AfriDocs Film Week 18- 22nd July @DIFF2015

AfriDocs Film Week  18- 22nd  July

Sub-Saharan Africa Broadcast Presents:

A WEEK OF AFRICAN STORIES – ON YOUR SCREEN

Following on from the success of 2014’s AfriDocs Film Festival on Your Screen, and once again in conjunction with the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) and DStv channel ED, AfriDocs is excited to present a full week of documentary films broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa on DStv channel ED (channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65).

From the 18th – 22nd of July, AfriDocs brings some of the best of DIFF to screens across Africa with eleven films from the festival to be screened. These films include award winning documentaries - The Shore Break, by Riley Grunenwald (South Africa), The Democrats by Camilla Nielsson (Zimbabwe), Beats of the Antonov by Hajooj Kuka (Sudan) and Coming of Age by Teboho Edkins (Lesotho).

There will also be daily live broadcasts with filmmakers and industry stakeholders from DIFF at 4pm  (Central/South African time), and screenings of documentary films from 5 – 10pm with eight hours of the Best of DIFF on the weekend of the 25th and 26th of July.

With the schedule on these days repeating every six hours, you can catch the live interviews and films three more times following the first broadcast.

This feast of documentary films is not to be missed, make sure to get the full schedule and follow all the updates from AfriDocs as they broadcast live from DIFF: www.facebook.com/AfriDocs , www.afridocs.net

Saturday 18th July

AfriPedia: Kenya | Teddy Goitom, Benjamin Taft, Senay Berhe | Kenya | 2014

‘Afripedia, Kenya’ takes an intimate look at Nairobi’s urban culture scene and its leading personalities and stars.

Miners Shot Down | Rehad Desai | SA | 2013

In August 2012, mineworkers in one of South Africa’s biggest platinum mines began a wildcat strike for better wages. Six days later the police used live ammunition to brutally suppress the strike, killing 34 and injuring many more.

The Future Sound of Mzansi | Lebogang Rasethaba, Nthato Mokgata (Spoek Mathambo) | SA | 2014

Welcome to the apartheid after-party! The film explores the past, present and future of the electronic music scene and its multiple sub-genres – the mission was simple: to meet up with some of their heroes, colleagues, competitors, and co-conspirators…an ever-potent gang of electronic music pioneers sculpting The Future Sound of Mzansi.

A Mother at Fifteen  - 14 min | Malawi | 2015

The Shore Break | Ryley Grunenwald | SA | 2014

Two cousins from South Africa’s Wild Coast have opposing plans to develop their land. Nonhle wants to develop eco-tourism in order to protect her community’s homes, farms, graves and traditional lifestyle while Madiba is planning a titanium mine and national tolled highway. Meanwhile, their King and Queen, who oppose the mine and highway, are deposed by the South African Government.

Sunday 19th July

The Dream of Shahrazad | Francois Verster | Egypt, Lebabon, Turkey | 2014

The Dream of Shahrazad is a feature-length documentary film which locates political expression before, during and after the Egyptian revolution – and also within recent times in Turkey and Lebanon – within a broader historical and cultural framework: that of storytelling and music.  More particularly, it looks at the legacy of the famous collection of stories known as THE 1001 (or “ARABIAN”) NIGHTS.

Gareth’s Story  - 11 min

Beats of the Antonov | Hajooj Kuka | Sudan | 2014

Beats of the Antonov is a feature documentary about the people of the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains in Sudan, during civil war. The film explores how music binds a community together, offering hope and a common identity for refugees engaged in a fierce battle to protect cultural traditions and heritage from those trying to obliterate them.

AfriPedia: Senegal | Teddy Goitom, Benjamin Taft, Senay Berhe | Senegal | 2014 |

Dakar has quickly become one of the most buzzing cities on the continent, infused by a new sense of creativity that cross-pollinates influences across genres and cultures

Shake the Dust | Adam Sjoberg | Global | 2014

From executive producer and rapper Nasir “Nas” Jones and journalist-turned-filmmaker Adam Sjöberg, Shake the Dust chronicles the influence of breakdancing, exploring how it strikes a resonant chord in the slums, favelas and ghettos of the world and far beyond. Showcasing some of the most jaw-dropping breakdancing moves ever committed to film, Shake the Dust is an inspiring tribute to the uplifting power of music and movement.

Monday, 20 July

Afripedia | Teddy Goitom, Benjamin Taft & Senay Berhe | Ghana|  2014

The whispers among connoisseurs talk about Accra as the next big hotspot for African cultural production, and ‘Afripedia, Ghana’ suggest they’re not wrong.

Concerning Violence| Göran Olsson | Africa | 2014

Internationally awarded documentary about the African liberation struggles of the 1960s and 1970s. It combines newly discovered archival material depicting some of the most daring moments in the confrontation with colonial powers. Narrated by Lauryn Hill, with text based on Frantz Fanon’s Wretched of the Earth.

The Democrats | Camilla Nielsson | Zimbawe | 2014

In politically unstable Zimbabwe, a new constitution is being put together by the ruling party of strongman Robert Mugabe and the divided opposition. Various political, local and personal interests are bogging the process down.

Coming of Age | Teboho Edkins | Lesotho | 2015

Coming of Age is a film that follows teenagers over two years as they grow up deep in the southern African mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Lefa, sees her world fall apart when her best friend Senate leaves the village, and must decide whether to stay or leave in search of a better education. Retabile takes care of the family’s livestock up in a remote cattle post, helped by his younger brother Mosaku, who watches as he goes through a rite of passage that marks his transition into manhood. The summer of youth is quickly over, doors into adulthood open and close.

The Cessation | Lotte Manicom | South Africa | 2014

Angola was subject to brutal conflicts that raged for over forty years. Thousands of refugees fled over the borders into neighbouring countries in search of a safe haven. Many came to the coastal city of Cape Town, on the western coast of South Africa. Here, in exile, the Angolan community created thriving businesses and families of their own. Now, twenty years on, this diaspora is facing a new challenge. In 2013, the South African government ended their refugee protection. This short documentary follows three members of this vibrant Angolan diaspora in Cape Town as it maps the impact of this Cessation on their lives.

Tuesday, 21 July

Afripedia | Teddy Goitom, Benjamin Taft & Senay Berhe | Angola|  2014

Welcome to Angola, home of heavy electro music known as kuduro. Follow us across the pulsating city of Luanda as we delve into the kuduro evolution and meet the people charting its course.

Under African Skies Joe Berlinger | South Africa | 2012

Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.

Paths to Freedom | Richard Pakleppa | Namibia | 2015

Paths to Freedom tells of the origins of Namibian nationalism in the 1950’s and how Namibian  peasants and migrant labourers created a guerilla army to fight the illegal occupation of their country by South Africa.  Utilizing extensive archive, struggle music and eye witness accounts Paths to Freedom tells this story of David rising against Goliath against all odds.

The Man in Me – 15 min | Lesotho | 2014

Fonko: New Music from West Africa | Lamin Daniel Jadama,  Lars Lovén | 2014 |

Dakar is the unrivalled centre for the West African hip hop-scene and coupé- décalé is now a major influence all over West Africa. In Burkina Faso the name and speeches of Thomas Sankara is used by musicians to protest against injustices and corruption. In Benin, the veterans of Orchestre Polyrytmo give a historic background to the music scene of today. Narrated by Neneh Cherry.

Wednesday, 22 July

Afripedia | Teddy Goitom, Benjamin Taft & Senay Berhe |South Africa|  2014

Twenty years after liberation, ‘Afripedia, South Africa’ portrays a diverse new generation that is helping redefine the legacy of the post-apartheid Rainbow Nation.

When Voices Meet | Nancy Sutton Smith | South Africa | 2015 | 86 min

When Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison, courageous South African musicians broke through Apartheid’s barriers to form a 500-voice, multiracial children’s choir. Threatened with bombs and thwarted at every turn, they prevailed and railroaded across the country aboard The Peace Train. When Voices Meet documents the trials, tribulations and triumphs of those musician activists and young choir members. They performed together for seven years; never lost touch with one another; and then reunited 20 years later.

Cartoonists: Foot Soldiers of Democracy | Stéphanie Valloatto | France |

12 lovable lunatics, capturing the comic and tragic in all four corners of the earth: cartoonists who risk their lives to defend democracy, with a smile on their faces and a pencil as their only weapon.

