Time of the Writer International Writers’ Festival Schools Short Story Competition

The 17th Time of the Writer International Writers’ Festival hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal invites high school learners to submit their short stories for the annual Schools Short Story Competition by Thursday, 28 February 2014.

Held in conjunction with the festival, The Time of the Writer Schools Short Story Competition is open to all high school learners and aims to encourage creative expression in young people. This competition is the springboard for future storytellers of South Africa. With its long-standing commitment towards nurturing a culture of reading and writing, especially amongst the youth, this competition has received wide and growing appeal in previous editions of Time of the Writer. There is no particular topic for the short stories and they can be written in English, isiZulu or Afrikaans. A maximum of 5 pages (preferably typed) are to be written. Illegible entries will not be considered.

The Time of the Writer festival takes place from 17- 22 March 2014. As one of the country’s premier literature festivals, Time of the Writer brings together some of the world’s best authors, publishers, and editors; it also offers a platform to KwaZulu-Natal talent. The festival provides Durban with an educational yet entertaining programme of workshops, reading sessions and panel discussions. This year’s edition of the festival will also include a storytelling focus in partnership with Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust.

In addition to the nightly showcases, a broad range of free day activities including seminars and workshops are formulated to promote a culture of reading, writing and creative expression. This includes the educator’s forum with teachers, on the implementation of literature in the classroom, the community writing forum with members of the public interested in literature as well as visits to schools by the festival participants. 

For more information on the festival or the competition, please contact the Centre for Creative Arts on 031 260 2506/1816 or email cca@ukzn.ac.za.

Entries can be submitted via any one of the following methods:

Email: cca@ukzn.ac.za

Fax: 031 260 3074

Hand delivery: Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Mazisi Kunene Ave, Durban, 4041, South Africa.

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Musho Festival Videos on Durbanzone

For the first time Musho! has video clips of select shows on Durban Zone. Check it out on 

http://www.durbanzone.co.za

AFDA Durban lecturer and student films win at eThekwini Filmmakers Association Awards

AFDA lecturer and filmmaker, Janet van Eeden and AFDA first year student Matthew Couperthwaite accepted awards for Best Cinematographer and Best Editor respectively for their films A Shot at the Big Time and Lucky Legs at the second Annual eThekwini Filmmakers Association Awards held at the Durban Manor this past weekend.

A Shot at the Big Time is a film inspired by the true story of Janet van Eeden's brother, Jimmy. He died after just three days on the Border in mysterious circumstances. The film was nominated in three categories:  Best Short Film, directed by Stephen de Villers, Best Cinematography by Luke Pallett and Scriptwriting & Production by Janet van Eeden. The film scooped the Best Cinematography Award, which was handed to Janet by the Durban Film Office’s, Toni Monty and eThekwini Filmmakers Association Chairperson, Andile Buwa. “Thank you very much for this award. This film is very close to me as it is about my brother who walked a different path from the mainstream and lived his life according to what he believed. This is the first film I’ve produced and to win this award is a huge honour.” said van Eeden on receiving the award.

Student director Matthew Couperthwaite’s, Lucky Legs received the award for Best Editor with editing by Tamara Prem, and was also nominated in the categories Best Editor and Best Student Film. The film follows the lives of two homeless characters Bergie and Skolli whose differences end up being the toast of their success in making money in an oddly peculiar and embarrassing manner.  Commenting on the award, Couperthwaite said “As a first year student at AFDA it was a true honour to be nominated alongside some of the top Film Makers in Durban (some of whom are my lecturers!) and I am so happy for the amazing Temara Prem, she really deserves the accolades.””

Keynote speaker at the event representing the City, Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Tshabalala emphasised that the City was extremely proud of the crop of filmmakers and the work they presented during a three day local film market held at the Workshop Shopping Centre in November 2013.

Toni Monty emphasized that plans were in place to grow the industry within Durban and bring back Durban talent from Gauteng. “The blueprint that is the eThekwini Filmmakers Association has been highly appreciated by local government."

For more information about the Durban AFDA campus or enrolment contact milenag@afda.co.za.

Go Durban! IS ON TRACK TO MOVE THE PEOPLE OF ETHEKWINI

Go Durban! is the name of the integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) that aims to provide a flexible, safe, cost effective, seamless transport experience for the people of eThekwini.

This was revealed at the brand launch held in the City today which was attended by the eThekwini Mayor Councillor James Nxumalo, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu, Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, City Manager S'bu Sithole, Acting Deputy-Director-General: Public Transport Mrs Khibi Mbuse, EXCO members, City officials, business leaders and stakeholders along with Head of eThekwini Transport Authority Mr Thami Manyathi.

Go Durban! promises to promote transport that is universally accessible to all of Durban’s citizens. World-class cities know that infrastructure investment is critical to the sustainability of a region, and the standard of living for its citizens. Go Durban! is identified as one of the key pillars integral to the stimulation of economic growth in the region. Initially citizens will see the development of high quality public transport linkages between Bridge City, Durban Central, Pinetown, Umlazi and Umhlanga. The aim is to provide seamless transfers across transport modes, by creating ease of access at stations and precincts, and by using electronic ticketing and providing passenger safety and security. The design of the IRPTN stations and station precincts will create a focal point for communities, as well as for new, and more sustainable economic development.

The initial programme includes the design stage for the stations, station precincts and park and ride facilities and includes the planning and design in each station precinct such as improved lighting, signage, landscaping, street furniture and sidewalk and road design. The design also makes provision for facilities for universal accessibility.

Go Durban! will see nine transport corridors linked by various modes of transport (bus, rail and taxi) across eThekwini by 2027. The provision of transport is intrinsic to the creation of a vibrant, liveable and sustainable city in line with the City’s vision which is that by 2030, eThekwini Municipality will be Africa’s most caring and liveable city. The real purpose of transport planning is the provision of access to work, social facilities such as education, hospitals, as well as including goods and services. Go Durban! is aimed at providing affordable and accessible public transport to eThekwini citizens and to not only connect different areas around the city but also to provide transport services to areas which have previously not been serviced to fully incorporate a sense of community in the City.

Go Durban! aims to deliver:

• Upgraded fleet, facilities, stops and stations

• Extended hours of operation (16-24hrs)

• Peak frequencies (5-10min) – Off peak frequencies (10-30min)

• Full Universal Access (special needs and wheelchair access)

• Safe and secure operations monitored by a Control Centre

• Electronic fare integration when making transfers

• Integrated feeder services including walking / cycling and taxi networks

• Integration with metered taxi services and long distance intercity services

• Car competitive options and alternatives – to enable strict peak period car use management.

