34th Durban International Film Festival 18-28 July 2013

2013 sees the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), with principal funding by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, return for its 34th year to celebrate the beauty and diversity of global cinema. From 18 to 28 July, Durban will be illuminated by the glow of the silver screen, with over 250 screenings in 11 venues across the city. Alongside this smorgasbord of the best of contemporary cinema from around, comprising 72 feature films, 48 documentaries and 45 short films, the festival offers a comprehensive workshop and seminar programme that facilitates the sharing of knowledge and skills by film industry experts. 

African Focus

The burgeoning African film industry will once more be represented at DIFF 2013, although South African film retains the key focus, with 12 feature films, as well as 16 documentaries and a number of short films – most receiving their world premieres on Durban screens in July.

This year's opening film is the ground-breaking African-noir work Of Good Report by Jahmil XT Qubeka. Telling the story of a serial killer obsessed with beautiful young girls, the film expands the language of African cinema. The festival’s closing film acknowledges Angela Davis, an important figure in the African diaspora, with the film Free Angela - and all political prisoners, directed by Shola Lynch.

High-profile South African films being showcased include Layla Fourie, The Forgotten Kingdom which is set in Lesotho, Felix, about a young township boy intent on following his dreams of being a musician, and The Good Man, an intriguing look at a globalised reality. 

Other SA films include Ian Robert’s Everyman's Taxi, Andrew Worsdale's long-awaited Durban Poison, Khumba, from animation studio Triggerfish. Blood Tokoloshe from Amariam Productions, Actorholic by Oliver Rodger, who gave us last year's Copposites, and African Gothic based on the Reza de Wet play Diepe Grond. 

From further afield, there are some cinematic gems, dealing with significant issues around life on the continent including Tall As The Baobab Tree, (Senegal), Yema, (Algeria), Virgin Margarida (Mozambique), The Battle Of Tabato (Guinea-Bissau, Portugal), Something Necessary (Kenya) and It's Us (Kenya) among others.

Contemporary Europe

This year’s programme showcases the multiple perspectives that define the cultural landscape of contemporary Europe and the diverse ways in which the continent's narratives are rendered. With support from organisations and partnerships such as EUNIC, World Documentary Exchange and Festival Scope, audiences can expect some superb European films, including Sally Potter’s Ginger and Rosa, Michael Winterbottom’s The Look of Love and Bernardo Bertolucci’s Me and You, his first film in more than a decade. 

American Independents

There is a strong showcase of American independent films at this year's DIFF including Wrong the latest film from Quentin Dupieux who gave us the DIFF cult-hit Rubber in 2011 and Spring Breakers from Harmony Korine. Francine tells the small and delicately drawn story of a socially inept woman who has just come of out prison, while The Place Beyond the Pines is the highly anticipated new drama from director Derek Cianfrance who gave us Blue Valentine. 

Sexual Identities

This year DIFF acknowledges the wide diversity of sexual identities being explored on contemporary screens, no doubt a reflection of a global trend towards a broader dialogue around sexual difference. The selection of both documentaries and features include Dennis Cotes’ drama Vic+Flo Saw a Bear which chronicles the relationship between an ex-convict and her younger female lover, Valentine Road which provides a sociological post-mortem on the death of a young transgender boy, and The Future in which a young girl becomes a sexual companion to a blind former action hero. Then there’s Pussy Riot - A Punk Prayer, about the infamous Russian girl group, I Am Divine a biopic about the gender-bending singer and artist Divine and Born This Way, about the lives of gay and lesbian people in Cameroon.

ZombieFest!

With literally hundreds of Zombie films currently scheduled for release around the world, DIFF 2013 showcases a selection of films from the current Zombie wave. Headlining this mini-focus area is the long-awaited remake of the Evil Dead which conforms in many ways to the classic zombie genre.

World Cinema

A host of award-winning films from around the world will screen at DIFF 2013, including works from some of contemporary cinema's most luminous talents. From Chinese director Wong Kar Wai comes The Grandmaster, which opened Berlin this year, while Canadian director David Cronenberg descends once more into the darkness with Cosmopolis based on the Don deLillo novel. Takeshi Kitano, the king of stylised violence, delivers Outrage Beyond, while the enigmatic Closed Curtain comes from banned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. Deepa Mehta gives us a gorgeously sprawling rendition of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children while Danish director Thomas Vinterberg's The Hunt will chill you to the bone. Then there's the exciting news that Ashgar Farhadi,  whose A Separation  won both the best Foreign Picture Oscar this year as well as best film at DIFF 2012, returns with his latest film The Past. 

Feast of Doccies

There is a wealth of documentaries to satisfy a spectrum of tastes and interests at this year’s festival. And of course, there's a strong selection from South Africa, where the documentary form is growing in stature and volume. Riaan Hendrick's  The Devil's Lair transports us deep into a claustrophobic drug den on the Cape Flats, while celebrated local documentary-maker Damon Foster gives us a window into the life of a very special crocodile with Touching The Dragon. Angels in Exile is a moving documentary about two proud yet impoverished children who live on the streets of Durban and The Creators pays tribute to the creative power of South Africa's youth, including acclaimed graffiti artist Faith 47. From further afield African Metropolis is a collection of short slices of reality from around the continent. The Spirit of 45, from British feature director Ken Loach looks at the enduring influence of the labour movement during the war years while More Than Honey tells of the importance of maintaining the earth's bee population and Algorithms presents the riveting story of blind chess players in India.