Fonko: South Africa/ Nigeria | Lamin Daniel Jadama,  Lars Lovén | 2014

South Africa and Nigeria are two countries with a troubled past, that have today become the economic and cultural super powers of the continent. South Africa is the home to styles like kwaito, SA House and Shangaan electro, which is possibly the fastest club music in the world.

Nigeria is a country of extreme income gaps, deeply rooted corruption and violent religious conflicts. Here you find the most commercial music on the continent. But also fierce protest music, as artists are trying to carry on the work from the late Fela Kuti. one of the most hard-core protest singers of all times.

AfriDocs screens every THURSDAY at 8pm Central African time (GMT + 2) on DStv ED Channel 190 & GoTV across sub-Saharan Africa.

For the full programme schedule and synopses of the films, please go to www.afridocs.net or www.facebook.com/AfriDocs

You can also follow AfriDocs on twitter: @Afri_Docs

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Issued on behalf of Afridocs

Wavescape Surf Film Festival

Media Release

Wavescape Surf Film Festival

To mark a decade of bringing the best surfing films to Durban, the Wavescape Surf Film Festival has announced a record lineup of 23 movies over a week at the 36th Durban International Film Festival, which takes place from July 16 to 26.

Every conceivable film technique and technology is represented in an extraordinary selection of films, according to Spike from Wavescape, co-director of the Wavescape festival. “We have some excellent documentaries, including the hair-raising story of the Signal Hill Speed Run in California that started downhill skateboard racing.”

Wavescape 2015 boasts 12 short films and 11 medium or feature length movies that reflect a unique diversity. A unique trilogy of poetic shorts form a beautiful rendition of surfing in the UK: Sea Fever - and Irish film set to a John Masefield poem and gritty black and white footage; Edges of Sanity - a uniquely powerful piece narrated by Charles Dance who plays Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones; and Chasing Rumours - moving from the clamour of a football match at Newcastle United to the nearby Tyne River where storm waves pound grimy shores.

Included are films from the most remote wildernesses of Alaska (Arctic Swell) and the Arctic Circle (The Cradle of Storms). But from these frozen wastelands and frigid waves we sweep to the translucent tropical waters and reefs of Indonesia in the Mentawai Drone Movie, a short shot entirely by aerial drone.

“Don’t miss the languidly beautiful pace of Bella Vita that takes us to Tuscany as an Italian surfer and activist retraces his ancient roots, or the hard-hitting feminist film Flux: Redefining Women's Surfing that ask serious questions of the surf industry.”

"One of my favourite shorts is Narcose, an artistically rendered account of world apnea free diving champion Guillaume Néry's hallucinations caused by 'raptures of the deep' during one of his dives," says Spike.

There are films about skateboarding in the urban precincts of Cape Town, and keeping within themes of sustainability, two South African shorts about wooden surfboard craftsman. From the epic surfing and slo-mo definition of worldclass surfing in Attractive Distractions, we move to Always on the Road, a beautifully shot film that traces the old surf routes of Europe along the Basque countryside, as well as France and Portugal.

There are obligatory soul surfing movies (I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night, Missing, Rail to Rail and Se7en Signs) to a heady mix of high action surfing that can be found in Missing, Attractive Distractions, Strange Rumblings in Shangri La and Pipeline and Kelly Slater.

And with any selection of surf films, there is the whacky wildcard: Expencive Porno Movie (sic) spoofs the "surf porn” genre, of endless shots of waves and wave-riding, with a cheesy 1960's Austin Powers theme. The widest collection yet hails from locations such as Namibia, Cape Town, Hawaii, California, Indonesia, Portugal, Spain, Alaska, Patagonia, and Australia.

The free outdoor screening at the Bay of Plenty takes place Sunday 19 July.

Ster Kinekor Musgrave screenings are from from Monday, 20 July to Saturday, 25 July.

Films are R35 at Musgrave. 

See www.wavescapefestival.com and www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

 Tickets for Musgrave available from www.sterkinekor.com

Social Media

facebook.com/WavescapeSA

facebook.com/WavescapeFestival

Twitter @WavescapeSA

Instagram @WavescapeSA

#WavescapeFestival

#DIFF2015

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36th Durban International Film Festival - Programme Announced

36th DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 16-26 JULY 2015 - PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

This July sees the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) return for its 36th year of cinematic celebration. From 16 to 26 July, the city will be illuminated by the wonder and diversity of global cinema, with over 200 screenings in 9 venues across the city. Alongside this selection of the best of contemporary cinema, including 74 feature films, 50 documentaries, 74 short films and 23 surf films, the festival offers an extensive workshop and seminar programme in which industry experts from around the world share their knowledge and skills.

This year's diverse line-up includes an expanded focus on African cinema with a selection of Africa’s Lost Classics and a showcase of this year’s FESPACO winners. Other focus areas include a cross-section of contemporary cinema from Brazil and an investigation into the filmmaking landscape of a changing Tunisia, as well DIFF Beat, which celebrates a number of music-based films, and Just One Earth, which presents a selection of environmentally- and sustainability themed titles. In addition to the generous selection of feature films and cutting edge documentaries, DIFF 2015 will screen 10 packages of short films and a selection of thrilling surf films in the Wavescape Surf Film Festival.

South African Focus

While DIFF is a vital showcase for the ever-expanding African film industry, South African film remains the festival’s key focus, with 14 feature and 13 documentary films and 30 short films – most of them receiving their world premieres on Durban screens.

This year’s opening night film see the African premiere of Ayanda, the second fiction feature film from South African filmmaker Sara Blecher who opened the festival in 2011 with Otelo Burning. Ayanda tells the story of single-minded 21-year-old Afro-hipster Ayanda (Fulu Mugovhani) who has a talent for taking neglected pieces of furniture and bringing them back to life. Eight years after her father’s death, his prized auto repair garage is in financial trouble and in danger of being sold, but Ayanda does everything in her power to hold onto his legacy.

Then there’s Breathe – Umphefumlo, the Isango Ensemble’s contemporary adaptation of Puccini’s La Boheme, the low-budget horror The Actor from Aiden Whytock, the politically inclined Bonnie-and-Clyde tale Impunity from Jyoti Mistry and the long awaited Necktie Youth from Sibs Shongwe-Le Mer. Other South African fiction feature films include Dis Ek, Anna, based on the famous Afrikaans novel and directed by Sara Blecher, and the dramatic thriller Lady Grey from Alain Chouquart.

South African documentaries include Blood Lions, which follows a South African conservationist and an American hunter on their journey through the lion hunting industry, Coming of Age, which follows the lives of two teenagers in Lesotho, Glory Game – The Joost van der Westhuizen Story, which chronicles the famous rugby player’s battle with Motor Neuron Disease, and The Shore Break which documents the attempts by a foreign mining company to mine titanium in the Eastern Cape. 

African Focus

The rich programme of films from elsewhere on the continent includes a number of strong directorial talents. From South Africa’s Mpumelelo Mcata comes the challenging documentary-hybrid Black President. Philippe Lacôte’s Run is a left-field masterpiece from Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda delivers the goods with The Boda Boda Thieves, the latest title from vivacious creative co-operative Yes! That’s Us.

African documentaries include the powerful Beats of the Antonov which portrays the musical lives of a war-torn community in Sudan, the remarkable Sembene! which documents the life and career of African master Ousmane Sembene and Paths to Freedom, which explores the genesis of Namibia's armed struggle against South Africa.

Africa’s Lost Classics is a selection providing a rare opportunity for viewers to catch some of the most powerful and idiosyncratic works from the continent’s rich film history. The selection comprises the previously lost masterpiece Come Back, Africa, the seminal Mapantsula from Oliver Schmitz and The Blue Eyes of Yonta by pioneering Guinea-Bissau filmmaker Flora Gomes, as well as Badou Boy and Touki Bouki, both from African master Djibril Diop Mambety.

FESPACO Stallions

In a special tribute to African cinema, DIFF 2015 features six winners from the 2015 edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, or FESPACO. These include amongst others Fevers, which tells the story of Benjamin, who moves in with his father and grandparents in a Paris suburb in order to avoid foster-care. Sékou Traoré’s feature debut film The Eye of the Cyclone, a psychological drama about a young lawyer who has been appointed a case that no one else wants, and Rehad Desai’s Miners Shot Down which returns to DIFF after being celebrated at FESPACO this year.