Phase 1, which is prioritised around four critical corridors including rail, is expected to be completed by 2018. It will comprise three Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and one rail corridor. The three BRT routes are: C1 Bridge City to Durban CBD, C3 Bridge City to Pinetown, C9 Bridge City to Umhlanga Corridor and the rail corridor: C2: Bridge City and KwaMashu via Berea Road to Umlazi and Isipingo. The Phase 1 network will accommodate approximately 25% of the Municipality’s total trunk public transport demand on road-based IRPTN services with a further 40% being accommodated by the trunk rail network as part of Passenger Rail Association of South Africa (PRASA) implementation plans. This approach ensures recognisable benefit to the maximum number of users in the shortest period of time for the given level of investment required. Of the 190km of road based trunk corridors, 60km are planned for the Phase 1 implementation of the network by 2018.

Through Go Durban! the City hopes to ensure that 85% of all residents will have access to safe, affordable and quality scheduled public transport. It hopes to provide opportunities for densification, mixed-use and transit-oriented development to reduce need for travel, and promote the emergence of a world-class city and to inspire a wave of architectural renewal, which will result in urban rejuvenation and revitalization of run-down areas. Through the large scale nature of the project and the timelines it will also create jobs and assist in the alleviation of poverty in the province.

Go Durban! is exceptional in its vision, in that it will have a fully integrated system. Although the entire project will take many years to complete, it is an environmentally, economic and societal-driven sustainable system that will be used for years into the future, becoming one the lasting legacies created for the future in this country.

The Go Durban! website, Facebook and Twitter internet interfaces go live tomorrow (November 2):www.GoDurban.co.za, www.facebook/GoDurban and @Go_Durban.

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AFDA Johannesburg Head of Live Performance Greg Homann is the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year 2014 in Drama

AFDA Johannesburg Lecturer & Head of Live Performance Greg Homann has been named by the National Arts Festival as the 2014 Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Theatre.

Greg Homann joined AFDA Johnnesburg in January this year as head of the Live Performance School on that campus. He has quickly made his mark as a valuable member of the AFDA team, working to grow and strengthen stage acting, screen acting, and musical performance with his counterparts in Cape Town and Durban.

His professional theatre productions have been nominated for 34 awards and have won 9 Naledi Awards including for Best Cutting Edge Production (The Pirates of Penzance and Delirium), a Standard Bank Ovation Award (One-Woman Farce), and a Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award (Brothers in Blood).

This year alone he has presented three of his award-winning productions across the country. Mike van Graan’s Brothers in Blood, produced by Artscape, has enjoyed seasons in Cape Town, The Playhouse in Durban and at the National Arts Festival.  At the Witness Hilton Arts Festival last month he restaged his five-man version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance as well as One-Woman Farce which he directed and co-wrote with actress, Louise Saint-Claire. Both were highlights of the Festival, with One-Woman Farce playing to Sold Out houses.

AFDA is proud to have facilitated Homann’s research trip to Brussels in September to advance his editorial work on an international book publication focusing on South African theatre, performance, and drama. As an academic and researcher, his primary area of research is in contemporary South African theatre with an emphasis on post-apartheid plays. He is the editor of a collection of plays entitled At This Stage: Plays from post-apartheid South Africa (Wits University Press, 2009) which includes two of his essays on contemporary South African theatre. He is also working on an international book publication that surveys South African plays and playwriting from 1994 to the present.

Homann’s views on the Arts in South Africa are well matched to AFDA’s values. He says, “I have always believed that theatre should challenge and entertain, and that these need not ever be separated. I wish to make people think while being emotionally engaged, whether that is through tears or laughter, or ideally both.” He adds, “I think it is the need to learn and connect that keeps me motivated. In a rehearsal room we become part of a family for a short time, and the text or project always results in an opportunity to learn something about ourselves or our world. I love that. I am also driven by a desire to prove that my choice to create a career in the arts is a viable one and that preconceived ideas of being an arts practitioner (poor, struggling, a dreamer, ungrounded, etc.) are simply not true.” says Homann.

AFDA founding executive member, Deon Opperman, was the winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama in 1992.

Under Homann’s management, the AFDA Live Performance School in Johannesburg is currently completing a well-equipped 75-seater theatre that will become operational within the next few weeks.

About The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards:

The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to acknowledge emerging, relatively young South African artists who have displayed an outstanding talent in their artistic endeavours. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in different disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and has presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 30-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards. The winners feature on the main programme of the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and receive financial support for their Festival participation, as well as a cash prize.

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17th Poetry Africa - International Poetry Festival Workshops

The 17th Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival presented in partnership with the City of Durban and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture announced the festival line up, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of diverse voices and sounds. Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) to take place from 14-19 October, this festival is a critical platform for self-expression that gives a platform for cultural exchange in the city of Durban.

The Poetry Africa festival, now in its 17th edition, takes place from 14 to 19 October 2013. The event brings together some of the world’s finest poets and musicians to Durban, with artists from India, Benin, Nigeria, Ireland, Italy, Canada and The United States of America.

The Pre-Festival Creative Writing workshops taking place from 7-11 October, at the Centre for Creative Writing (University of KwaZulu-Natal) offers 15 aspiring writers an extensive week-long programme which offers to develop their creative writing tools to hone their craft. The department which is headed by poet and Poetry Africa alumni Poppy Seed, who is a lecturer in English Literature and Media, with 25 years of experience, as well as a songwriter / composer, playwright and is an internationally acclaimed performance poet.

Our extensive workshop programme also includes a pre-festival tour of Durban by the festival finale musical act, Canadian hip-hop and spoken word poet Ian Kamau.  The interactive week-long workshops will take place in various venues across the city, and is a must for all poetry lovers. Kamau is a writer, visual artist, hip hop and spoken word artist from Toronto whose discography lists five collections, including the popular album One Day Soon (2011).

Kamau’s Rhythm, Rhyme & Reasons workshops will take place on the following dates: 

Tuesday 8 October:  Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre, 14:00-15:00.

Wednesday 9 October: BAT Centre, 17:00-18:00.

Thursday 10 October: Lindelani Arts Centre, 13:00-14:00.

 Friday 11 October: Alliance Francaise, 14:00-15:00.

To take part in the workshops presented by Ian Kamau, contact poetryafricaworkshops@gmail.com.

Along with a diverse line-up of performers, the festival has an extensive workshop programme taking place before and during the festival. Aspiring poets and poetry lovers have the opportunity to engage with Poetry Africa participants, past and present to help hone their craft with creative writing workshops that they will be hosting. The Poetry Writing Workshop at the BAT Centre Saturday 19 October, headed by Raphael D’Abdon (Italy) and Kobus Moolman (South Africa), offers poetry lovers an opportunity to discuss reading, writing and the performance aspects of poetry. D’Abdon is an Italian scholar, writer, editor and translator and a post-doctoral fellow in the English Studies Department at UNISA. As an editor D’Abdon recently published Marikana - A Moment in Time as well as an anthology of poetry about the massacre as well as his own collection Sunnyside Nightwalk. Kobus Moolman is a lecturer of creative writing and languages at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and author. Moolman has a diverse portfolio of published work and his latest collection Left Over is currently enjoying rave reviews is the press.

