
For more info: www.3continentsfestival.co.za
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Toronto International Film Festival
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10 – 19 September 2009
Venue: Toronto, Canada
For more info: www.torontointernationalfilmfestival.ca
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31st Annual Loerie Awards
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24 ? 27 September 2009
Venue: Cape Town
For more info: www.theloerieawards.co.za
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| Need to know |
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Out in Africa Film Festival conducts Master Classes
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Out In Africa guest Directors, Producers and Actors will conduct Master Classes in Johannesburg as part of the festival programme. The public are welcome to attend some of these events but it is necessary to book a seat. There is no charge. Please contact Arthur on +27 (0)21 461 40 27 or at art@oia.co.za to guarantee your place.
John Greyson ? Fig Trees
Not open to the public
Screening: Friday 4 September at 2.15pm in Senate Basement, WITS.
Master Class: Tuesday 8 September at 2.15pm ? venue to be confirmed.
Convened by WITS Film & TV Department.
Luc?a Puenzo & In?s Efron ? XXY
10 places open to the public
Screening: Tuesday 8 September at 12 noon
Master Class: Tuesday 8 September at 2pm
Venue: Big Fish Studio, 4th Floor, 24 Owl Street, Auckland Park.
Convened by Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking.
Faith Trimel ? Family
20 places open to the public
Screening: Tuesday 8 September at 11am
Master Class: Tuesday 8 September at 1.30pm
Venue: Central Johannesburg College – Arts & Culture Campus, 4 Ubla Avenue (off Princess of Wales Terrace), Parktown.
Convened by Newtown Film and Television School.
Simon Pearce & Christian Martin – Shank
10 places open to the public
Screening: Thursday 3 September at 10am
Master Class: Tuesday 8 September at 1.30pm
Venue: Room 4, Boston Media House, 137 11th Street, Parkmore (next to Benmore Shopping Centre)
Convened by Boston Media House
Visit www.oia.co.za for updates of times and venue addresses. There are also maps to guide you to each of the venues.
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Aluta Film Festival official call for entries
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The organisers of the Aluta Film Festival, South Africa?s premier township cinema event, are calling for entries from South African and International filmmakers for 2010, the 7th edition of the festival. The 2010 film festival edition will be hosted in Kimberley, 22 ? 28 February 2010.
Submissions MUST be from filmmakers who have produced films that embrace BLACK experiences worldwide and/or experiences of marginalised communities from across the globe. Submissions MUST be from filmmakers from all over the world with special emphasis on world cinema (films that explore history, social issues and highlight marginalisaed communities within the developing world).
Call for entry deadline: Monday 30 November 2009
Aluta Film Festival accepts features, documentaries and short films in the genres/sub-genres of drama, action, thriller, comedy, animation and factual. Filmmakers must guarantee, should their film/video be selected, that permission from the rights holder is secured for a minimum of four screenings at the Aluta Film Festival 2010.
Filmmakers are requested to submit DVD PAL screeners of their films and a brief filmmaker biography for viewing by our panel, upon viewing ? all selected filmmakers will be forwarded the official application details as well as all festival regulations. Please note that no screeners will be returned.
For additional information feel free to contact festival director at motheoseleke@yahoo.com. All entries MUST be forwarded to:
Motheo Seleke
Aluta Film Festival
18985 Guttenburg Pitse Street
John Mampe. Phase One
Galeshewe. Kimberley. 8300
South Africa
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Residence du Festival: Deadline for Application
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Every year, the Festival de Cannes Residence welcomes 12 young filmmakers from all over the world who are working on their first or second feature film. A jury selects 6 candidates for each of the two four-and-a-half-month sessions per year.
The candidates are selected on the strength of the short films, or the 1st feature, that they have already directed as well as on their planned feature and the reasons why they wish to participate in the Residence?s programme.
The selection for the next session (March 1st ? July 15th 2010) will take place from:
Final date for applications: September 15th 2009 (arrival date)
Final Jury selection date: December 9th 2009
For more information contact: Tel.:+33 (0)1 53 59 61 20, residence@festival-cannes.fr or visit www.festival-cannes.com/en/cinefoundation/residencerules.html
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NFVF Hosts Golf Day
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The National Film & Video Foundation is celebrating 10 years in the development of film activity in SA. This year the NFVF is launching its inaugural Golf Day on Friday, 18 September, bringing together the corporate/commercial sectors and the industry.
The NFVF invites you to join and, if companies are willing, there are sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact the NFVF.
Date: Friday 18th September
RSVP with Handicap and Shirt size to trustym@nfvf.co.za
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Discop Africa
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The momentum generated by the sold-out inaugural edition of Discop Africa, which took place in Dakar earlier this year, and the proximity of the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup to take place in South-Africa are reasons enough to organise a follow-up event.
The follow-up Discop Africa expo will be held from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 September at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Kenya edition of Discop Africa will combine 3 days of individual meetings between participants organised in advance of the event by our in-house research staff and a conference programme addressing 5 important issues related to the current development of television business in Africa. Topics to be addressed in the conference programme will include:
- How to create a compelling programming bouquet that can attract viewers and advertising revenues
- How to build and manage an efficient television air-time sales department
- How to establish distribution deals with mobile operators
- The importance of television to provide health care and medical news
- The emerging roles of China, Brazil and India in the African television landscape
For more information visit www.discop.com
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