WORLD CINEMA

Following its rich tradition of world cinema, DIFF 2015 presents a diverse showcase of films from around the world. 1000 Rupee Note from India tells the story of a poor old widow named Budhi who receives a gift of several 1000 Rupee notes from a politician. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night bills itself as the first Iranian Vampire Western, while Dealer, from France, documents 24 hours in the increasingly hellish life of a small time drug dealer. Bob And The Trees tells the story of Bob, a 50-year-old logger in rural Massachusetts with a soft spot for golf and gangster rap. Jean-Jacques Annaud’s visually spectacular film Wolf Totem from France and China, Roger Allers’s animation of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, Gregg Araki’s dramatic thriller White Bird in a Blizzard, Kim Farrant’s uneasy drama Strangerland set in Australia, and Chinese director Zhang Yimou’s drama romance, Coming Home contribute to the richly textured programme this year.

Documentaries

This year’s festival will once more play host to a sterling selection of documentaries from around the world. The American Film (Dis)Honesty – The Truth About Lies explores the complex impact dishonesty has on our lives and our societies. Cartoonists: Foot Soldiers of Democracy, from France, tells the story of 12 cartoonists and their fight for equality, accountability and transparency. Democrats, from Denmark, tells the unique story of the political elite in Zimbabwe fighting the battle over the principles defining the country's possible future. Foodies, from Sweden, follows five of the world's most renowned foodies on their hunt for the most exclusive nourishment in the world, while Taxi, from banned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, takes us on a vibrant and colourful journey through the streets of Tehran. This year will also screen Joshua Oppenheimer highly acclaimed follow up to his Academy Award Nominated documentary The Act of Killing, his second film The Look of Silence sees a family that survives the genocide in Indonesia confronts the men who killed one of their brothers.

Brazilian Focus

Like South Africa, Brazil is a country defined by glaring inequality and cultural polarity. It also has a rich culture of cinema and a remarkably diverse national canon. Offering a window on to this complex and diverse country, Brazilian Vision presents a wide range of films from different regions in Brazil, providing an incisive overview of its considerable cinematic output. From the north-east state of Pernambuco comes two celebrated feature films: The History of Eternity by Camilo Cavalcanti and the moving Brazilian Dream, an opera movie depicting the Brazilian economic crisis. From the capital Brasília comes White Out, Black In, which portrays a country longing for transformation, while The Ballad of Poor Jean deals with the huge social divide between rich and poor in the country.

Tunisian Focus

The explosion of free speech that followed the Tunisian revolution in January 2011 gave birth to new cinematographic voices as young filmmakers armed themselves with cameras to express their points of view on a newly emerging society. The selection which are all in Arabic with English subtitles, includes amongst others Néjib Belkadhi Bastard (Bastardo), Kaouther Ben Hania’s Challet Of Tunis (Le Challet De Tunis), Raja Amari’s Tunisian Spring (Printemps Tunisien),, Hamza Ouni’s El Gort and Mohamed Challouf’s Tahar Cheriaa Under the Shadow of the Baobab which documents the undisputed father of Pan-Africanism and founder of film Carthage Film Festival, the first film festival in Africa who deployed all his energy to create the first authentic images of post-colonial Africa enabling African cinema to contribute to the modernization of the continent.

Semaine de la Critique in South Africa

DIFF, with the support of the French Institute of South Africa and Urucu Media, presents a traveling programme of La Semaine de la Critique (Critics’ Week) of Cannes Film Festival which will launch in Durban before travelling to Cape Town and Johannesburg. Featured films include amongst others Hope, Boris Lojkine’s takes on migration from Africa to Europe, You and the Night, an erotic-existential-queer comedy from Yann Gonzalez.  As well as these screenings, La Semaine de la Critique in South Africa features a master class with visiting filmmaker Boris Lojkine in Durban and filmmaker round tables in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

DIFF BEAT

With DIFF Beat, the festival pays tribute to musical freethinkers and rule-breakers. Filmmaker Adam Sjöberg and rap superstar Nasir ‘Nas’ Jones explore breakdancing and hip-hop in unlikely places in the film Shake the Dust. Tango Negro: The African Roots of Tango intersperses dance and musical performances with interviews with tango-lovers and experts, while Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck blends Cobain’s personal archive with touching interviews with his family. Imagine Waking up Tomorrow and All Music Has Disappeared comes from cult musician/art terrorist Bill Drummond, and When Voices Meet tells the story of therapist Sharon Katz and singer/educator Nonhlanhla Wanda’s 500-voice multiracial choir.

Just One Earth

Just One Earth offers a selection of films that promote sustainable living and raise awareness about the ecological threats we are facing. All the Time in the World tells the story of Canadian filmmaker Suzanne Crocker and her family who decide to take time out from their lives and relocate to the wilds. In Energised filmmaker Hubert Canaval explores how profit-driven efforts ensure that both alternative energy solutions and the threats to our existence posed by today’s main sources of energy remain largely unknown to the public. In Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story, filmmaker Grant Baldwin and producer/writer Jen Rustemeyer explore why nearly 50% of the food produced in Canada ends up in the trash. Finally, the extraordinary Virunga tells of a group of park-rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo who have devoted their lives to saving the gorillas in Virunga National Park.

Wavescape Surf Film Festival

The 10th Wavescape Surf Festival at DIFF celebrates a decade of films and events around ocean sustainability and beach culture. From Sunday 19 to Saturday 25 July, Wavescape will showcase the latest surf films from around the world. In keeping with tradition, the Wavescape premiere will take place under the stars at the Bay of Plenty lawns on Sunday 19 July, followed by screenings at Ster Kinekor Musgrave until 25 July.

Talents Durban

The 8th Talents Durban will bring together 40 selected filmmakers from 10 different countries in Africa, chosen from over 200 submissions, who will take part in a series of masterclasses, workshops and industry networking opportunities during the festival. Supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Goethe Institute SA, German Embassy in South Africa and Gauteng Film Commission, Talents Durban is presented in co-operation with Berlinale Talents. Talents Durban is a platform for African filmmakers to enhance their skills, develop collaborations and interface with the film industry in Africa and beyond.

Durban FilmMart

Now in its 6th year, the Durban FilmMart, a partnership project with the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival, is a film finance and co-production market presented in three strands – Finance Forum, Master Classes and the Africa in Focus seminars. 19 selected African projects (10 fiction features and 9 documentaries) will have an opportunity to hold one-on-one meetings with potential financiers, co-producers, and distributors in the Finance Forum. Projects will also have an opportunity to pitch to a panel of international commissioning editors and financiers in the African Pitch, a pitching forum of the DFM. See www.durbanfilmmart.com for further details.

Ticketing

DIFF 2015’s principal screening venues are Suncoast CineCentre, Ster Kinekor Musgrave, Cinema Nouveau Gateway, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu and the Tsogo Sun Elangeni Hotel. Other venues include the Bay of Plenty Lawns, the KZNSA Gallery, the Denis Hurley Centre, Sizakala Centre in Clermont, the Durban Music School and the Luthuli Museum on the North Coast. The festival hub is once more housed at the Tsogo Sun Elangeni Hotel.

Tickets should be acquired through the respective venues. Prices range from R20 to R40, except at Luthuli Museum, Ekhaya, Elangeni Hotel, the Denis Hurley Centre, Sizakala Centre in Clermont, the Durban Music School and Bay of Plenty lawns, which are free of charge.

Programme booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films are available free at screening venues and other public information outlets. Full festival details can also be found on www.durbanfilmfest.co.za or by calling 031 260 2506 or 031 260 1816.

The 36th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (a special project of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Humanities, Cheryl Potgieter) with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

Durban FilmMart to host leading Financiers, Producers and Broadcasters for its Sixth Edition

Media Release

Durban FilmMart to host leading Financiers, Producers and Broadcasters for its sixth edition July 17 – 20, 2015

Durban, South Africa: The Durban FilmMart (DFM), the co-production forum of Durban Film Office (DFO), the film industry development programme of the city and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), Africa’s premier film festival will host leading industry financiers, producers and commissioning editors at its sixth edition  from July 17 – 20, 2015.

The DFM, now in it’s 6th year, is Africa’s leading finance and co-production market, and networking event, which includes a finance forum, master classes, an Africa in Focus workshop and seminar programme in conjunction with the DIFF for industry delegates,  and numerous networking functions.

“Film-makers from Africa and across the globe enjoy the opportunity that the DFM creates to connect with others in the industry to share contacts, knowledge and creative ideas.” says Toni Monty, of the Durban Film Office. “Filmmakers take full advantage of the various networking sessions and social engagements in between sessions to connect with financiers, producers, commissioning editors as well as distributors and the myriad creative filmmakers that attend.”