Wavescape Surf Film Festival

For the ninth year, DIFF partners with Wavescape to present a feast of surfing cinema, including 11 features and 5 shorts. Wavescape opens with a free outdoor screening at the Bay of Plenty Lawns on Sunday 21 July.

The Films That Made Me

For the first time this year, DIFF presents a repertory section in which film fans and filmmakers have the opportunity to access a slice of film history. In ‘The Films That Made Me’, South African director Jahmil XT Qubeka presents five films that have been influential in his growth as a filmmaker. 

Talent Campus

The 6th Talent Campus Durban will bring together the creativity of 50 selected filmmakers from 18 different countries in Africa, chosen from over 450 submissions, who will take part in a series of masterclasses, workshops and industry networking opportunities during the festival. 

Durban FilmMart

Now in its 4th year, the Durban FilmMart, a partnership project between DIFF and the Durban Film Office, supported by the City of Durban, is a film finance and co-production market presented in three strands – Finance Forum, Master Classes and the Africa in Focus seminars.  The DFM master class and networking programme is open to registered delegates only. See www.durbanfilmmart.com for further details.

Wild Talk

DIFF is 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 from July 23 to 26.  A selection of nine natural history films have been chosen from 445 entries from across the globe, to be screened at the festival. Registration for the Wild Talk conference is available at http://wildtalkafrica.com/register/.

Venues and Tickets

The festival hub is at the Blue Waters Hotel, with principal screening venues at Suncoast Cinecentre, Ster Kinekor Musgrave, Cinema Nouveau Gateway, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu. Programme booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films and ticket prices will be available free at cinemas, and other outlets. For full festival details see www.durbanfilmfest.co.za or call 031 260 2506. Programme will be available online from July 1.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the Durban International Film Festival is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.

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The 34th Durban International Film Festival announces its opening night film

Raising the curtain at the 34th Durban International Film Festival, which is principally funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, is the challenging and evocative, yet humorous film, Of Good Report, from South African director Jahmil XT Qubeka. In what he describes as “a passionate homage to classic film noir”, Qubeka’s latest offering, which has its world premiere at the festival on July 18, tells the sombre tale of a small-town high-school teacher with a penchant for young girls. The director’s third feature is an hypnotically engaging journey into the soul of a mentally troubled man.

The trouble for Parker Sithole (Mothusi Magano) begins when he accepts an invitation to a drinking session at the local tavern. Here, he meets the undeniably gorgeous Nolitha Ngubane (Petronella Tshuma). Captivated by her beauty, Parker experiences an ecstasy he’s never known before and truly feels like a man reborn. From this mutual attraction, an illicit affair ensues. However, there ’s just one problem: the beautiful Nolitha is one of Parker’s pupils and just sixteen years old. Parker quickly spirals into a deep obsession that ultimately turns to a tragedy.

Six months later, the sociopathic Parker has moved on from his previous job. Trudging along the barren landscape, he stumbles upon an opportunity for a fresh start. According to a caption on an old strewn newspaper, there is a shortage of teachers in Zimbabwe. A qualified educator like him shouldn't struggle to find a post; after all, he does come ‘of good report’.

In Qubeka’s words, Of Good Report, which is produced by Mike Auret and Luzuko Dilima (Spier Films), “is a serial killer origins story about how a social misfit turns into an inadequate man hell-bent on satisfying his shameful lust. It is Little Red Riding Hood, told from the wolf’s perspective.”

The director of television programmes and documentaries for production houses such as Ochre Media and Urban Brew Studios, Qubeka’s documentary and feature film work has screened at festivals around the world. He has directed Talk to Me, an hour-long HIV/Aids documentary special with Sesame Street New York, which won the Peabody Award for best Actuality Programming. He also produced the low budget feature film uMalusi, which was released by Ster Kinekor in March 2009. His second feature, A Small Town Called Descent enjoyed its world premiere at the 31st Durban International Film Festival, and won the Founders' Award for Narrative Feature at the Pan African Film Festival.201

Says Peter Machen, newly appointed manager of the Durban International Film Festival: “We are extremely happy to be opening DIFF 2013 with Jahmil's brave and remarkable film. Of Good Report does so much more than simply telling a South African story – the film redefines the local filmmaking landscape and extends the language of African filmmaking while acknowledging the rich history of global cinema”.

The Durban International Film Festival takes place from July 18 – 28, 2013. The Festival includes 170 theatrical screenings, a full seminar/workshop programme as well as the Wavescape Film Festival and industry initiatives: the 6th Talent Campus Durban (in cooperation with the Berlin Talent Campus) and the 4th Durban FilmMart (the co-production market in partnership with the Durban Film Office), with the Wild Talk Africa Festival taking place in the city from July 23 to 26. For more information go to www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za

The 34th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) with support by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.

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Durban FilmMart - Selected Projects Announced

Durban, South Africa: Eighteen projects by African filmmakers have been selected for the finance forum of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place from July 19 to 22 during the 34th Durban International Film Festival (July 18 to 28).

The Durban FilmMart, which is a co-production, finance market, and filmmakers networking event, is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). The event, an important event on the South African film calendar, is an opportunity for filmmakers, financiers and top film experts to gather and share expertize, explore new ventures and keep up to date with industry trends.

The finance forum of the DFM provides filmmakers from across Africa an opportunity to pitch their projects to international financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers, as well as meet experts in master classes, attend meetings and engage with industry professionals. 

“The Durban FilmMart, which attracted around 350 delegates last year, is now firmly established as a prominent project development and finance forum on the continent,” said Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office, who is currently at Cannes to promote the DFM. “ We are pleased that the filmmakers are now looking to this market as a valuable step in the development of their projects.”