This year the festival will also host a workshop in partnership with Poetry Potion on Saturday 29 October at the BAT Centre, to discuss and analyse the work of their third quarterly publication Poetry is not a Luxury. Inspired by Audre Lorde’s work of the same title, this anthology of poems written by respected poets Tereska Muishond, Ayabulela Tutuse, Morula wa Kutukgolo, Mandy Mitchell, Monique Barnard, and Saurell Boyers; contemporary poets using their words to tackle and engage topics of every-day life, while discovering who they are through the art of poetry. Our panel discussion will feature 17th Poetry Africa participants Natalia Molebatsi, Malika Ndlovu, and Mandi “Poefficient” Vundla, creating a dialogue about the work and influence of female poets in the country.

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 2602506

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University KwaZulu-Natal), the 17th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and The French Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The CCA is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities at UKZN.

Caption: Canadian Poet and Hip-Hop Artist Iain Kamau will be in Durban hosting workshops as part of the Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival prior to the opening of the Festival. 

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AFDA Film School at the Witness Hilton Arts Festival

AFDA Durban Campus, The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance will be at this year’s Witness Hilton Arts Festival hosting two workshops aimed at scholars from grade 10 to 12 to help them make decisions about a possible career in the film industry on Friday, 13 September at 10:30am and at 13:00pm with a repeat of the 13:00pm workshop on Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th both at 12:30pm.

Richard Green, the head of film school at the AFDA Durban Campus will be hosting one of the two workshops on Friday, 13 September at 10:30am titled “Directing and Shooting a Film”. Having studied at the London International Film School from 1977 to 1979, Richard Green comes with loads of experience and expertise having worked as a cameraman, production manager, 1st director, director and producer. Richard has been involved in numerous well known films such as Sara Blecher’s award winning film ‘Otelo Burning’, Donovan Marsh’s novel based film ‘Spud’, ‘District 9’ and Anant Singh’s ‘Long Walk To Freedom’ which is currently in post production along with other award winning films that he has personally directed and produced through his company Richard Green and Associates.

AFDA Alumni and Durban Campus Lecturer, Amy Barns will host the second workshop on Friday, 13 September at 13:00pm titled “Performance for the stage VS performance for the Screen”. Local Actress Amy Barns has a huge passion for acting and her documentary style Honours film 'The Brave Unseen' (2012) recently received the ‘Best South African Short Film’ award at the 34th Durban International Film Festival.

Prospective students for the New Year are also welcome to meet and engage with the lecturers and staff of the film, television and performance school about enrolling into one of the degree courses offered at AFDA. For parents and students looking to book an interview with the lecturers of the campus they can e-mail Milena Gevers on milenag@afda.co.za or contact her on (+27) (031) 569-2252.

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25th Standard Bank Jazz Jol at Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

25th Standard Bank Jazz Jol

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal will host the 25th Edition of the very popular Standard Bank Jazz Jol on Saturday, 31 August at 19:00pm with the likes of Cape Town resident Shane Cooper, Kesivan Naidoo, Africa Plus and Mozambican quartet Afro Latino to take the stage.

With the event having become a popular feature on the Durban calendar, this year’s event will feature the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award 2013, bassist Shane Cooper with the event having featured last year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Afrika Mkhize. Sharing the stage with Shane Cooper will be members of his band which consist of previous Standard Bank Young Artist winner Kevisan Naidoo on the drums, Reza Khota on the guitar and Justin Bellairs on the alto saxophone.

The young and exciting Durban based trio of Africa Plus consist of Prince Bulo on the bass, Sphelelo Mazibuko on the drums and Lungelo Ngcobo on the piano and keyboards. Their musical influence is drawn from rich traditional African elements with the base drawn from Western advanced harmonies. Formally trained at the University of KwaZulu-Natal this vibrant outfit full of rhythmic complexities and melodies that include mainly original music composed by the band are sure to entertain audiences.

The Mozambican quartet of Afro Latino will bring the night to a close and they consist of guitarist and vocalist Milton Chissano who provides the Latin grooves to the group, Ildo Nandja as percussionist and bassist, Alberto Chemane on the percussion and drums and lastly Njabulo Shabalala on the percussion.

Proceeds from the concert go towards the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship which is a scholarship that assists disadvantaged jazz students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with general support, financial aid, and bursaries. The scholarship also helps fund the travelling and accommodation costs for educational festivals such as the National Youth Jazz Festival held annually in Grahamstown along with workshops and conferences.

Tickets are R 100 (R 80 for pensioners and R 50 for students) there are early bird discounts of R 80 and group discounts for pensioners at R 75 for groups of ten. To book your tickets you can call Thulile Zama on (031) 260-3385 or e-mail her on Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za, tickets will also be available at the door on the night.

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New Zealand Film Commission Delegation Attends DFM to Promote Co-Production Treaty with South Africa

Photo by Nathi Xulu

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) hosted a networking breakfast at the Durban FilmMart on Saturday to promote the South Africa/New Zealand Co-Production Treaty.

The New Zealand Film Commission and a delegation of producers are at the FilmMart to research potential co-production opportunities and begin conversations with local producers around developing projects.

The NFVF and NZFC briefly spoke about the workings of the treaty, which was signed between the two countries in 2011, and the opportunities and support that are available in each country.

“Treaties are government trade instruments whose main objective is to promote cultures of the countries and help filmmakers to access markets of their international counterparts.” explains Terrence Khumalo, Manager of Film Certification of the NFVF. “They enable filmmakers to access finance, distribution and exhibition in co-producer’s territory. Treaties also serve to expose local talent to international markets.”

“Since 1997 there have been 8 treaties signed with Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, UK and New Zealand. This translates into 95 projects of just under R5 billion in South Africa.”

“New Zealand has co-production agreements with 13 countries, and out of these about 60 co-productions have been made, with a production budget value of around NZ$660 million.” says Mladen Ivancic, Deputy CEO of New Zealand Film Commission. “We have brought three producers and one film-maker to South Africa to start the process of co-production with this country.”

“I see my role, as facilitating opportunities for our film-makers and backing them up with technical advice, as well as meeting as many people as I can who might want to connect with the New Zealand Film industry.” says Ivancic.  “We have a particularly good connection with South Africa, in a way that we possibly don’t have with some of the other treaty countries, as we share a common language, have a historical connection and there is a healthy SA migrant population in New Zealand.”