“Our main objective is to help people connect and develop networks and partnerships with others in the industry, especially those from across Africa.” says Toni Monty of the DFO. “We see how African filmmakers have developed strong relationships over the years and through various collaborative efforts we are starting to see an interesting growth in the industry. .”

This year some top-drawer industry professionals will be in attendance to meet the filmmakers of the pre-selected film projects in the Finance Forum. Durban FilmMart delegates will be able to network with these financiers and other high profile industry guests on over the four days of the DFM.

The line up of producers, commissioning editors and financiers include producer, Alexandra Stone, who heads CMP Film Ltd, a London-based film and television production company. She was worked with top-end filmmakers such as  Bernardo Bertolucci, Terry Gilliam, Jonathan Glazer, Johnny Depp, Phillip Noyce and David Cronenberg, as well as Peter Weir, Euzhan Palcy, Lasse Hallstrom and Steve Kloves.

Cosima Degler producer of unafilm, whose slate of films have been screened at A-festivals around the world including Berlinale, Cannes, Toronto, Locarno, IDFA, San Sebastian, DOKLeipzig, among others them. In 2013 unafilm’s Heli won the award for Best Director in competition in Cannes and in 2014 Bridges of Sarajevo was shown in the Sélection Officielle in Cannes.

Managing Director of Barentsfilms, Ingrid Lill Høgtun, is the Norwegian co-producer for Cylinder Production, for the film "Essential Killing" by Jerzy Skolimowski, a Polish, Norwegian, Irish, Hungarian co-production, which won the Jury´s Special Award and Best Actor in Venice 2010. She is also Executive Producer for the TV-series "Hellfjord" by Tommy Wirkola and others, produced by Tappeluft Pictures.  Based in Oslo, Norway, Barentsfilm produces mainly art house films and documentaries. Among others, the company has produced most of the films of the acclaimed Norwegian director, Knut Erik Jensen.

Jelena Goldbach, producer with ZAK Film Productions,  specialises in European co-productions. In 2014 Jelena produced The Chicken by the up-and coming Bosnian writer/director Una Gunjak, which won the European Film Award for Best Short Film. The Chicken premiered at the 67th Festival de Cannes, in the Semaine de la Critique strand and was the winner of the prestigious Robert Bosch Coproduction Price. In 2010 Jelena founded Wostok, an independent London-based production company that specializes in development, financing and production of international projects with focus on up-and coming talent.

Philipp Hoffman, from Rushlake Media, a company that supports producers, rights holders and institutions marketing their content in the changing landscape of film distribution with its core business is VOD licensing and digital distribution:  Beside the digital distribution, we do the international sales for selected producers with a focus on the African market. Clients include Tom Tykwer’s One fine Day Films and Gravel Road Entertainment Group.

Director of Documentary programming at the Tribeca Film Institute, Jose Rodriguez has been a script/book reader for Overture Films while also working on Tze Chun’s Children of Invention and the documentary Poor Consuelo Conquers the World. The Tribeca Film Institute champions storytellers to be catalysts for change in their communities and around the world. With over $1.5 million USD in annual grants and professional development programs, TFI supports a diverse, exceptional group of filmmakers and media artists, providing them resources needed to fully realise their stories and connect with audiences.

Additional key guests include Afridocs (South Africa), Afrinolly (Nigeria), Arrow Entertainment Inc (Canada), Arte  (France), Barents Film (Norway), BBC StoryVille (UK), Caribbean Tales (Canada), Cinemart (Netherlands), CMP Films (UK), Docubox (Kenya), Doe Eye Media Production Inc (Canada), Endorphine Production (Germany), Goethe Institut (Germany), Gotel Communications Ltd, Hot Docs / Blue Ice (Canada), IDFA (Netherlands), Inner City Films (Canada), Melia Films France (France), Produire au Sud (France), Prospector Films (Canada), Real Livin’ Films Inc (Canada), Rome Cinema Network (Italy), Rush Lake Media (Germany), Sherwood Productions Inc, (Canada), Sisu Productions (Canada), Ste Films (Italy), Sundance Institute (USA),Ten 10 Films (UK), Torpedo Pictures (Canada), Tribeca Film Institute (USA), Triptych Media Inc (Canada), Una Film (Germany), XYZ Films (USA), Zak Films (Germany), ZDF (Germany).

By all accounts Durban FilmMart 2015 is set to offer attending delegates enormous opportunity to build important networks for project development.

Early bird registration closes 27 June 2015. This offers a discounted fee for the DFM as well as an opportunity to be listed in the industry manual, which is used as a reference tool by filmmakers.

For more information or to register for the DFM 2015 go to www.durbanfilmmart.com, or email info@durbanfilmmart.com

-ends

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 with a valuable opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers, and to participate in meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on the 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 SMMEs in the region.  www.durbanfilmoffice.com

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) presents over 250 screenings from different countries and cultures with a special focus on Africa. The festival includes development programmes such as Talents Durban and a rich schedule of workshops. 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

Flatfoot at artSpace

Flatfoot at artSpace

Durban, 22 – 26 June 2015

Durban’s Flatfoot Dance Company invites visual artists and dancers to be part of a unique and innovative residency at artSpace Durban from 22 to 26 June 2015.

The artSpace will be a creative hub for dancers and fine art artists as the week will involve sessions where artists can watch and engage dancers in their daily rehearsals and the programme includes a specific session where dancers will focus on portraiture.

Flatfoot will work in artSpace Durban giving local artists an opportunity to paint, draw and create around the dancers as they rehearse, dance and assemble choreography. Flatfoot dancers will continue with their normal day schedules and open their daily work process. The week will culminate in a final perfomance of Lliane Loot’s recent and beautifully hard-hitting “days like these” on Friday 26 June at 6:30pm. “days like these” is a dance theatre work created by Lliane in collaboration with award winning filmmaker Karen Logan as a visual film and dance feast that looks at modern day storytelling and the politics of history and memory – a deeply moving encounter with contemporary dance. Curator Karen Bradtke will select some of the art works generated over the week to put on display in the gallery at the Friday event.

The cost is R100 per day for each artist and R350 for the week. For the special evening portraiture session on Wednesday, the cost is R100. For the Friday event, the charge is R50.00 (if you have been part of the artist residency, there will be a 50% discount on tickets).

For more information and bookings for the art residency, please contact artSPACE durban: 031 – 312 0793 or email: info@artspace-durban.com

For enquires about the Friday night performance, contact Clare on 082 – 875 6065.

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SPAR Women's 10/5km Results

SPAR Women’s 10/5km

Durban: Sunday 7 June

A controlled Lebogang Phalula running in Transnet colours took the line honours in the SPAR Women’s 10/5km race in Durban in a time of 33.36 in a record field of 17,607 competitors today (June 7).

Defending champion, Phalula was pushed hard by Nolene Conrad, the petite teacher from Vorentoe High School in Johannesburg, who finished only 3 seconds behind her. The duo spent the entire race side by side up until 800m when Phalula stepped up a gear overtaking Conrad and charging to the finish.

At the beginning of race, “the pace seemed to settle down very quickly, but I did feel the pressure of these two today,” said a delighted Phalula pointing at Conrad and third placed, Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora at the press conference.

Leading up to Blue Lagoon, the front runners comprised only four of the elite athletes, with Lebogang’s sister Diana–Lebo marginally in the lead. As they made their way into the Green Hub, Diana-Lebo dropped out of the leading pack.

Making their way onto the promenade alongside the uMgeni River, the defending champ and Conrad made their break from Nyahora and slowly increased their lead on their way back towards the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct.

Nearing the 7km mark, a look of determination came across Conrad who had fallen slightly behind; the 26 year old strode ahead of Phalula and stayed in the lead until the final 1km.

“I just tried to stick with the girls in the first few kilometres,” says Conrad who had been ill prior to the race.  “Then with the last few k’s to go, I just gave it my all and I thought I had it, but then Lebogang came past me with 800 metres to go and that was that. I am happy with how I ran today. It was the first time that I actually contended for the first position and finished so high in the SPAR race. I am grateful for a good run.”

“I would like to say well done to the ladies, especially to Nolene, who was a big competitor today, she was very strong and was aiming for it and well done,” said Lebogang.

“It was a wonderful event, the weather was perfect,” commented Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN. “Building up to the day we had some bad weather predicted but it was perfect. The ladies came out in force. Elite runners have constantly supported this race, and gives our event huge credibility – and it is also wonderful that amateur runners get to run with people they admire.”