A total of 113 submissions, comprising 31 documentaries and 82 features were received, out of which eight documentaries and 10 fiction projects were selected. A Reader Panel of African and international film professionals assessed these projects and made the selection based on a number of standard criteria. The directors and producers of these projects will have one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers at the Finance Forum. 

“Making film is not simple process. Months and years of planning go into developing concepts and projects. The DFM allows filmmakers an opportunity to unpack and investigate financing possibilities for their projects and it can provide the momentum to shift projects to the next level.” says Peter Machen, the manager of the DIFF. “We look forward to seeing how the DFM paves the way for further opportunities for these African filmmakers.” 

Selected Documentaries

Blindness (South Africa): Directed by Sarah Ping Nie Jones and produced by Jean Meeran  

Behind the Falls (South Africa): Directed by Rowan Pybus and produced by  Sydelle Willow Smith

Miners Shot Down (South Africa): Directed/Produced by Rehad Desai, produced/written and co-directd by Anita Khanna and produced by Brian Tilley 

Not Just a Stripper (South Africa): Directed and produced by Izette Mostert 

GTI – Paradise in Hell (Rwanda): Directed and produced by Yves Montand 

Searching for Janitou (Algeria): Directed by Mohamed el Amine Hattou and produced by Anusha Nandakumar and co-produced by Claire Mazeau-Karoum 

Unearthed (South Africa): Directed and produced by Jolynn Minnaar

We Want Development (Kenya): Directed by Phillipa Ndisi-Hermann and produced by Atieno Odenyo 

Selected Fiction Projects

Andani and the Mechanic (South Africa): Directed and produced by Sara Blecher 

Black Sunshine (Ghana): Directed by Akosua Adoma Owusu and co-produced by Julio Chavezmontes and Angele Diabang

Five Fingers for Marseilles (South Africa): Directed and produced by Michael Matthews and written and produced by Sean Drummond 

Free the Town (Kenya): Directed by Nikyatu Jusu and produced by Vincho Nchogu 

Life More or Less (Nigeria): Directed by Julius Morno and produced by Kinsley Madueke 

Njangi- Fifty Fifty (Cameroon): Directed and produced by Victor Viyuoh 

Sea Monster (South Africa): Directed by Anthony Silverston and co-produced by  Stuart Forrest and Mike Buckland 

Solidarity (Zambia): Directed by Rungano Nyoni and produced by Juliette Grandmont 

The Bill (South Africa): Directed by Nosipho Dumisa and produced by Travis Taute 

Whiplash (South Africa): Directed by Meg Rickards and produced by Jacky Lourens 

The 4th edition of the Durban FilmMart takes place from 19-22 July 2013, during the 34th edition of the DIFF (18-28 July 2012).  Filmmakers who did not submit projects for official selection can still register as delegates for the event and enjoy the expert panels, master classes and networking opportunities. Registration will officially open on June 6, 2013. For more information or to register go to www.durbanfilmmart.com

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African Renaissance Youth Conference

The Elangeni Hotel: Tues May 21

IgniteSA.com in association with the African Renaissance Trust, is hosting a one day youth oriented conference “The Future Speaks” in Durban at the Elangeni Hotel on Tuesday 21 May 2013 focused around the themes of Developing Knowledge, Opportunities and Sustainable Leadership Today.

The festival delegates and speakers will debate and examine broad issues relating to re-defining and re-building the African continent through access to and the development of  the continents own rich, economic, infrastructure, civic and political resources.  There are four components to the festival - starting with the Youth Conference, followed by the main Conference which takes place on May 23 and 24; a Gala Banquet on May 24 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre,  and the Africa Day Concert at the ICC Arena on May 25.

The Youth Conference features an outstanding line-up of speakers who will speak on matters of relevance to young and aspirant scholars, graduates, professionals and entrepreneurs.

The programme features prominent speakers including: 

Bonnke Shipalana – CEO of The Communications Firm, Inspirational Speaker and the Programme Director

Vusi Thembekwayo – The Rockstar of Public Speaking!

Napo Ramodibedi – MD of Mendi Maritime Services and Mendi Rail and Engineering

Eleanor Potter – GM: Branded Retail Channel MTN  

Vuyisa Qabaka – CEO of Abaphumeleli Business Consultants and Non Executive Director of SABEF

Ryan McFadyen – MD of Have You Heard Marketing

Mweli Ndaba – Manager: Corporate Finance Advisory Deloitte

Olivier Barbeau – Managing Partner: Moore Stephens

Also attending the conference will be The Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the African Renaissance, Prof Sihawu Ngubane and the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele.

The IgniteSA.com team will be launching their new brand and digital media platforms on the day and Lynette Ntuli will be presenting an insight on the position and opportunity of youth in South Africa and the continent.

The founding directors of IgniteSA.com are Lynette Ntuli, Lyle Krause; Dax Barker and Marc Rosenberg. They are a collective of young entrepreneurial South Africans, who have worked and become leaders in various industries and their own ventures, but are united in their common love and belief in their country – South Africa.

The team is committed to creating opportunities for youthful entrepreneurs through IgniteSA.com, a value-based movement and mass digital and mobile media platform that aims to mobilise young and established leadership within South Africa towards active citizenry through networking and collective dialogue on socio economic matters, business, leadership, educational and development issues, share relevant and topical information, create empowering initiatives and avail access to key personalities and thought leaders in various industries and organisations.

“We wanted to walk our talk and more importantly, we wanted to make a difference through proactively taking on the challenges and opportunities facing our country and its people,” said Lyle Krause.