 “This was an initiative supported by the NFVF to kickstart talks between the South African and New Zealand film industry,” says Toni Monty of the Durban FilmMart. “So we are really pleased to report that already out of this session, two producers have been able to begin discussions on possible co-productions. We look forward to more delegates from New Zealand attending the FilmMart next year and we will be holding similar initiatives at future DFMs against the backdrop of other co-production treaties that South Africa has in place.”

The Durban FilmMart ends this evening with an awards ceremony at which awards and grants are given to projects that were selected to pitch at the finance forum. 

For more information go to www.durbanfilmmart.com

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Film & Publication Board Refuses Classification to DIFF opening night film - Of Good Report

MEDIA RELEASE

OPENING NIGHT FILM OF THE DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REFUSED SCREENING BY THE FILM AND PUBLICATION BOARD

Durban: South Africa: July 18, 2013: The opening night film of the 34th Durban International Film Festival, the much-anticipated film noir Of Good Report, directed by Jahmil XT Qubeka was refused classification by the Film and Publication Board, and as such the festival was unable to screen it.

Instead of the opening credits the following words were displayed on the screen: “This film has been refused classification by the Film and Publication Board, in terms of the Film and Publications Act of 1996, unfortunately we may not legally screen the film, Of Good Report, as doing so would constitute a criminal offence.”

The film tells the sombre tale of a small-town high-school teacher with a penchant for young girls. The result is an hypnotically engaging journey into the soul of a mentally troubled man. The trouble for the protagonist, Parker Sithole begins when he meets the undeniably gorgeous Nolitha Ngubane at a local tavern. Captivated by her beauty, an illicit affair ensues. However, there’s just one problem: Nolitha is one of Parker’s pupils and is just sixteen years older. Parker quickly spirals into lethal obsession.

The manager of the film festival, Peter Machen gave this statement: “Unfortunately, the film and publication board has refused to allow the release of Of Good Report. According to their communication to the festival, the film contains a scene which constitutes child pornography and we are unable to legally show the film. I am very sorry about this. Out of respect for the director of the film, we will not be showing an alternative film tonight.”

“We chose the film because it was challenging, powerful and artistically successful, and particularly because it was such a strong expression of an individual voice .” said Machen. “It presents a story of a very real and troubling social problem of rampant abuse of position in our country.”

Qubeka, who had taped his mouth shut, chose not to comment as an act of defiance, instead his wife, Dr Lwazi Manzi spoke on his behalf, describing the horrors of abused young women by older men that she encounters daily as a doctor at a government hospital. “Just because they (the FPB) don’t want to see it, does not mean it does not happen.” she said. “We shall not not talk about it. I am very proud of my husband, and the cast and crew. This is a pivotal day in the history of film in our country, one which will resonate in history.”

Professor Cheryl Potgieter, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities at UKZN, under whose curatorship the organisers of the Festival, The Centre for Creative Arts is a special project said. “We chose to not show another film in deference to the filmmaker, and to ensure there was critical mass to carry this debate and discourse forward.”

Qubeka and UKZN intend to appeal against the decision, failing which, the producer Mike Auret, himself a lawyer, will take it to the Constitutional Court. Auret said “It is not the function of state to moralise.”

The festival screenings of all other films, will continue as planned for the next nine days.  For more information about the DIFF go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

AFDA Johannesburg masters student makes headway at SA’s major festivals

AFDA Johannesburg masters student Tapiwa Chipfupa makes headway at SA’s major festivals

AFDA Johannesburg masters student Tapiwa Chipfupa, from Zimbabwe is staking her claim in the local and international film industry. Her film “The Bag on My Back” was recently screened at the Encounters Film Festival in Cape Town in June, and she has been selected as one of 40 participants in the 6th Talent Campus Durban at the Durban International Film Festival, which opens on July 18.

Chipfupa, a cum laude graduate from AFDA and a 2008 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship nominee, is currently completing her Masters Degree in Fine Arts in Motion Picture Medium at AFDA. As part of an exchange programme with Finland, she produced and co-directed two documentaries currently screening at festivals in Europe, and has won the Best Student Award at Tampere International Film Festival (2010). She pitched “The Bag on My Back” at Africadoc, securing sales in Europe and West Africa.

Well-known South African producer David Max Brown mentored Chipfupa through the production of the film, which is about her life in exile and the land issues in Zimbabwe as she followed her parents from farm to farm in the 80’s and 90’s until her outspoken father was retrenched from his job as a farm manager. 

“I am really please that this film is getting so much attention,” says Chipfupa. “It was really encouraging to have had David’s guidance, and I have learnt so much in the process. As far as Talent Campus is concerned, I am really looking forward to being in Durban, as I have heard such great things about it from the opportunities to gather information and expert knowledge and networking with peers from across the continent to meeting film-makers from around the globe who are top of their game. And of course seeing so many brilliant films, we would not usually be able to access.”

For more information contact Mandy Day, office 27 21 448 7600, mobile 071 473 6412 or go on www.afda.co.za.

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Well-known Artist Management Expert Kerry Friedmann appointed as Business Lecturer at AFDA Cape Town

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live performance) in Cape Town is pleased to announce that well-known artist management expert, Kerry Friedmann has been appointed as Business Lecturer in the musical performance department.

 “Kerry specializes in the Business of Creativity; bridging the gap between the corporate world and the world of artistic expression and technical execution,” says Chairman of AFDA, Garth Holmes, “As a lecturer at AFDA she will focus on providing first hand knowledge of a variety of practical business elements that go into the arts and creating a musical performance or production.”

Kerry, who has a Social Science degree from UCT and various advertising diplomas, has had extensive experience in artist management with the likes of Freshlyground to working with Pink Floyd’s album artwork designer - Storm Thorgerson. Her area of expertise which she will be working with AFDA students include artist management, finances and budgets, production and event co-ordination, tour management, legal logistics such as contracts and copyright, liaison with record companies, publishers, publicists, promoters, studios, press and media, advertising agencies and designers. 

"AFDAs’ comprehensive course structure is very impressive, the opportunity to learn, not only practical and theory, but to also get a taste of the real ‘working-world’ is priceless. I’m thrilled to be teaching the business module in the musical performance department, and hopefully I will impart some valuable insights into the music biz. I look forward to learning from the students too!” says Kerry.

For more information contact Mandy Day, office 021- 448 7600, mobile 071 473 6412 or go on www.afda.co.za.

Talent Campus Durban Participants at 34th Durban International Film Festival (18-28 July)

The 34th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, with principal funding by the National Lottery Development Trust Fund, has finalized selection of participants for the 6thedition of the Talent Campus Durban which takes place from 19 to 23 July.