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RESULTS OF SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE DURBAN RACE

Durban, South Africa - Results of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge race run at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead Durban on Sunday

Overall Results: 1-Lebogang Phalula 33.36; 2-Nolene Conrad 33.39; 3-Rutendo Nyahora 33.53; 4-Cornelia Joubert 34.04; 5-Christine Kalmer 34.29; 6-Diana-Lebo Phalula 34.48; 7-Rene Kalmer 34.51; 8-Nicole Van Der Merwe 34.52; 9-Irvette 34.56; 10-Tanith Maxwell 35.29

Female Senior: 1-Lebogang Phalula 33.36; 2-Nolene Conrad 33.39; 3-Rutendo Nyahora 33.53.

Female Junior (15-19 Age Group): 8-Nicole Van Der Merwe 34.52; 25-Simonay Weitsz 37.49; 27- Nomcebo Mtshali 38.05;

Female (35-39 Age Group): 10-Tanith Maxwell 35.29; 14- Bulelwa Simae 36.09; 48-Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41:22

Female (40-49 Age Group): 31-Janene Carey 38:39; 38-Karen Sobrino 40:12; 49-Ronel Thomas 41.25

Female (50-59 Age Group): 35-Judy Bird 39:23; 73-Ansie Breytenbach 44.21; 84-Janine Engels 45:33

Female (60+ Age Group): 60-Margie Saunders 43.07; 122-Sonja Laxton 48:46; 139- Sandy Fismer 50:01

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Road Closures for SPAR Women's 10/5km Sunday, June 7

Media Release

Road Closures for SPAR Women’s 10/5km on Sunday, June 7 

Durban’s annual SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race takes place on Sunday, 7 June 2015 at Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead. The race will begin on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and trail through other roads in the area. These roads and link roads will therefore be closed for a few hours to accommodate the race.

The 10km starts at 8am in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue  opposite Durmail and the 5km starts in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue at the Somtseu Road intersection.

On the morning of the race, from 02:00 the intersections that will be closed are as follows.

Intersection of Snell Parade / Athlone Drive

Intersection of Stiebel Place / Lagoon Drive / Blue Lagoon Tunnel

Intersection of Snell Parade / Battery Beach

Intersection of Stiebel Place / Athlone Drive (East & West)

From 03:00

Intersection of Battery Beach / Suncoast Main Entrance traffic circle (heading north)

Intersection of Battery Beach / Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

Intersection of Isaiah Ntshangase / Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (south bound)

From 04:00

Intersection of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue North bound lane closure from KE Masinga to Argyle. (1 lane of traffic to remain open for access to the station and to Argyle Road)

Intersection of Arglye Road on-ramp to Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (north bound)

 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue will re-open at 12:00 and all other main roads will be reopened by 11:00 after the race.

There are recommended areas for parking. Each of these parking areas has their own fee structure and are not contracted to the event. Participants and spectators may park at the International Convention Centre which is undercover parking and the recommended access point is on Bram Fischer Road. Centrum Parking opposite the Durban Exhibition Centre will be available and can be accessed via Samora Machel Street.

The Workshop which provides both open and undercover parking is another option and can be accessed from Samora Machel Street. Suncoast also has parking space and may be accessed from Sandile Thusi then left into Sylvester Ntuli.

Parking is free of charge along the beachfront.

For more information visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like Facebook page SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race, Twitter @SPARLadiesRace and Instagram sportsparkzn.

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Nje and Majozi to perform at SPAR Women's 10/5km finish on June 7

Media Release

NJE AND MAJOZI TO PERFORM AT SPAR WOMEN'S 10/5KM FINISH ON JUNE 7

The reward for all the ladies competing in this year’s SPAR Women’s Race on Sunday 7 June is the live music at the festive finishing area.

The two acts performing are proudly home grown talents. Entertaining a sea of  ladies is the afro, funk, rock band, Nje together with Indie-folk star, Majozi.

Nje, meaning ‘just’ has been hitting the air waves since 2012. Lead by the beautiful vocalist, Portia Malunga Rowling, she performs with bassist Rogan van den Berg, drummer Gary Parker and guitarist Gregan Aherin. The foursome have graced the stage at venues such as Splashy Fen, Smoking Dragon, Live TheVenue, The Winston, The Wavehouse and now will be delighting the crowds at Sahara  Stadium, Kingsmead. With one album under their belt, the afro, funk, rock band will be getting the ladies into the groove, singing their most popular single, Gazi Lami which has been featured on the SA Top 20 Countdown.

Following Nje is local singer, Majozi. The Indie-folk performer claims his music has subtle influences of electro. With his hit single titled ‘The River’ it is apt that he will be performing to a sea of beautiful ladies clad in the pink race t-shirts in the finishing area. Majozi has had the opportunity of opening for huge names such as The Lumineers, Yoav, Zebra and Giraffe, Gangs of Ballet and Matthew Mole.

Ladies running the SPAR Women’s Race are in for a treat after their run, plus there are also over R65 000 in lucky draw prizes to be won including getaways to Springbok Lodge and Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge within the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, near Ladysmith,  Montusi Mountain Lodge in the Amphitheatre of the Drakensberg and Fordoun Hotel and Spa in the Midlands .

For more info visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page.

ENDS

6th Durban FilmMart Delegate Registration opens

Media Release

6th Durban FilmMart Delegate Registration opens

Delegate registration for the Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s premier film finance and co-production forum is now open.

Now in its 6th edition, the DFM, which takes place from July 17 to 20, is a joint project of Durban Film Office, the City’s industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) as an endeavour to raise the visibility of African cinema, stimulate production on the continent, and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers.

“The overall objective of the FilmMart is to support, facilitate and develop the growth of African film content and create viable opportunities for business within the sector to flourish.” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty. “The Mart, promises delegates access to influential experts, broadcasters and financiers in the film industry and creates a space for industry professionals to forge strategic relationships.”

DFM is presented in three strategic pillars: the Finance Forum, Master Classes and Africa in Focus – a programme of workshops, and also offers a series of networking and social sessions with like-minded industry representatives.

Delegates have access to Master classes held with leading industry experts in the areas of concept development, project packaging, co-production development, new media, finance, marketing, distribution, and other themes.

This year’s Master Class in Film Packaging and Finance, is entitled New Film-Making Strategies; from South Africa to Pan-Africa and towards the Global Market. Sponsored by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC), the master class will be presented by leading international film and creative industry specialist and published writer Angus Finney. Finney, comes to the Mart having actively been involved as executive producer on many films including  Neil Armfield’sCandy with Heath Ledger, Roger Michell’s The Mother with Anne Reid and Peter Vaughan and Rose Troche’s The Safety of Objectswith Glenn Close, and others.

"We are really pleased to be able to offer the delegates an opportunity to interact with and learn from someone of the caliber of Finney,” says Vuyo Sokupa, NFVF’s Head of production and Development. “Finney comes with years of academic and field experience in film packaging and finance, the cornerstone of developing a film project, and we believe his session will be incredibly valuable to those attending.”

 “Having such hands on experience adds real value to the experience of the delegates at the DFM, as they will be able to really come to grips with issues involving financing and packaging their projects for wider distribution,” elaborates Jackie Motsepe, Chief Operating Officer of KZNFC.

Finney has spent the past three years working as a risk manager and media advisor for Octopus Media, a division of Octopus Investments, a City of London Fund Manager, and is also Course Director for the Exeter University/London Film School MA in International Film Business. He holds a PHD in Business Strategy from Cass Business School in London, an MA in Film and Journalism from New York University and a BA from Sussex University in International Relations. His training includes working with Creative Skillset, Creative London and the Film Distributors Association, to mention a few. His professional work extends to South Africa, UAE, Ireland and New Zealand in the past five years. 

The DFM’s co-production market, for selected film projects from submissions made, sees roughly ten feature films and ten documentary films selected for mentorship, and presentation to industry experts during this time. Following rigorous meetings and sessions with these experts, projects are awarded a number of relevant grants for further development.

Partners and supporters of the Durban FilmMart 2015 that will be represented in Durban, include International Film Festival Rotterdam's (IFFR) CineMart, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the Berlinale Film Festival, HotDocs - Blue Ice Documentary Film Fund, New Cinema Network Rome, Produire au Sud, Restless Talent Management, French Embassy South Africa, Afrinolly, NFVF, KZNFC, VideoVision Entertainment , Goethe Institute,  Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie the City of Durban and many others.