“Our vision is to carve a future orientated pipeline of empowered, informed young leaders, aged between 16 and 30 now, who will rise to create opportunities for themselves and for the communities they will come to influence, he continued.

Entry is free and all are welcome. Registration opens at 07:30 until 08:30am and the conference will end at 16h30. For more information, contact Lynette Ntuli and Lyle Krause from IgniteSA.com on 031 562 1582 / 083 311 7643 / 083 657 0178 | F: 086 270 7912 | lynette@ignitesa.com andlyle@ignitesa.com

Local Filmmakers Attend Tribeca Film Festival in New York

​Two Durban filmmakers, Noel Kok of NB Productions and Ntokozo Motloung of Ntozakhe Productions, were recently selected as part of a South African delegation to attend the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The outbound trade mission, organised and funded by the Cape Film Commission, in partnership with the Department and Trade and Industry's SASS scheme, took place from 17 to 28 April and provided these local filmmakers with an opportunity to participate in an exciting programme of meetings and activities coordinated by the Cape Film Commission and the South African Consulate in New York.

The Cape Film Commission's CEO, Denis Lillie commented, “We would like to thank Toni Monty and everyone at the Durban Film Office for their invaluable support to this mission together with the support they gave their local filmmakers. We took the opportunity to create a platform for the 20 SA filmmakers in attendance to showcase their work to 150 representatives of the New York Film community at a special event hosted at the SA Consulate. At this event we also highlighted the prestigious Durban FilmMart and Durban International Film Festival and invited everyone to attend.”

The Tribeca Film Festival’s mission is to help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enabling the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking centre. The Tribeca Film Festival is well-known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors. 

Twenty-eight year old film-maker, Ntokozo Motloung from KwaMashu is currently in production of a documentary called “Why I am a Sangoma” which follows the journey of five young women going through initiation school and leaving their lives behind to become traditional healers, and learning about nature and the environment. 

“It was so magnificent to see the city of New York, it was just as you see it on the big screen,” enthuses Ntokozo, a graduate of the Wildlife Film School. “It was a wonderful experience to have visited so many different locations and to have had the opportunity to network with some of the industry’s biggest financiers and producers, which has helped me enormously in developing my project."

Qhawe Lama Qhawe (Hero of Heroes) is the title of Noel Kok’s current project, a 2D and 3D animated full-length feature film, which will be in isiZulu with English subtitles.

“For decades children around the world have looked up to their superheroes, called their names out in times of need and almost always imagined themselves as one, with super powers, the strength to do right, to protect society and the world and the physical strength to fight evil and villains. In South Africa and Africa our children continue to live by ideals set by Hollywood and the United States - believing in a superhero living a life so distant from their own.” says Kok. “So we have set out to make a film which speaks to this – our own African superheroes.” 

“The experience of being at Tribeca felt very similar to the Durban International Film Festival and the Durban FilmMart with famous stars attached. “says Glenwood-based Kok. “Being there enabled me to further develop my project, and has helped to clarify the global stage, as well clearly spelling out what I need in order to operate in this space.”

“We are really pleased that these local filmmakers were given an opportunity to join the South African delegation to attend Tribeca, and applaud the Cape Film Commission for putting the initiative together.” says Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. 

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Local Filmmaker's Short for Durban International Film Festival and National Arts Festival

A Shot at the Big Time, a short film by award-winning Durban film-maker, Janet van Eeden, has been selected for the Durban International Film Festival and will be the screened as part of a Think!Fest panel on the Legacy of Apartheid Conference during the National Arts Festival this July.

The film, inspired by the story of van Eeden’s brother, Jimmy, who died on the border three days after arriving in 1979, during the Apartheid Border Wars, is directed by Australian based Stephen de Villiers, produced by Janet van Eeden and London-basedMagda M. Olchawska, with Durban-based director of photography, Luke Pallett. Original songs have been written by Jonathan Handley, of the eighties Radio Rats fame, while the score has been composed by John McGuiness.

Van Eeden is Production Course Coordinator and Screenwriting lecturer at AFDA in Durban She’s written and produced many stage plays. She wrote the script for the internationally-acclaimed White Lion (2010).  She says that it has taken nine years to write the poignant story inspired by her brother’s death. The short was produced as a promo for the full length feature, in the hopes of attracting further funds.

The film, which was shot on location in Pietermaritzburg and surrounds, features Sean C. Michael from Cape Town, as Staff Sergeant Van Staden, AFDA graduate Brad Backhouse as Jimmy, the small-town rock star with a big time future, who is drafted into the army, celebrated actor, Tim Wells, who plays the role of Corporal Wiese. UKZN Drama student, TQ Zondi, plays the role of Petrus, Jimmy’s friend. Others in the cast include Caitlin Harrison as Jess, Cade White as young Jimmy, Livvy Henning as young Jess and Mapumelelo Maphumulo as young Petrus.

“After many years of trying to find the right producer to make this film in the way that would pay tribute to my brother and others who died needlessly in this war, I decided to take the reins into my own hands and produce this film myself,” explains van Eeden.

Inspired by Peter Broderick, a US crowd-funding expert who spoke at the Durban Film Mart two years ago, she launched her own crowd-funding campaign on IndieGoGo.com on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 2011, Remembrance Day, in honour of all those fallen in war.

“It was at a time of personal turmoil for me and I wasn’t too sure I knew what I was doing, but I posted a Youtube clip of a song written especially for A Shot at the Big Time by musician friend, Jonathan Handley and put it up alongside the, by now, well-honed treatment of the film.”