Forty African filmmakers and film experts will come together in Durban to be inspired and enlightened in the medium and industry of cinema. The programme provides the selected participants with a unique opportunity to meet with international industry professionals, experts and mentors in various aspects of the filmmaking business through participation in a 5-day programme of masterclasses, workshops and industry networking events.

This year’s candidates, chosen from over 450 submissions, hail from 15 different African countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda. Participants will be also be able to attend the DIFF.

Running in parallel to the general Festival programme, this year’s Talent Campus Durban will offer three hands-on training programmes: Doc Station  which will focus on documentary-making, Talent Press which is dedicated to film criticism and Script Station which will foster story development. 

For the third consecutive year, Doc Station will offer three selected Talents the opportunity to refine and polish documentary projects for pitching at the 4th Durban FilmMart’s DOC Circle. Meanwhile, Talent Press will mentor four African journalists in the art of film criticism with access to all the screenings of the 34th Durban International Film Festival. This initiative, promoted in collaboration with FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) and the Goethe Institute of South Africa, will welcome film writing experts Didi Cheeka (Nigeria), Espera Donouvossi (Benin and South Africa), Leon Van Nierop (South Africa) and Katarina Hederen (Ethiopia and South Africa) as  programme mentors.

For the first time, Script Station will offer the opportunity to four selected writers to develop their stories in the Writers Circle, while being mentored by qualified script editors Tracey Lee Dearham-Raniers and Karima Effendi. This new activity is presented in collaboration with the NFVF’s Sediba SPARK Scriptwriting workshop.

In 2013, the Talent Campus Durban theme is “Memetic Africa?” highlighting and interrogating the continent of Africa as a source of myriad narratives which offer possibilities to be re-imagined, re-told, overlapped and adapted within numerous contexts.

Talent Campus Durban is presented in partnership with the Berlinale Talent Campus, with support from the German Embassy of South Africa, the Goethe-Institut of South Africa, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Through the international programme, which extends to Talent Campuses in Buenos Aires, Guadalajara, Sarajevo and Tokyo, as well as Durban, participants are initiated into a global community of filmmakers and connected via a wide social network operated through the Berlinale.

Talent Campus Durban 2013:

Drifa Mezenner (Algeria), Pierre Loti Tawokam Simo (Cameroon), Tumbo John Wani (Democratic Republic of Congo), Alia Hassab (Egypt), Kamal Elmallakh (Egypt), Dawit Zewedu (Ethiopia), Hiwot Getaneh (Ethiopia), Anita Afonu (Ghana), Joseph Wairimu (Kenya), Mercy Mkaiwawi Mwakaba (Kenya), Sarah Muhoho (Kenya), Ng’endo Mukii (Kenya), Saad Eddine Said (Morocco), Inadelso Cossa (Mozambique), Oshosheni Hiveluah (Namibia), Aderinsola Ajao (Nigeria), Adeyinka Edward Daniyan (Nigeria), Kayambi Musafiri (Rwanda), Thiaw Rama (Senegal), Antoinette Engel (South Africa), Ari Kruger (South Africa), Caitlin Pansegrouw (South Africa), Dylan Bosman (South Africa), Howard Fyvie (South Africa), Katey Lee Carson (South Africa), Maanda Ntsandeni (South Africa), Nduduzo Shandu (South Africa), Nosipho Sharon Mngoma (South Africa), Pierre Paul De Villiers (South Africa), Rolisizwe Nikiwe (South Africa) Siphamandla Ngcobo (South Africa), Siphiwe Dominic Mpanza (South Africa), Sivela Mgudu (South Africa), Zethu Mashika (South Africa), Zwelethu Radebe (South Africa), Ahmed Jlassi (Tunisia), Narjes Torchani (Tunisia), Nathan Magoola (Uganda), Polly Kamukama (Uganda) ,Tapiwa Chipfupa (Zimbabwe).

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Durban International Film Festival / Durban FilmMart form strategic partnership with Durban Wild Talk Africa

Durban, South Africa: The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), with principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, and the Durban FilmMart (DFM), the joint project of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and DIFF, are pleased to announce that a strategic partnership has been formed with Durban Wild Talk Africa, the continent’s most respected natural history film festival and conference, which takes place at the Docklands Hotel in Durban from July 23 to 26. 

The return of Wild Talk Africa to Durban is supported by the City of Durban through Durban Tourism and the Durban Film Office. “We are pleased that after a number of years we can welcome back this prestigious conference and festival to our City,” says Philip Sithole, Head of Durban Tourism and Business Support. “Durban Wild Talk Africa combined with the continent’s two major film events – the Durban International Film Festival and the Durban FilmMart, firms up a truly strong film industry package for visitors and we look forward to welcoming the many local, continental and international industry guests to our shores.”

Durban Wild Talk Africa is considered to be Africa’s key film festival and conference for natural history and wildlife film and television programming. The event includes; workshops, seminars, masterclasses, open pitching sessions, commissioners panels and exhibitions, and is a valuable networking forum with both local and international delegates and industry leaders. This year DWTA will include the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to be held at uShaka Marine World and sponsored by National Geographic, from 25 July to 25 September 2013.

The Durban International Film Festival is SA’s largest and longest-running film festival, which takes place from July 18 to 28. The Durban FilmMart, which runs parallel to the DIFF from July 19 to 22, is the continent’s premier film industry event, which provides opportunities for selected projects to pitch to financiers and producers, as well as offering a series of master classes and top-drawer networking opportunities with industry players.

A selection of natural history films have been chosen from 445 entries from across the globe, to be screened during 9 slots as part of the DIFF programme. These films were entered as part of Durban Wild Talk Africa’s ROSCAR Awards competition. The Durban Wild Talk Africa has scheduled its conference in the footprint of DIFF, as part of a greater vision to build Durban’s golden mile as a hub for film market activity in the month of July. 

“Forming this strategic partnership with Durban Wild Talk Africa, adds a valuable new dimension to DIFF,” says Peter Machen, Manager of DIFF. “The Wild Talk Africa Film Festival selection complements our huge variety of more than 200 factual and fiction films screened at the DIFF. This, no doubt will add to the dynamic and vigorous discourse that usually takes place during the festival both informally and formally in seminars and workshops, as well as in the media.”

“We have chosen our dates to co-incide with the DIFF and DFM in a united effort to build the film festival and market environment for factual content and feature films in Durban,” says Donfrey Meyer, Director of Wild Talk Africa. “As the DWTA is an autonomous conference, running concurrently with the DIFF, we believe that film-makers and industry players will take advantage of the abundance of content, industry representation and opportunities to discuss, network and start conversations about content generation and distribution. There is a global focus on the natural history of this continent and, with this in mind, we are pleased to be welcoming commissioning editors and representatives from Discovery Networks International, NHK Japan Broadcasting Corp., BBC NHU, ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corp., ABC Australian Broadcasting Corp., National Geographic, SABC, NFVF, e.tv. NHU Africa and others to Durban.”