For registration or for more information view the delegate registration process online at the official website: www.durbanfilmmart.com.  There is an Early Bird registration discount for those booking before June 27, 2015. Fees are R1485 (ZAR) for the 4 day event which includes access to allocated sessions, lunch, access to DFM networking events, entrance into the Durban International Film Festival screenings  (subject to ticket availability), listing in the DFM Industry Manual and access to Masterclasses and Africa in Focus programme. After June 27, fees are R2035.  Daily passes are R605 (but does not include tickets to the DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events.)

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14 May 2015

Caption to photo : Angus Finney

[see attached file: AngusFinney.Photo.jpg] [see attached file: DFM colour image.jpg]

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 with a valuable opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers, and to participate in meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on the 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 SMMEs in the region.  www.durbanfilmoffice.com

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) presents over 250 screenings from different countries and cultures with a special focus on Africa. The festival includes development programmes such as Talent Campus Durban and a rich schedule of workshops. 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

Issued on behalf of DFM by:

Sharlene Versfeld / Ayanda Mabanga

Versfeld & Associates

Sharlene@versfeld.co.za / info@versfeld.co.za

031-8115628

083 326 3235

Independent Filmmaking Workshop for local filmmakers

Independent Filmmaking Workshop for local filmmakers

“Make things happen” is the prominent theme behind a series of skills-based workshops during 2015 aimed at equipping and uplifting emerging filmmakers within the eThekwini Municipality.

The Independent Filmmaking Workshop - which covers the basics of filmmaking, is a joint developmental initiative of the Durban Film Office and the non-profit company, the eThekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA). The workshops take place every month in an endeavour to further develop important skills sets in the local film industry

The next workshop which will be hosted by award-winning author and playwright, Ndaba ka Ngwane,  takes place on Saturday, May 2 from 9am – 4.30pm at the Albany Hotel in Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street), Durban.

Ka Ngwane who wrote directed and produced the multi award winning film uHlanga will unpack the process of breaking down the story concept for a film into the actual screenplay. From concept to screenplay, the workshop will tackle practical filmmaking issues like three act structure, treatment and scene breakdown and writing dialogue.

Ka Ngwane  who has worked extensively in the creative sector in the vernacular, brings a wealth of knowledge to the workshop. His literary works include the award-winning isiZulu novel Mhlaba Sengiyakwazi, which means “I’m Talking from Experience”. He has staged various theatre productions including Rain; After Tears; The Red Rose and Ronnie’s Underwear. His film credits include a short film Sindisiwe, which he wrote, produced and directed in 2007. He also featured in a local series When We Were Black, which aired on SABC 1 in 2007.

All filmmakers from the eThekwini Municipality are welcome to attend.

To book your place or for more information on the workshop contact eThekwini Filmmakers Association Chairperson Andile Buwa via email at efa031@gmail.com , call 072 994 343 or contact Ntuthuzelo Gentse on 084 3086 265.

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Talents Durban

TALENTS DURBAN – START MOTION

In cooperation with Berlinale Talents at the 36th Durban International Film Festival

17 – 21 July 2015

The industry development programme for young film-makers, Talents Durban, in cooperation with Berlinale Talents, will take place from 17 to 21 July as part of the 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which runs from 16 to 26 July. The DIFF reminds participants to apply for the programme before April 13, 2015.

Forty selected participants from all over Africa will be given a chance to forge relationships with their global counterparts in an intensive programme of seminars, hands-on training, workshops and industry networking activities, as well as having access to hundreds of film screenings at the festival..

“The theme of the programme this year is Start-Motion,” says Tiny Mungwe, Project Manager at the DIFF. “At the turn of the 20th century, early filmmakers used stop-motion techniques to bring a sequence of still images to life on screen, astonishing audiences with the fantastical new medium. Throughout the history of film, new technologies have continued to revolutionize the way we make and watch films.”

“The 8th edition of Talents Durban aims to identify the compelling new voices of emerging African filmmakers and invites them to re-invent the approach to making films on the continent.” explains Mungwe. “With this, the idea of Start-Motion is born. It is how we bring together the knowledge of traditional practices, combined with the latest techniques, to create momentum for emerging African filmmakers to harness and use to fuel progress in our global society. Furthermore, the approach highlights changes in the current mode of storytelling in Africa, encouraging filmmakers on the continent to share their stories through their own cultural, economic and political lenses.”

With access to screenings throughout the festival and through participating in conversations with experts from around the world, Talents Durban seeks to boost the already rising flow of current filmmaking in Africa.  The 8th Talents Durban programme will consist of master classes lead by leading experts in filmmaking, panel discussions by the key industry players, networking opportunities with fellow Talents Durban participants and over 600 delegates of the Durban International Film Festival and Durban FilmMart as well numerous project orientated skills development programmes. Combined these elements will set off a chain reaction of perpetual motion in the contemporary African film industry that will continue to expand and thrive.

Applications are now open and deadline for completed application will be 13 April 2015.

To apply online go to: http://www.berlinale-talents.de/bt/ap/select/event/50 or visitwww.durbanfilmfest.co.za

Talents Durban is presented in co-operation with Berlinale Talents and is made possible by the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the German Embassy, the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the Goethe-Institut and the Gauteng Film Commission.

-ends

For more information contact:

Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Tel: +27 31 260 2506/1816

Fax: +27 31 260 3074

Email: talentsdurban@gmail.com

For media enquiries please contact:

Sharlene Versfeld

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235

Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter: sharlvers

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

The Michael Jackson HIStory Show

Media Release

The Michael Jackson History Show

New Production and New South African Star to launch In Durban

One of the world's most loved and critically-acclaimed tribute shows, The Michael Jackson HIStory Show, is set to launch its brand new production Thriller with a 3-week season at Sibaya Casino's Izulu Theatre in Durban KZN, fromMarch 19 to April 6, 2015.

After touring their first two Michael Jackson tributes - HIStory and HIStory II - around the world and throughout South Africa from 2011-2014, promoter Showtime Australia is looking forward to a similarly good reception for Thriller.

Touted as 'an homage to Michael Jackson's greatest piece of work', this new show pays special tribute to Jackson's Thriller album whilst still showcasing all of his biggest and best-loved hits, plus revamped production is set to bring new life to the whole 'concert experience'.

And this time around there is special significance to launching the show in South Africa: the brand new star of the show is none other than Johannesburg local Dantanio who will give his very first public performance of the new show on opening night at Sibaya Casino.

Taking over the coveted role of MJ from US star Kenny Wizz who toured worldwide with the first two productions, Dantanio has big shoes to fill. But show Director Johnny Van Grinsven is more than confident in his new star's ability to 'own' the role.

Born to a gospel family, Dantanio began singing and dancing at the age of nine, developing a vocal repertoire spanning Pop, R `n B, Swing, Jazz and Reggae. Dantanio felt an affinity with Michael Jackson at an early age and his appreciation of Jackson`s dancing evolved into obsessive practice as the taught himself to emulate every detail of the Pop star`s trademark dance style.

"There are thousands of MJ impersonators out there. I literally flew around the world auditioning the best of the best and I was still mostly disappointed. I didn't think we would get there, but then I found Dantanio and I knew he had the look and the talent," says Van Grinsven.

The Michael Jackson HIStory Show presents Thriller is playing at Sibaya Casino's iZulu Theatre from 19 March to 6 April 2015. Tickets from R250 are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers. For more info go towww.mjhistoryshow.com or www.facebook.com/michaeljacksonhistoryshow

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For interviews and photographs contact:

Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

031-8115628

0833263235

Idris Elba Visits AFDA - Durban

Idris Elba Visits AFDA - Durban

With roots in Sierra Leone, it is no surprise that the internationally acclaimed actor, producer and DJ Idris Elba feels right at home when he is on South African soil. The most recently chosen brand ambassador for Oude Meester Brandy is in the country for a few days to attend exclusive events in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Elba's commitment to his craft and his passion for connecting with others, sees him lead the  ‘Mastery in the Making’’ campaign for the Oude Meester brand along with local actor and stand up comedian Siyabonga Radebe.

Elba and Radebe are on tour to showcase and celebrate the talent, skill and pioneering spirit of South Africa’s aspiring creative entrepreneurs.

The two paid a visit to AFDA (the SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban Campus for a short Q & A session with the students last week.

Elba shared his career story and experience with the 100 odd attentive students. He explained that at 19  he joined a community college to study basic Performing Arts for 2 years and with no technical know-how he had to learn to fend for himself in a tough industry. “My friends teased me for doing ballet and wearing tights but I can tell you that those 2 years prepped me for where I am today. (It taught me that) I could fall on my knees, I could fall on my face many times and still get back and try again."