“I had no idea of the response this film would receive, but within hours, the story touched a chord in so many hearts of people around the world. Not only were people donating money, they were also donating skills. This was a true labour of love with a string of people volunteering including the full cast, a team of Media Honours students from UZKN under the guidance of Navikiran Babulai and Karel Schmidt who created the EPK, graphics design company, Visual Graphics, based in Australia who designed the poster, publicist Sharlene Versfeld, photographer Val Adamson, wardrobe mistress Kirsty Geldart-Mitchell and first assistant director Stuart Nixon.”

“Money came from the most unexpected sources, and although we didn’t raise a huge amount, it captured the imagination of these amazing people.  It was then I knew that this film had universal appeal and just had to be made.” she says.

Three months of concentrated pre-production went into the making of this demanding short, due to the military nature of the film. There had to be intense attention to detail in the military scenes and van Eeden was able to secure the services of Sergeant Major Mike Bond from the Natal Carbineers Unit in Pietermaritzburg who gave the crew access to military weapons and uniforms and ensured that every single detail on each of the thirteen military uniforms was 100% accurate.

Last year, the feature film project was selected for the Durban FilmMart and this year the short will be screened at the Durban International Film Festival (July 18 - 28), which attracts a significant number of industry guests and an audience of close to 32 000.

Van Eeden will be speaking on a panel at the Legacy of Apartheid Conference at the National Arts Festival in July where the film will be screened. “I will be drawing on my own experience as a sister of a young man who lost his life as a result of the mental anguish he underwent as a victim of conscription. I will also reveal the very tough road I undertook to tell this story, which I might add, was met with some frightening resistance from unknown entities in cyberspace, determine to deny that this kind of thing ever actually happened. This of course has made me even more determined to tell this story, in its full feature form.”

For more information go to www.shotthemovie.com or email janet@janetvaneeden.com.

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AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban to host Open Day on April 6

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban will host another Open Day for prospective students on Saturday, 6 April from 10am to 12noon.

The new campus which opened its doors in February this year, now boasts 63 students in the first year intake and according to the Chairman of AFDA, Garth Holmes, students and academic and administrative staff have settled in superbly to the Durban school.

This Open Day will provide prospective students, parents and guests a greater understanding about the AFDA programme with introductions from the Campus Dean Franco Human and lecturing staff, as well as demonstrations and performances from current first year students. There will also be a screening the AFDA 2013 Oscar Nominated Honours film, Kanyekanye (23 minutes).

The AFDA Durban Campus is situated in Glen Anil, Durban North, and boasts a strong line up of academic staff drawn from the film and live performance industries. Franco Human, an experienced producer and film maker, film-maker Richard Green is Head of the Film School, director, actor and playwright Rajesh Gopie, is Head of the Live Performance School, and scriptwriter and film-maker Janet van Eeden, is production course administrator and script writing lecturer. 

Prospective students can contact Durban-based Marketing Officer, Milena Gevers for more information on milenag@afda.co.zaor call 031 569 2252. For more info about the school go to www.afda.co.za

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David Gouldie's Magic for New Beach Event March 22

City of Durban to host New Beach Dance Extravaganza for BRICS Summit

To celebrate the BRICS summit, the City of Durban will host the New Beach Dance Extravaganza, a free street party at New Beach (the old Dolphinarium site at the bottom of West Street) on Friday, March 22 from 6pm to Midnight.

Staged by one of Durban’s most creative brains, David Gouldie of Urban Edge, the New Beach Dance Extravaganza is styled very much on the lines of last year’s highly successful Jomba City experience at the Skate Park.

This is a family event, which features a main stage with Metro FM Award winners for best group – The Muffins, Afritude, DJ’s and Slam Poets including the inimitable MC Ewok.

To honour the various cultures represented at the BRICS Summit, dancers from the Flatfoot-, Breakthru-, Nateshwa Dance Companies and the Vuka Dancers will perform Brazilian, Russian, Indian, Chinese and South African inspired dances.

Expect to enjoy Tai Chi demonstrations, a drumming circle, live performance art installations, “Art in the Park” arranged by Artspace with live artists exhibiting works as well as graffiti artists being inspired by the five countries represented as they create their work on site.

Durban’s favourite creative market, the I Heart Market will offer creative goods for sale and wholesome fresh food and refreshments.

The event is free to all. Bring picnic blankets or chairs. There is lots of parking at the beachfront and there will be visible security and a strong police presence.

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CHANGE OF DATE - NLDTF Arts and Culture Presentation to the Film Sector at the Centre for Creative Arts, UKZN

Please note change of date for this.​

The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund advertised their call for applications for Arts, Culture and Heritage on 03 February 2013 with the closing date being Friday 12 April 2013.  The Arts, Culture and Heritage division wishes to make equitable distribution across the sectors that fall under their mandate.  Over the years that NLDTF has been in existence, the film sector has been an industry that does not seem to be aware of NLDTF funding.   NLDTF wishes to make a presentation to the sector and make them aware of the trust’s mandate as well as compliance requirements. 

The presentation details will be as follows:

Date: Friday 15 March 2013

Time: 09:00 – 12:00

Venue: Centre for Creative Arts Boardroom, Mazisi Kunene Ave, University of KwaZulu Natal

Contact: 031-2602506

All questions around NLDTF within the sector funding will be handled during the session. 

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AFDA Alumni and Students Shine with 24 Nominations at 2013 SAFTA Awards

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) alumni and students have been nominated for a total of 24 awards in the 2013 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA).