“The success of the Durban FilmMart is clearly demonstrated by the fact that we have seen many of the projects pitched in the finance forum successfully make it to festivals and theatrical release over the past four years.” says Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. “The DFM provides an important platform for the business of film to be conducted. This, together with the industry events at both the DIFF and DFM, promises to create a conducive environment for delegates to exchange ideas and forge partnerships and relationships.. All of this helps to further develop a dynamic and robust industry on the continent. We see the alignment with Durban Wild Talk Africa as a great opportunity to further promote and develop factual film content in Africa. We are hoping that film-makers and industry representatives attending the DFM will stay on a little longer to engage with Wild Talk Africa, and take in the additional industry opportunities available.”

Registration for the DWTA is now open on www.wildtalkafrica.com. The delegate pass includes full access to workshops, seminars and panels, as well as evening networking events and functions.  

Registration for the Durban FilmMart is now open on www.durbanfilmmart.com. For more information about the Durban International Film Festival go towww.durbanfilmfest.co.za

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Note to Editors: 

The Durban FilmMart (DFM) is a co-production and finance market and is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). DFM provides filmmakers from across Africa a valued opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers, and participate in meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on latest industry trends. www.durbanfilmmart.com

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is the film industry development arm of the eThekwini Municipality, mandated to position Durban as a world-class film production destination and facilitator for the development of the local film industry.  The DFO drives activity and development in the sector in order to boost tourism, job creation and the development of core skills and SMME’s in the region.   www.durbanfilmoffice.com

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) presents over 250 screenings from different countries and cultures with special focus on Africa; it includes development programmes such as Talent Campus Durban. DIFF is a flagship project of the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, which facilitates creative platforms and economic opportunities for artists and related industries, intercultural exchange and network development, training, audience development and strategic Pan-African and international cooperation in the cultural sectors.  www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

 

Durban FilmMart Project Selected for prestigious Paris Project in June/July 2013

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA: Flatland, a 2012 selected Durban FilmMart (DFM) Project, produced by David Horler of Proper Film, and directed by Jenna Cato Bass has been chosen to take part in Paris Project, the coproduction and financing forum of the Paris Cinema International Film Festival.

Flatland was the recipient of a number of awards at last year’s DFM where it received a €5000 grant for development as WorldView’s Most Promising Feature, was selected for Rotterdam Lab in February, and won the EAVE prize enabling the producer to attend the European Producers Workshop in March this year. 

The DFM, is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), and has as one of its core objectives to act as a valuable feeder platform to bring African projects to other recognized international co-production markets.

The DFM has recently entered into a strategic partnership with Paris Project, which looks at co-production potential for carefully selected worldwide feature projects destined for French and European coproduction. This year a 2012 DFM project was selected, and going forward a project will be selected from the 2013 DFM to go to Paris Project in 2014.

“Flatland is a really strong well-positioned film project which really shone at last year’s DFM, and we are delighted that Paris Project has selected it to further develop its potential.” says Toni Monty of the DFO. “David has really grasped at all the opportunities given and we believe that this experience will be a valuable stepping stone in the project’s journey.”

“These markets are incredible in helping us fine-tune our product” says Horler. “The DFM was so helpful in aligning our overall strategic goals for the project, and Rotterdam Lab was a similarly great experience. The intensive schedule of master classes, panel discussions and workshops imparted very useful information and gave a very distinct perspective on the international marketplace relative to independent and low-budget productions. The European Producers Workshop was a truly fantastic initiative that is incredibly supportive and nurturing of independent filmmakers.”

Horler goes on to say that the development grant from WorldView has been earmarked to help with the location scouts and recces intended for the project once they are closer to pre-production.  “So we are really overwhelmed that we have received this opportunity to go to Paris Project, as every chance we have to present, discuss and develop Flatland, is another step up on the ladder to its creation.”

Both the director and the producer of Flatland have been awarded a complimentary return air ticket and four nights’ accommodation to participate in the market, which takes place from June 30 to July 3, to enable them to increase their networks and meet international partners.

In addition to personalized meetings with industry professionals, Paris Project offers a series of specialized events like seminars and workshops. In 2012, 350 professionals from 140 companies attended Paris Project, with more than 500 meetings scheduled.

“We are really pleased to welcome Flatland onto Paris Project, as we believe it offers a uniquely South African perspective to the mix.” says Aude Hesbert, Head of Paris Cinema International Film Festival. “This year as our country embarks on the South Africa France Season 2013, we look forward to opportunity to support the inaugural DFM/Paris Project entry, and are eager to see how it fares.”

The 4th Durban FilmMart will take place from 19 to 22 July 2013 during the 34th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (18-28 July) and will present an official selection of about 10 fiction projects and 10 documentary projects. 

Delegate registration for the DFM opens next week.

For more information on the Durban FilmMart visit www.durbanfilmmart.com.  

For further enquires contact info@durbanfilmmart.com

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Delegate Registration Opens for Durban FilmMart

Durban South Africa: Delegate registration for Durban FilmMart (DFM) opens today (June 6), with the continent's premier film finance and co-production forum urging industry delegates to take advantage of the discounted early bird registration. Now in its fourth edition, the DFM takes place from 19-22 July and promises an exciting programme of masterclasses and networking opportunities.

The Durban FilmMart - a joint project of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) - is an African co-production market that provides a platform for international experts, broadcasters, financiers and filmmakers to meet and develop strategic partnerships that get films made. The four-day event comprises of a programme of Master classes, Africa in Focus panels, networking functions, the DOC Circle Pitching Forum and the Finance Forum for selected projects of the market. Delegates will also get to enjoy the selection of films screening at the  Durban International Film Festival.

“The FilmMart objective is to facilitate the development of African film content and to fuel business and employment opportunities within this sector on the continent,” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty. “We have seen some strong projects emerge from the Finance Forum programme into theatrical exhibition and onto important international film festivals. We have also seen how the DFM has become an important meeting point for film-makers from South Africa, Africa and increasingly from beyond the continent to network and engage in meetings, discussions, master classes and further develop their professional careers.”

The Durban FilmMart programme features a range of masterclasses presented by leading industry experts on a wide range of topics ranging from world trends in co-production to finance, distribution, script development and new media. Africa in Focus is comprised of a range of seminars and panel discussions featuring local and international filmmakers experts, specifically dealing with salient issues in African cinema. DOC Circle Pitching Forum is a high-level pitching event where the selected documentary projects of the DFM as well those of as Talent Campus Durban's Doc Station pitch to an audience of financiers, commissioning editors and broadcasters as well as DFM delegates. This pitching forum is invaluable for the development of new filmmakers. In addition, Durban FilmMart  delegates have access to a range of networking events attended by key industry professionals . Delegates can also attend workshops, seminars and screenings in the festival . 