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AFDA Open Day

Media Release

AFDA Open Day November 15, 2014

The AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban Campus will host a Mini Open Day on 15 November 2014 from 10 to 11am at the Glen Anil Campus. Prospective students and their parents are invited to attend and will have the opportunity to learn more about what courses the campus has to offer in film, television or performance.

Boasting world class facilities and complementary staff, AFDA is listed by the Council on Higher Education as one of the top six private universities in South Africa and is world-renowned. Its history dates back to 1994 in Johannesburg with six students and a rented television set. In 20 years, AFDA has grown to become amongst the finest of its kind with three fully equipped and functioning campuses. The school has a unique learning system that provides students with authentic undergraduate and postgraduate learning environments that are relevant to career opportunities both locally and international.

The Durban Campus opened its doors in 2013 with 63 students enrolled, in 2014 the number has multiplied to 130 students. Courses offered are fully accredited Undergraduate degrees with 22 different specializations across three schools which are Film, Television and Performance.

In the Mini Open Day presentation, prospective students will receive clear details regarding courses on offer and opportunities, they will be able to watch a short film and tour the campus and mingle with students. For those 2015 prospective applicants interested, appointment slots with an AFDA staff to discuss the course futher will take place on the same day however booking in advance is advised. Learners that are currently in matric, have finished school or in grade 11 are welcome to attend with parents.

The campus is located in Glen Anil at 2a Highdale Road. The programme will begin at 10 until 11am with appointment bookings before from 9am and after until 12noon. Interested parties can contact Milena Gevers to confirm their attendance on milenag@afda.co.za or callA

SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), with principal funding from the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, calls out to students to submit poems as part of the 18th POETRY AFRICA Schools Competition.

With its long-standing commitment towards nurturing a culture of reading and writing poetry amongst the youth, Poetry Africa invites primary and high school learners to take up the exciting opportunity of in the festival’s School Poetry Competition. There is no particular topic for the poems and they can be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. Submission must be  no more than two poems per learner, with a maximum length of one A4 page per poem - illegible entries will not be considered.

Poems must either be submitted by hand to the Centre for Creative Arts (Howard College Campus, UKZN), by email to poetryafrica@cca-ukzn.co.za or by fax to (031) 260 3074 by 19 September 2014.

The POETRY AFRICA festival, now in its 18th edition, takes place from 13 to 18 October 2014.

Winners will read their poems on the main stage of the Poetry Africa festival on the evening of 17 October. Prizes will be awarded by Adams Booksellers and the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN).

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 260 2506.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 18th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, Goethe Institut and the French Insitute of South Africa. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter.

Lebogang Phalula races to victory in 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km

Lebogang Phalula races to victory in 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km 

Durban at its best, Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km race today (Sunday) in a time of 33.06.

Crossing the line in tears of joy, the Soweto-based runner collapsed on her knees after winning, completely overwhelmed by her victory.

On a picture perfect warm Spring morning, with a slight breeze, the elite runners started off in a pacey fashion, with race favourite Irvette Van Zyl blazing a trail in the lead and Phalula and Mapaseka Makhanya close behind with Phalula’s twin Diana hot on their heels. But in the end it was Lebogang Phalula taking the honours, and last year’s second place Rutendo Nyahora  shaving off 14 seconds from her time, and Rene Kalmer coming in third position.

Close to the 2km mark Irvette Van Zyl, last year’s winner Mapaseka Makhanya and twin sisters Lebogang and Diana-Lebo Phalula owned the early parts of the race.

Between the 2km and 3km mark, nearing the newly revamped Blue Lagoon, the twins broke away from Van Zyl and Mapaseka. As the duo neared 4km the sisters were still shoulder to shoulder as they approached the Indian Ocean.

The break happened at 6km where Lebogang made her move away from her sister. “I could see she was struggling and she gave me a nod that allowed me to leave her.” said the winning sister, Lebogang.

Coming under the M4 underpass around the 7km mark, running towards the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, Lebogang had a 25m lead on second placed Diana with Kalmer and Nyahora 70m behind in second place.

Rutendo and Kalmer had a cracker of a final few kilometres coming up from their fifth and sixth place. “We worked together slowly reeling in runner after runner. My confidence grew when we overtook Irvette, I knew I could do this!” said a delighted Nyahora at the press conference. I left Rene with 800m to go.”

“It was a nice race, and I felt stronger coming into the finish” said Nyahora, who said she had worked well with Kalmer to ensure they overtook van Zyl .

Rene Kalmer, who conceded the wind especially on the promenade was a hindrance, ran a steady race in fifth position and worked her way up to third position. “My next big event is the Berlin Marathon in 5weeks time so I am in marathon mode. The pace today was fast with a fantastic field competing.”

“I knew there would be lots of pressure on Irvette and the twins,” continued Kalmer, “and I knew the race would really start in the last 5 kilometres, so once we caught up with Irvette my confidence really grew. I am over the moon in being on the podium, and as there was no pressure on me I could really enjoy the race.”

An elated Phalula said “I am thankful to Irvette, as she set the pace in the beginning which was really fast. But I did say to myself to run my own race – not someone else’s.  I needed to make a strong comeback, and I was only racing against time, no one else.”

Diana-Lebo, had unfortunately pulled a hamstring last night as the sisters were stretching, which meant she was unable to stay with the pace but still managed to come in fourth with a time of 34.02.

A total of 14,256 took part in the event with 6,054 running the 5km and 8,202 tackling the longer race.

“We are once again pleased with this fantastic event. The weather was perfect and the mood festive and fun.” says MD of SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson. “Thank you to all the women who participated and their families and friends who came out to support them for making this a memorable day.”

RESULTS OF SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE RACE

 Durban, South Africa - Results of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge race run in Durban on Sunday

 Open: 1-Lebogang Phalula 33.06; 2-Rutendo Nyahora 33.41; 3-Rene Kalmer 33.49; 4-Diana-Lebo Phalula 34.02; 5-Irvette Van Zyl 34.29; 6-Mapaseka Makhanya 34.35; 7-Jenna Challenor 35.01; 8-Nicole Van Der Merwe 35.27; 9-Constance Nyasango 35.35; 10-Thozama April 35.56

 Junior (15-19 Age Group): 1-Mtshali Nomcebo 39.14; Thenjiwe Gumede 41.57; Nondumiso Khoza 42.43

 35-39 Age group: 1-Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41.55; 2-Debbie Perry 42.32; 3-Precious Duma 42.56

 Veteran (40-49 Age group): 1-Ronel Thomas 39.39; 2-Janene Carey 39.39; 3-Shani Silver 41.22 

 Master (50-59 Age Group): 1-Judy Bird 41.24; 2-Elmarie Coetzee 42.16; 3-Janine Engels 44.26

 Grandmaster (60+ Age Group): 1-Margie Saunders 43.27; 2-Sandra Fismer 49.02; 3-Judith Grove 49.45

 ends

 CAPTION TO PHOTO BY ROGAN WARD:

Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km race today (Sunday) in a time of 33.06

SPAR KZN Women’s 10/5km Durban: Sunday 24 August

SPAR KZN Women’s 10/5km

Durban: Sunday 24 August

Celebrating women in August, the 25th running of South Africa’s most beautiful race returns to Durban with thousands of women gearing up to participate in the SPAR Women’s 10/5km race on Sunday 24 August.

The race takes place around the Kingsmead precinct with two distances on offer, the shorter 5km course or the longer 10km route. The start this year is in Masabala Yengwa Avenue with the route going north first, circling around the Blue Lagoon area and then a long straight along the scenic beachfront taking the ladies back to town. The finish is in Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead.

Race Director, Brad Glasspoole commented, “Simply putting it - This year’s race has a great route! The run on the promenade heading back towards Durban will be breath-taking, and surely will make it worthwhile for all the ladies.”

The start times will be staggered with the 10km race going off at 08:00am and the 5km race going off at 09:00am.

The race organisers have decided to limit the entries this year to a total of 17,500 enthusiastic runners - amazingly 25 years ago, in the first SPAR Women’s race in 1990 only 2,200 ladies lined up to participate.

“A quarter of a century, what a wonderful milestone we are passing this year,” MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson said.

Continuing, he stated, “The 2014 race is a bit later on the Durban calendar, but I believe it is fantastic having it in women’s month. The weather is likely to be a bit warmer than the usual July winter start and it is uplifting to see how many people come from around KwaZulu-Natal to participate and I hope that you all will enjoy the day with us!”