The annual SAFTA awards, which takes place on March 15 and 16, is the premier film and television industry awards under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation. The award's main objectives is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African film and television talent, and encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent in the industry.

“We are hugely proud that 20 of our graduates or alumni have been nominated in various categories, three of our current students have been nominated in the three student categories and one student has been nominated in a professional category.” says a delighted Garth Holmes, Chairman of AFDA.

The Alumni nominations include:

Amanda Lane for Best Director of a TV drama series - 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, 

Richard Lukunku for Best Actor in TV drama series for his role as Phaka in Mshika Shika, 

Xolile Tshabalalala for Best Actress in TV drama series for her role Noma in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls.  

Brent Quinn (who is AFDA’s Head of the Film in Johannesburg) for Best Writing team of a TV drama series for Soul City, 

Tom Marais for Best DOP / Cinematographer of a TV drama series for Soul City, 

Quinn Lubbe  and C.A. Van Aswegen for Best Editor of a TV drama series– Hartland, 

Gerrida Venter for Best Production Design of a drama series for 90 Plein Street, 

Marna Heunis for 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls and Larissa Peters for Zone14.

Leroy Gopal for Best Actor in TV comedy Ses’Top La, 

Best Ensemble in TV comedy – Ses ‘Top La – Black Brain Pictures cc (Luke Rous, Tumi Masemola, Owen Swanson and Mandla Ndimande), 

Greg Heimann and Koen Kriel for Best DOP/Cinematographer of TV soap – The Wild, 

Thomas Gumede for Best Actor in a feature film - Otelo Burning, 

Trevor Calverley for Best Cinematographer of a feature film - Material, 

Jackie Lotz for Best Production of a feature film – Zama Zama, and 

Mia Zwiegers for Best Costume Designer in Zama Zama.

AFDAs 3rd and 4th year crew have also been nominated for best student films these include:

Miklas Manneke, (whose film Kanye Kanye is also up for a student Oscar), Jade Galbraith - AFDA Johannesburg for E-lectricity, 

Rudi Steyn, Martina Della Togna, Gianfranco Human (who is Dean of the new AFDA school in Durban), Sarah Muhoho – AFDA Cape Town for Lyfstraf, and 

Etienne Fourie, Robyn Oetle – AFDA Cape Town for Die Windpomp.

“This brings the AFDA student film nomination tally to 19 out of a possible 21 nominations over the past seven years, which AFDA has won five out of a possible seven times.” says Holmes. “We are all delighted that our student Kyle Stevenson (AFDA Cape Town) has been nominated for Best Short Film in the professional category for There Are No Heroes, a remarkable accolade for this young film-maker. We wish them all well and look forward to the Awards.”

For more information about AFDA contact Mandy Day on 021 448 7600 or mandy@afda.co.za or go on www.afda.co.za.

-ends

The World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition

The World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition: Durban Exhibition Centre

South Africa’s most exciting pet event, The World of Dogs & Cats Pet Exhibition makes a welcome return to the Durban Exhibition Centre from 22 to 24 February.

This much-loved family event, which was first held in Durban in 1996 is packed full of interesting exhibitors as well as fun demonstrations and displays all aimed at encouraging responsible pet ownership. Expect to see a variety of dog and cat breeds as well as pets with a difference such as hedgehogs, lizards, fish, snakes, rats, mice, hamsters, frogs, spiders, iguanas rabbits and birds  and all sorts of other interesting furry-, scaly- and feathery- companions.

There are over 60 exhibitors featuring everything needed to ensure the optimum well-being of one’s pet from nutrition and diet, kennels and bedding, accessories such as toys and games to pet fashions, transportation and health products. Experts in all these areas will be on hand to discuss visitors’ needs and offer advice. Dog and Cat Breeders and clubs will also be on hand to provide helpful information on owning a particular breed, and a number of animal rescue organisations will be on hand to offer advice on adoption. 

Two demonstration arenas will feature events showcasing various dog breeds in a Best of Breed competition including youngsters with their puppies as well as obedience, agility, dog jumping and flyball competitions. There is a nail-biting 60-Pole Weaving Challenge for dogs, a delightful dog-carting display, a Police Dog Display, Dancing with Dogs, an SA Guide Dog Display and a Canine Good Citizen display and the popular canine survivor competition.

For cat-lovers, WODAC is once again delighted to be hosting the 2013 WODAC National Cat Show with many different breeds of felines being featured with only one winner the coveted title of National Winner.

Other highlights include the South African dog-dancing champions - Xandre Dearden with Finn her Border Collie - who will be representing SA at  the International Crufts Dog Show in England in March this year. A Celebrity Challenge which sees local celebs trying their hand at taking dogs around an agility course – to much hilarity and laughter – all for a good cause as all money raised is matched by the organisers and donated to the Wodac sponsored animal charities represented at the show.

The World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition provides an avenue to learn more about different dogs, cats, reptiles and other fascinating creatures and the joys as well as the responsibilities of being a pet-owner.

Tickets prices are R50 for adults and R25 for children under 12, with children under 2 free on the Friday, and over the weekend R60 for adults and R25 for children with under 2's  free. Tickets are available at Computicket and at the door  at the Durban Exhibition Centre. For more information go to www.dogscats.co.za or email dogscats@iafrica.com. Follow on Facebook or Twitter @WODAC.

CODED - A NEW SA FILM BEGINS ITS JOURNEY

This week, Origin, one of Durban’s most popular nite clubs, pumped and oozed as “audio-induced” dancers took to the floor in the promotional film currently being shot in Durban for a new South African sci-fi film, Coded.