World-renowned film expert Clare Downs will present a scriptwriting workshop entitled Strategies for development: the Agony and Ecstasy. Clare Downs is a founding member of the script analysis team for EAVE and has worked in training, script development, producing and writing for over three decades.  Clare has been involved in many international development and training programmes including the Southern African Producer training programme AVEA (2000 -2005). 

Filmmaker, author, strategist and consultant John Reiss will present a transmedia masterclass drawing from his critically acclaimed book Think Outside the Box Office -The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution in the Digital Era. John Reiss is the director of numerous films including the documentaries Bomb It and Bomb It 2, which look at the subversive and often controversial international subcultures around graffiti. 

Presenting a masterclass on co-production entitled The Art of Working Together is Christoph Thoke, a German film and television producer and president of Mogador Film, who has worked for leading German/French broadcaster ARTE and German production companies including Bavaria Films, Taunus Film and CineMedia. Mogador’s first film Lorna's Silence by the Dardene Brothers was selected in competition for Cannes 2008 and screened at the Durban International Film Festival.

Marketing and Publicity for Cinema: the Mentality to Promote is the masterclass to be presented by film distribution and marketing expert Alvaro Vega of Vertigo Films - Spain's leading distribution company (recently incorporated into Wild Bunch). Vega has been involved in the distribution of films for leading directors including David Lynch, Gus Van Sant, Wong Kar-Wai, Mike Leigh and Sofia Coppola.

A number of local, continental and international broadcasters,as well as various government agencies, film commissions, and distribution agencies will be in attendance, enabling delegates to establish contact and engage in one-on-one meetings. 

This year the DFM partners and supporters include the International Film Festival Rotterdam's (IFFR) CineMart, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the Berlinale Film Festival, Worldview, and others. Attending DFM this year, the Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival - North America’s largest documentary film festival - through its Blue Ice Fund Group initiative will continue to facilitate a financing and mentorship program for six African film grantees, awarded earlier this year. New partners include Paris Cinema’s film market Paris Project, who will select one project for their 2014 edition. Independent Filmmakers Project, America’s largest independent film non-profit, will select one DFM project to attend their lab for this year. ARTE returns to award a cash prize to the best fiction project, while Festival des 3 Continentes – Nantes and the International Organisation of Francophone will also be in attendance.

Renowned South African film and television pitching coach, Howard Thomas of Busvannah Communications will deliver four one-hour primers on proposal writing and pitching, covering the areas of research, target audience, writing and budgeting. These primers are aimed at beginner and intermediate producers active in content producing and will form part of the Durban FilmMart and Talent Campus Durban programme, with limited seats available to the public.

Following the DFM, and running from 23 to 26 July, is Wild Talk Africa, Africa’s key film festival and conference for natural history and wildlife film and television programming. “This is also a great opportunity for delegates to stay on in Durban and take advantage of the valuable opportunities in factual television-producing and broadcasting that Wild Talk presents.” says Monty.

“This year DFM’s has a really strong contingent of top quality experts and industry representatives, which adds significant weight to the level of engagement that will take place.” says Peter Machen, Manager of the Durban International Film Festival. “We look forward to welcoming delegates and hope that they seize the opportunity to network with the peers and experts in a meaningful way, and that this year’s Durban FilmMart continues to stimulate the growth of the industry on the continent.”

The 4th edition of Durban FilmMart takes place from 19 - 22 July 2013 during the Durban International Film Festival and is now open for delegate registration. Early bird registration, which enables the delegate to be included in the industry manual closes on July 2 and costs R1250. Registration thereafter costs R1750 and closes on July 18.

For more information and to register visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

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John Gale appointed to the Ogilvy & Mather South Africa Board

John Gale, Managing Director of Ogilvy Durban, has been appointed to the Ogilvy & Mather South Africa (O&M SA) Executive Committee (ExCo) Board.

With over 21 years with the Ogilvy group and, more recently, 13 years at the helm of the Durban office, Gale brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the O&M SA Board. 

A passionate brand-builder, Gale has, in turbulent global economic conditions, seen the Ogilvy & Mather Durban office, which incorporates Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, Ogilvy Action and Digital@Ogilvy, grow into one of the region’s advertising powerhouses.

“Most of South Africa’s industry hubs are concentrated in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and as such enjoy the lion’s share of the country’s advertising revenue. This presents some unique challenges for the industry in Durban,” says Gale. “Given these challenges, and the fact that we are currently in a global economic trough, we are enormously proud to have been able to not only sustain the business, but significantly grow it."

Growth of the business in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), coupled with some exciting new contracts on the horizon, means that O&M SA, a world-class multinational communications company, has a strong foothold in all three of South Africa’s economic hubs.

“We realise it is important for Ogilvy to have a footprint in each of the major business regions in the country,” says Gale. “It is also important from the perspective of a global brand that we are aligned when it comes to the implementation of the company’s processes and structures, not to mention those of our global clients.”

“While we work independently of each other, it is important and enriching to remain connected and involved in important areas of the business such as implementation of group strategy, human resources, training and technology. My appointment to the ExCo will ensure our Durban and KZN interests are synergized with the rest of the group.”

"I am thrilled to become a member of the ExCo as I have gained important insights over the years as MD in Durban,” says Gale. “I believe I will be able to add further perspectives and value to the continued success of one of South Africa's leading advertising groups."

Some of the Point Waterfront-based Ogilvy Durban current clients include Boxer Superstores, Decorland, Defy, eThekwini Transport Authority, Field Band Foundation, Game, Lesotho Milling, Marico, SABMiller, Sun International (Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom and the Wild Coast Sun), The Sharks and Unilever.

Gale has worked on major brands such as Castle Lager, Castle Lite, Hansa Pilsener, Debonairs Pizza, Volvo, Mica, Continental. While at Ogilvy Africa (1998/9), he was primarily involved in managing brands for key clients with business interests and activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

15th African Renaissance presents the annual Africa Day Concert

Durban ICC Arena - May 25, 2013

DURBAN: The African Renaissance Festival and Conference will host the annual Africa Day Concert to celebrate African unity by reflecting the continent’s dynamic talent through musical performances by Mafikozolo, Zonke and Professor on Saturday, May 25 at 6pm at the ICC Arena in Durban.

Africa Day (May 25), marks the founding day of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 and for many years has been a celebration of African unity. This was the first time that African Heads of State and Government got together in an effort to define Africa on its own terms and to be responsible for the continent’s shared destiny.

