The IPO represents, protects and promotes the interests of independent South African film, television and digital media producers and, in turn, all who work in and are suppliers to the industry value chain.

NEWS 

FAME Week 2024

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From industry panels and networking events to film screenings and awards, this year’s FAME Week lived up to its reputation, bringing together the best minds in the African entertainment scene.

One of the major announcements during the event was the launch of a new fund, Cape Town Film Fund aimed at supporting local projects in the creative industries. This initiative, driven by a desire to increase investments in African content, is set to significantly aid emerging talent in securing the financial backing they need to bring their projects to life. The Film Fund has been established to finance or provide support of municipal services for short films, feature films, music videos, commercials, and Reality TV series, among others. “We are looking for projects which will drive local economic development and create jobs, through the film and media production’s value chain. We are looking for projects that will support the emerging film and media talent base through upskilling and training initiatives based in Cape Town. These projects should have the potential to bring direct investment into Cape Town, drive sustainability, diversity and inclusion in Cape Town. We know that we have these project scripts in abundance here in Cape Town and we want to help you, the filmmakers, turn them into reality,” said Alderman Smith.

The City’s Film Office will publish a funding call later this month for the first tranche of applications. The funding call will be published on the City’s website, Film Cape Town website as well as media publications, with detailed criteria for the applicants to follow.

The week featured also multiple showcases, including MIP Africa, which focused on content distribution and partnerships, the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), and Muziki Africa, a hub for the African music industry.

Attendees participated in masterclasses, workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions, delving into critical topics like the future of African content and cross-industry collaborations.

Among the many standout sessions at FAME Week was the Independent Producers Organisation’s (IPO) highly anticipated panel discussion on The Boundaries and Challenges of Financing and Funding in the African Film Industry. This insightful discussion, facillitated by leading industry experts and moderated by our Secretary General Ayanda Sibisi, explored the intricacies of financing African film projects, highlighting both the opportunities and the hurdles filmmakers face.

From sourcing funding domestically to navigating international co-productions, the panel drew a large and engaged crowd, with attendees eager to learn about the evolving financial landscape for African content creators.

The IPO was thrilled to welcome new members to its ranks during the event. These new members represent a diverse range of talents and perspectives, and we look forward to working alongside them to continue shaping the future of African cinema.

Steve Harvey’s appearance garnered significant attention due to his role as the headliner for MIP Africa. During his keynote speech on September 2, Harvey shared his inspiring journey from a stand-up comedian to becoming an internationally recognised TV personality. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s vision, which resonated strongly with the audience. 

Beyond his speech, Harvey used the platform to promote the Botswana Ignite! Initiative, a project aimed at developing Botswana’s creative industry. This initiative focuses on nurturing local talent in film and television production, and it drew significant interest as part of a broader movement to enhance Africa’s media landscape. Harvey’s involvement added a significant level of prestige and excitement to the event, particularly as it emphasised the importance of global collaboration in the African entertainment industry​.

The week also saw the announcement of the inaugural Inclusive Lens Awards, which honoured groundbreaking work in film and television that reflects diverse and underrepresented communities. These awards signal a growing appreciation for inclusive storytelling in the African entertainment landscape, encouraging creators to push boundaries and represent the full spectrum of African experiences​.

As the African entertainment industry continues to grow, FAME Week has established itself as a key event, bringing African stories and talent to the forefront of the global creative landscape.