Coded is co-directed by award-winning Durban-based film-maker Richard Green and Matt Nefdt. Green well-known for his work on films such as District 9, Spud and more recently with The Long Walk to Freedom is also one of four producers including Gavin Humphrey who wrote the imaginative, other-worldly and techno-trippy script. 

“Coded has three different types of revolution” explains Executive Producer Anthony Stonefield, “A movie storyline describing free citizens revolting against consumerist enslavement, the pioneering usage of wrap-around (3D) audio within a feature film, and, the manner in which the audience will “plug into” the movie—using an internet connection and earphones—and become immersed within its medium.”

“The movie will be brought to audiences where technology first-adopters have already moved: to a private video-on-demand environment on PCs, tablets and smartphones connected to the Internet, in addition to traditional four-wall movie theatres.”

“The story is set in the near future where new subliminal advertising technology has heralded the rise of sinister corporations that carry out mass surveillance on consumers; tracking their every move, collecting, collating and analysing their data. “ explains an upbeat Gavin Humphrey who makes his debut as a scriptwriter on this film. “A subliminal mind-control organisation, is on the forefront of this commercial revolution, using a secretive pattern recognition technology they have created “The Grid”, a network of key social influencers, bloggers, media personalities and event promoters, all tagged with sub-harmonic technology that allows them to be tracked and ultimately controlled. Key to this organisation's master plan is the shifting craze, an underground party scene, where shifters use audio narcotics to achieve altered states. Dayne is a notorious shifter and designer of digital drugs and a key node on the Grid. Plagued by tone deafness and which he feels prevents him from mastering the art of audio design, Dayne isn’t about to be a pawn in anyone’s game.”

“New generations will spend increasing proportions of their lives in ever more immersive, networked and interactive media environments—both seductive and useful.” Says Stonefield. ”This course of human evolution is inevitable.  The critical unknown is to what extent our children will become masters or slaves of such artificial reality.  Whoever controls the Grid controls reality itself.”

“In the real world, this mass social experiment in neurochemistry has already begun.  CODED casts a light on the types of moral and emotional swings and balances that increasingly characterize the live of the internet-worked generation.  It is a reflective movie for a modern generation whose reality is already shattered and up for grabs.”

“Coded is a project we have seen grow from strength to strength over the past few years.” Says Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office. “It is an exciting and innovative new story that is sure to take the SA youth market and the world by storm. I am very proud that this project has been born in Durban by Durban, and cannot wait to experience it on the big screen. This new concept of filmmaking goes hand in hand with the Durban Film Offices objective to establish Durban as a digital innovation hub and will stand testament to the awesome opportunities that new technologies offer to the world of filmmaking. Congratulations to the creative team for their perseverance in bringing this story to life.”

Coded’s promo reel is being shot this week in Durban at two different locations.  Pre-production is scheduled for the second half of 2013 with principal filming taking place around August/September 2013.

For more info go to

http://codedmovie.tumblr.com/

-ends

Award-winning Doccie - Dear Mandela - Theatrical Release

DEAR MANDELA by Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza – Theatrical premiere

The multi-award-winning South African documentary, Dear Mandela has its theatrical release in Cape Town tonight at the Fugard Theatre before being screened at The Bioscope in Johannesburg over the long weekend from December 14 to 19.

This hard-hitting, remarkably vivid and lucid view of South Africa’s first post apartheid generation as they come of age in a nation of unfulfilled promises and increasing government repression of political activists has scooped several awards since its premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in 2011. IThis film directed by Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza has gone on to win the Grand Jury Prize and Best Documentary at 2012 Brooklyn Film Festival, Best Documentary, Montreal int’l Black Film Festival, Golden Butterfly Award, Movies That Matter Film Festival as well as a nomination for the African Academy Award for Best Documentary.

For more info about the screenings or to book go to www.thebioscope.co.za or call 011-0397306.  For more info about the film go to www.dearmandela.com.

Brand New isiZulu Radio Station Goes Live on Nov 22

VUMA 103 FM: IKHAYA LENTOKOZO – THE HOME OF HAPPINESS!

A brand new, authentically isiZulu, 24 hour commercial music radio station, Vuma 103 FM, featuring both inspirational and gospel music and an incredible host of KZN presenters, will go commercially live on November 22. With a large broadcast footprint extending across Greater Durban, Pietermaritzburg and surrounds, this exciting new entrant onto the KZN radio airwaves is set to surprise, delight, entertain and inspire listeners with its uplifting, unique and celebratory brand of radio. With music, listener-interaction, entertainment, news, weather, traffic and sports, Vuma 103 FM will be a compelling new radio-listening alternative for the proud people of KZN.   

VUMA 103 FM is poised to attract listeners who resonate with its inspirational brand of music and content, lifestyle, family and celebration, companionship and general wholesome values which so many in KZN embrace and live by. Vuma’s authentic isiZulu grounding will enhance its appeal to those who are proud of their isiZulu culture, language, heritage and status. “VUMA’s mandate is unique in KZN,” says Station Manager Phindi Gule. “We will be broadcasting in 90%  authentic isiZulu and 10% English (never Zunglish), as for a long time there has been a strong indication that an isiZulu renaissance is underway in our Province, and so we have chosen to use authentic language geared to engender a sense of pride and identity within our communities.” 