The African Day Concert takes place during the African Renaissance Festival, which began 15 years ago in an endeavour to reignite Africa’s own belief in itself and in its potenital to develop its own resources. The concert will feature some of the biggest names on the SA music scene: award-winning vintage-inspired Afro-Pop outfit Mafikizolo,the soul sensation Zonke and kwaito star Professor, with Linda Sibiya as the host and MC.

Their name may mean 'new kids on the block, who just arrived yesterday' in isiZulu, but Mafikizolo is no newcomer. This vibrant, stylish group of two comprising Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza have created a delicious dance of brew by mixing old and new South African sounds, have released seven hit-filled Afro-pop albums, sold over a million copies, picked up countless awards including eight SAMA's, and is undoubtedly one of the most successful groups in South Africa.

Born to a drummer father, soul sensation Zonke Dikana caught the musical bug at an early age, but her big break came in 1997 when Anneline Malebo, her father’s new wife, and a member of the successful group, Joy, introduced her to fellow artist Joe Nina. Zonke recently won Best Female Album for Ina Ethe at the MetroFM awards and continues to dazzle audiences with her soulful sounds.

Interestingly, Zonke came to stardom via her songwriting skills resulting in her collaborating and writing for international and local musicians.With her track record of hits behind her, she is one of the most sought-out producers in the Afro-pop and urban genre.  Zonke has written chart-topping tracks for artists such as Black Coffee, Mafikizolo, Don Laka, Tshepo Tsholo, Theo Kgosinkwe and many others over the years and worked at Kalawa Jazzmee as their premier songwriter.She now has her own recording company, Leely Music.  

Professor, the kwaito star from KwaZulu Natal who is well known for his hits which include the sensational Jezebel, has come a long way since his early days with T’zozo. He walked off with two of the biggest awards at the Metro FM awards in Durban recently - Song of the Year for Jezebel and Best Kwaito Album for University of KalawaJazmee, so named to acknowledge the KalawaJazmee Records family who took him under their wings.  Professor, like Zonke cites Joe Nina as being instrumental in his growth as a musician, along with Black Coffee and his group Shana.

The concert will start at 6pm until late at the Durban ICC Arena and tickets are R100 and are available from Computicket. For more information and the full African Renaissance programme, contact reception@wozani.co.za or telephone 031-266 9792

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BASA to launch Toolkit and Entrepreneurial Partnership

BASA Toolkit and Entrepreneurial partnership to be launched at Soweto Theatre.

The Director General of the Department of Arts and Culture, Sibusiso Xaba, will attend the launch of a new partnership between Business and Arts South Africa and Shanduka Black Umbrellas’ Incubator Programme. At the same time, the much anticipated BASA Sponsorship Toolkit for the Arts will be unveiled. 

Taking place on May 6 at the Soweto Theatre, the launch of BASA’s partnership with Shanduka Black Umbrellas is part of BASA’s ongoing commitment to providing arts organisations and practitioners with the skills to run their own business. 

Says Mark Frankel CEO of Shanduka Black Umbrellas, “All business owners, no matter which sector they operate in, should have the requisite skills in place to operate their businesses effectively and profitably. 

“In addition to the skills required, businesses from previously disadvantaged backgrounds should be provided with assistance to access networks, markets and finance to help ensure their sustainability. This is the nature of the work we do at Shanduka Black Umbrellas. 

“The partnership with BASA enables us to jointly identify potential high impact businesses in the arts sector and provide these businesses with the skills, support and development they require in order to become sustainable and create jobs.” 

The newly minted BASA Sponsorship Toolkit for the Arts – is additionally set to play an important role in the sustainability of arts organisations. With a strong focus on providing a way for the management team of an arts organisation to review, refresh and enhance their sponsorship practice, the toolkit is likely to become an indispensable part of the way arts organisations work. The BASA Sponsorship Toolkit for the Arts is a complement to the BASA Arts Sponsorship Management Toolkit for business that was launched last year. 

The BASA Sponsorship Toolkit for the Arts has been created for both arts organisations with existing sponsorship relations and those looking for new and additional partners. 

For arts organisations with existing sponsorship relationships, the toolkit provides an opportunity to assess the depth and breadth of their practices, as well as develop the ability to nurture a more sustainable arts partnership approach. 

For organisations searching for new or additional partners, the toolkit provides a step- by-step guide and set of exercises to craft a well-considered, longer-term arts partnership strategy. 

Please note that the time of the function has been amended to 11h30 for 12h00. 

For more information and to RSVP for the launch of the Shanduka Black Umbrellas’ Incubator Programme and unveiling of the BASA Sponsorship Toolkit for the Arts contact: Jessica Dennison at Jessica@basa.co.za or 011 447 2295.

Date and Time 
Monday 6 May 2013 
11h30 for 12h00 

Venue 
Soweto Theatre 

About Business and Arts South Africa NPC: 

Business and Arts South Africa NPC is an internationally recognised South African development agency which incorporates the arts into, and contributes to, corporates' commercial success. With a suite of integrated programmes, Business and Arts South Africa NPC encourages mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts. Business and Arts South Africa NPC was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative of government and the business sector, to secure the future development of the arts industry in South Africa, through increased corporate sector involvement. Established as a Non Profit Company, Business and Arts South Africa NPC is accountable to both government and its business members. 

About Shanduka Black Umbrellas NPC: 

The Shanduka Foundation supports Enterprise Development through the Shanduka Black Umbrella (SBU) initiative. SBU is one of the key beneficiaries of the Shanduka Group’s R100 million commitment to the Shanduka Foundation. 

Cyril Ramaphosa called the 2009 launch of the SBU programme the happiest day of his life. 

Four years later the initiative, which helps small black businesses get off the ground, is beginning to have a real impact around the country. 

Since the official launch in October 2009, a significant number of budding and established SMMEs have applied to become part of the SBU programme. However, there is a rigorous screening process and only those committed few with ability and passion are invited to join. 

There are over 100 businesses around the country that currently form part of the programme. Others have already graduated from the initiative and have taken their businesses to new heights. 

For a small monthly fee, the SBU programme provides client SMMEs with a working environment and support services that enable them to thrive. Benefits include office space, computers, Internet and telephones, vehicles with drivers, a compulsory reliable bookkeeping service, training programmes, a structured mentorship programme and access to finance and procurement opportunities, when ready. 

SBU provides corporate South Africa with an opportunity to improve their enterprise development and preferential procurement ratings which achieves the dual goal of meeting their B-BBEE scorecard requirements as well as the knowledge that their contribution goes towards the important goal of nation building through job creation. 

Further information can be found at www.shandukablackumbrellas.org