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Film Festival NEWS OPPORTUNITIES 

Joburg Film Festival Audience Development

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The Joburg Film Festival is embarking on a province-wide skills transfer drive to open the film industry up for young and aspiring filmmakers. The initiative is part of the festival’s Youth and Audience Development Programme in partnership with Gauteng Film Commission and sponsored by The MultiChoice Group.

To be a part of the programme – young filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 24 must create a short film celebrating their neighbourhood with the theme ‘Your Kasi, Your Story’ and enter it here. Entries close on 4 October 2019.

A panel of judges will review the best among the submitted short films, rewarding these with a spot at the coveted workshops. They will also choose the winning short film to be recognised at the Joburg Film Festival’s Award Gala Evening on 24 November 2019.

The Youth and Audience Development Programme will comprise a series of two-day workshops and special screenings across Gauteng during October and November. The workshops will see industry professionals give lessons on the amazing craft of cinematic storytelling and local talent development.

Designed specifically for youth residing in townships across four regions in the province, the programme aims to provide a platform where they can engage with industry professionals and their peers.

“The programme is more than filmmaking and entertainment. It is a deliberate and valuable intervention by the Joburg Film Festival and Multichoice Group, in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission to provide film talent and enthusiasts residing in townships with an opportunity to learn how to craft authentic stories that resonate with youth across the African continent, with assistance from leading industry professionals,” says Joburg Film Festival Executive Director Timothy Mangwedi.

“One of our key ambitions as Africa’s most loved storyteller, is to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline is created for the video and entertainment industry across the continent. We are quite excited to see what undiscovered talent will be yielded by this programme,” says Joe Heshu, MultiChoice Group Executive Corporate Affairs. 

“Our role is to make catalytic investments that will unlock the growth of the film industry as a driver of social transformation and economic development in the province and by extension, the country too,”adds Busi Mhaga Chairperson, Gauteng Film Commission.

How to Apply 

Budding filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to create a 2 to 5-minute documentary or film under the theme “Your Kasi, Your Story” – highlighting what’s special about their Kasi.

Applicants can get more information about requirements and submission of entries via the Joburg Film Festival’s digital platforms, including the website: Joburgfilmfestival.co.za

Participants will be selected, per region, and invited to the two-day workshops that will be in the following regions:

  • Ekurhuleni (Benoni)                                   12 – 13 October 2019
  • Tshwane (Atteridgeville)                          19 – 20 October 2019
  • The West Rand (Mogale City)                 26 – 27 October 2019
  • Sedibeng (Mfuleng Municipality)          02 – 03 November 2019

The Joburg Film Festival is a great platform that allows audiences to experience world-class production in a vibrant, celebratory environment. The festival main film programme takes place between 19 to 24 November 2019.