The race registration will be at Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World from Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August from 10:00am to 05:00pm and on Saturday 23 August from 10:00am to 03:00pm. There are 2 entry options; online at www.sparwomensrace.co.za with payment by credit card of EFT, or manual entries which will only be accepted at the race registration on the 3 days prior to the event. Entry forms will be available from participating SPAR stores in KwaZulu-Natal. No entries will be taken on race day.

All online and bulk entries received stand a chance to win a 3 night getaway for 2 people to the award winning Fordoun Hotel & Spa in the KZN Midlands valued at over R11,000.

In the Grand Prix, top athletes will be racing to win the R10,000 that is up for grabs. Elite runners from around the country will be taking part in the hope of not only taking the top honours but earning points for the national SPAR Grand Prix.

In recent times Olympic athlete, Rene Kalmer has dominated the Durban race taking three victories in the last decade. In late June, she also ran to victory in the Pietermartizburg SPAR race, “I love the Durban SPAR race; the route is flat and fast, so you can truly test yourself and aim for a personal best time. You are guaranteed good weather and the support is amazing!”

Being mindful of the future generation of road runners, the official race charity for this year will be The Mercury Hibberdene Children’s Home. R2 from each entry will go towards the official charity and online entrants will have an option to make additional donations to this very worthy cause.

For more info go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or like the Facebook page SPAR Women’s 10/5km. For a run through of the actual race route, you can go to YouTube and search for SPAR WOMEN’S 10/5KM RACE SIMULATION – DURBAN.

ENDS

VIP Gala Screening for DIFF World Première Documentary A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake

VIP Gala Screening for DIFF World Première Documentary

A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake: Suncoast: Sunday 20 July at 17h15

The gala screening of the world première of A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake, the much-anticipated documentary debut of celebrated television/film/theatre director Michael Lessac, promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s DIFF (Durban International Film Festival) with some of the country’s foremost peace mediators joining members of the cast and crew for the world première screening, followed by a Q&A session at the Suncoast Cinecentre on Sunday 20 July at 17h15. 

Dr Alex Boraine, deputy chairperson of the TRC, and multi-award-winning veteran political commentator / author Max du Preez will be attending the gala and leading the dialogue after the screening. They will be joined by actors Thembi Mtshali-Jones,  Nick Boraine, and Fana Mokoena who will share their experiences of the journey that led to A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake.

It is fitting that du Preez was announced as winner of the Alan Paton Award at the 2014 Sunday Times Literary Awards for his book A Rumour of Spring: South Africa after 20 Years of Democracy. The Alan Paton Award is given for a work of non-fiction that promotes “The Illumination of Truthfulness…” a theme which is particularly pertinent to this documentary.

The producers are thrilled that last weekend, the Standard Bank Standing Ovation Award was presented to Thembi Mtshali-Jones for her illustrious career at the National Arts Festival and in recognition of a lifetime of creative energy in South Africa’s cultural life spanning over four decades. 

The documentary A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake follows a diverse group of South African actors as they tour global war-torn regions to share South Africa’s experience of reconciliation. As they ignite dialogue among people with raw memories of atrocity, the actors find they must confront once again our country’s complicated and violent past – and question their own capacity for healing and forgiveness.

“The film highlights the valuable role arts played in peace and reconciliation, and the genuine contribution arts can play in the global reconciliation movement and ongoing nation-building,” considers actor Nick Boraine who appears in the movie and who was part of the A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake project since its inception.

 A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake was edited by Joel Plotch (In the Company of Men; Nurse Betty; Gone). It was produced by Michael Lessac, Jacqueline Bertrand Lessac and Emma Tammi and Executive Produced by Jonathan Gray, and Robert Lear.  It features never-before-heard original music by jazz legend Hugh Masekela, with lyrics taken from TRC personal testimonies. 

·          A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake premieres at the Durban International Film Festival taking place in venues in and around Durban from 17 - 27 July 2014. The gala screening is on 20 July at 17:15 in Suncoast (6) with a second screening on Friday 25 July  at 20:15 at Suncoast (7)

·         Public are warmly invited to attend a morning Tea and Conversation function at the Tugela Room in the Maharani Hotel from 10.30am until noon on Monday 21 July. The topic is Unmasking Reconciliation: 20 Years On....Moving Beyond the Cliché. Join Dr Alex Boraine - Vice Chair: Truth & Reconciliation Commission / Writer / Commentator; Max Du Preez – Commentator / Columnist / Award-winning Writer / Film-maker; Thembi Mtshali Jones –Distinguished stage, television and film Actress; Ela Gandhi - Gandhi Development Trust / Activist in conversation with Mary Papayya – Media Leader /Secretary-General of SA National Editors Forum. Entry is free and all welcome

 For more information about the Durban International Film Festival go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

Ends

AfriDocs Film Week at 35th Durban International Film Festival

AfriDocs Film Week 21-27 July 2014

Sub-Saharan Africa Broadcast

in association with channel ED and the 35th Durban International Film Festival

A world first will be taking place this month when a full week of African documentary films are broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa on DStv channel ED (channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65), from the Durban International Film Festival, the largest film festival in South Africa that takes place from 17 to 27July.

This unique film event will see a diverse and exciting range of films screened across 49 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The AfriDocs Film Week will connect the largest film festival in Africa through a ‘film festival on your screen’ featuring documentary films from thirteen countries in Africa – The D.R.C., Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.

“So many documentary films have been shot in Africa, but very few have been seen by African audiences”, says AfriDocs Executive Producer Don Edkins from Steps in Cape Town, “this heralds a new era of distribution for the continent.”

Films by African filmmakers Sani Elhadj Magori, Licinio Azevedo, Rehad Desai, Judy Kibinge, Andrey Samoute Diarra, Annalet Steenkamp and Mandy Jacobson together with filmmakers Mika Karismäki, Thierry Michel, Roger Ross Williams, Abby Ginzberg and Göran Olsson amongst others, will be seen for the first time by a wide audience as a result of this collaboration. 

Seven of the films screening at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will also be part of the programme, including the award-winning Miners Shot Down, Concerning Violence, I Afrikaner, The Irresistible Rise of Moïse Katumbi and Soft Vengeance.

These African documentaries tell a wide range of stories; from films about great African artists, such as singer and activist Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) and the Malian photographer Malik Sibidé (Dolce Vita Africana), to political and historical films about leaders Patrice Lumumba and Liberian President Sirleaf Johnson, as well as films dealing with revolutionaries, farmers, gangsters, musicians and evangelists. 

This week-long film event is a special broadcast project from AfriDocs, the first weekly primetime documentary strand broadcasting across Africa. Every Tuesday night on ED (DStv channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65), AfriDocs broadcasts top African documentaries to 49 countries by satellite, and terrestrially to an additional 100 cities in 8 countries.

AfriDocs is an initiative of the multi-awarded South African documentary production and distribution company, Steps, in partnership with the Bertha Foundation.

 Rebecca Lichtenfeld, Director of Social Impact Media at Bertha Philanthropies, said that the Bertha Foundation is proud to partner with Steps to help bring great documentary films to audiences across Africa, “Connecting documentary film to African audiences is something we have been hoping to do for some time now, and this is an ideal platform for that.”

For the full programme schedule and synopses of the films, please go to www.afridocs.net or www.facebook.com/AfriDocs

You can also follow AfriDocs on twitter: @Afri_Docs

#FilmFestivalAtHome #DIFF2014 #FilmFestivalOnYourScreen #AfricaNotOneStory #AfriDocs   #AfricaRising

Weekly Broadcast Times sub-Saharan Africa: Weekly. Primetime. Real Stories.

Tuesday evenings:

6 p.m. Cape Verde Time

7 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (Mauritania to Benin)

8 p.m. West African Time (Niger to Namibia)

9 p.m. Central African Time/South Africa Standard Time

10 p.m. East African Time (Sudan to Tanzania)

11 p.m. Seychelles Time

From 1st August, 2014, the slot changes to one hour earlier in order to allow feature length documentary films to be screened.

For more information about the Durban International Film festival go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

-ends

CONTACT

For media enquiries for DIFF :

Sharlene Versfeld/ Sipho Ngwenya

Versfeld & Associates

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235

Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628

Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter: sharlvers

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

for AFRI-DOCS

Social Media & Publicity: Patrice Carter
Email: patrice@steps.co.za

Programming: Theresa Hill
Email: theresa@steps.co.za

Phone: +27 21 4655805

 URL: www.steps.co.za