While VUMA 103 FM’s content will consist of 70% music on its airwaves, aimed at really keeping listeners entertained and close to their radios throughout the day, listeners can also expect to be kept updated and informed on hot topics and current talking points. “VUMA is a sophisticated, positive, inspired, adult, contemporary music radio station,” says Chief Operating Officer, Nolan Vernon. “The presenters, some of whom are well-known through the wonderful legacy of KNI radio, and also through other community and commercial radio networks, as well as others whom will come as a delightful surprise to our listeners, have been hand-picked to appeal to a wide range of people within the context of our values and vision. Our presenters themselves are reflective of who we are as a radio station, and what we stand for in terms of our positive values, and strong sense of upliftment, within the realm of KZN.”

The station’s main shareholders are KNI and One Gospel TV Channel, who came together nearly three years ago with a vision for a new, inspired radio brand for KZN. The music lists will be drawn from popular inspirational and Gospel music, both local and international. Week days and Saturdays will be committed to a variety of shows packed with music, interesting information, news, sports, current affairs and interactive talk shows; and Sundays will be devoted to inspirational song and praise. 

‘The birth of Vuma 103 FM is the beginning of a new chapter that is being co-written by KNI and One Gospel” says Reverend Abe Sibiya, Executive Chairperson of Vuma 103 FM and of One Gospel TV, “It is a chapter that we look forward to and embrace with great excitement as we embark on what promises to be a most meaningful journey ahead, both for those within the station, with old friends, listeners and companions from KNI, and also for our new listeners across the Province.”

‘Our vision for Vuma is that it will be a station of joy, strength and comfort for all,” says Siziwe Chili, board member of both Vuma 103 FM, as well as KNI. “The station embodies the vision of a dedicated collective of people who all have a desire to create a cohesive, meaningful community within KZN through a common interest in inspirational messaging and values. We look forward to seeing the positive impact we will have on the lives of so many people.”

VUMA 103 FM has attracted some top presenters who are already well established and well-loved on the air waves.” Senzo Myeni and Siya Malinga are both on board,” says Gule.  “We also want to appeal to the ladies and make sure that women’s issues are addressed and debated, and to this end we also welcome Sister Kay, Leleti Khumalo and Phindile Kweyama. One of our sports presenters is Nomfundo Khaba, who has a fervent taste for boxing and soccer as well as a passionate array of other sports interests too. She certainly breaks the mould!” 

Others in the line up include personal trainer and sports fanatic Mike Nzimande, the cool sophisticated Thabani Mbatha, the colourful and entertaining Felix Hlope with his wise cracks and witty observations, and actor Sthembiso Sibisi who loves both arts and sports. One can also enjoy the suave tones of Dumisane Buthelezi, news and views from Phumlani Nkwanyana, late night chats with Protus Mkhize and  sweet open-hearted conversations with Ndoni Radebe.  Completing the line up is Nhlanhla Makhanya and Thabo Mzimela; with a wealth of experience behind them to make the listeners feel at home. 

Located in the easily-accessible precinct of Umhlanga New Town Centre, just opposite Gateway, VUMA 103 FM’s station boasts beautiful premises with state of the art studios and equipment, and the first and latest broadcasting software of its kind in the country. The professional setup will assist the on-air teams and presenters in delivering slick, engaging and super-sonic music and programmes geared to appeal to listeners across the KZN region. 

The Vuma 103 FM creative team also has a whole range of unexpected and exciting concepts in store for listeners too. “We are keen to break new ground with VUMA and offer an unusual mix of programmes that caters to the diverse taste of our listeners,” explains Gule. “For instance, we will introduce a short morning session with a well-known imbongi to get the day started in a positive and uplifting way.  We also plan to be out and about and visible at key events, whether they are sports or cultural events, family occasions, or celebrations, so that people can meet us and get to know us. We believe in a healthy, grounded life style; with the emphasis on what is wholesome and fresh without us being pushy or high-handed. Vuma will use the airwaves responsibly and gather in the flock of listeners who believe in family values, joyous entertainment and positivity.” 

“Our listeners are people who are always looking for reasons to feel motivated and inspired,” adds Vernon, “people who see themselves as influencers and who are passionate about their lives, who will subscribe to having a personal, meaningful listener-relationship with Vuma 103 FM. We are really a radio station which is “For the people of KZN, By the people of KZN.” 

With a solid foundation of listener-support already in place within KZN, as a result of the inspired broadcasting of KNI Community Radio over the past decade, Vuma 103 FM is in a privileged place. “Most people or organisations, who aspire to build something for a positive purpose, spend their entire existence striving to create a meaningful legacy. In the case of Vuma, we are fortunate to already have our legacy, forged by KNI Radio, and now it is up to Vuma 103 FM to build on that, to honour that, and to take it forwards into a new era of broadcasting!” says Vernon.

Vuma’s geographical reach covers greater Durban, and also extends beyond Pietermaritzburg, encompasses Greytown, Ballito on the North Coast and reaches down to Scottburgh on the South Coast.  

VUMA 103 FM goes commercially live to air on 22 November on the frequency 103 FM. This innovative, fresh, energetic and inspired radio station invites everyone who wants a little light and laughter to enter their lives to tune in, share, and celebrate a new era in radio for KZN.

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Angels' Place - Studios de Cirque - Durban Nov 17

Durban will come alive on November 17 with the amazing performance in the CIty Centre of Angels' Place (Place des Anges) by Studios de Cirque which was last seen in the closing ceremony of the London Olympics.  Starts at 7pm with circus acts by Blue Fire Productions and then at 8pm - Angels' Place. There are ziplines across the city centre from all the high rise buildings around the city hall - and they will be dropping 1,5 tons of feathers over the crowd....should be amazing!