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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delegate registration for the DFM opens next week.

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

For further enquires contact info@durbanfilmmart.com

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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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Delegate Registration Opens for Durban FilmMart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BASA's Artist Sponsorship Toolkit now available

BASA’s Artist Sponsorship Toolkit set to significantly strengthen role of arts in business.

Strategic integration of the arts and business partnership is at the heart of the recently launched Business and Arts South Africa’s Artist Sponsorship Toolkit. 

The Artist Sponsorship Toolkit provides a way for the management team of an arts organisation to review, refresh and enhance their sponsorship practice – and acts as a complement to the Business Sponsorship Toolkit that was launched by BASA in 2012. 

Conceived as a step-by-step way for arts organisations to engage in the sponsorship environment, the Artist Sponsorship Toolkit was created by Michael Goldman, Senior Lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, in partnership with the BASA team. 

“South African arts organisations and projects continue to have a significant impact on our society, although many of the leaders of these organisations are less familiar with the marketing and sponsorship management practices required to access the financial and other resources needed to sustain and grow their organisations,” explains Goldman. 

“The Artist Sponsorship Toolkit provides arts organisation managers with a set of practical templates, exercises and techniques that can be used to develop more successful sponsorship-raising strategies.” 

Goldman points to the fact that the sponsorship environment is becoming more competitive, requiring arts organisations to be more clear and strongly define their value to audiences, participants, sponsors and society. 

“Arts organisation managers therefore need to demonstrate how their proposed partnership with a corporate sponsor will provide specific and relevant value to the company's business.” 

The Artist Sponsorship Toolkit provides a way for arts organisations – particularly those with less of an established track record - to build a long-term relationship with corporate sponsors. 

Arts organisations are now able to use the toolkit to guide a more strategic integration between the partners involved in a sponsorship relationship. This includes a fusion between the core values of the arts organisation and the sponsoring business, and an exploration of the areas and functions of the sponsoring business in which the involvement in the arts can have an impact. 

The Artist Sponsorship Toolkit now acts as a superb complement to the Business Sponsorship Toolkit. 

Launched in 2012, this toolkit is already being used by many South African businesses as a way of navigating through a sponsorship cycle and, ultimately, the ability to measure the effectiveness of an arts sponsorship as a strategic part of any business.  

Both toolkits are available for free download off the BASA website as part of Business and Arts South Africa’s commitment to stimulating excellence, innovation and value in the business and arts partnership. 

The BASA website is www.basa.co.za 

About Business and Arts South Africa NPC: 

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

Change to the musical line up of 15th African Renaissance Africa Day Concert. Zonke withdraws, Lira steps in...

Change to the musical line up of 15thAfrican Renaissance Africa Day Concert.

Zonke withdraws, Lira steps in...

Durban ICC Arena - May 25, 2013

DURBAN: The African Renaissance Festival and Conference have had to make an urgent change to their line up for the Africa Day concert on Saturday, with Zonke withdrawing from the concert following the unexpected passing of her sister, to be replaced by Lira who joins  Mafikozolo and Professor on Saturday, May 25 at 6.30pm at the ICC Arena in Durban.

Zonke – who had been booked to perform – is disappointed to have to withdraw, but has to put her family ahead of her professional commitments at this difficult time. She is shattered at unexpectedly losing her sister, Busisiwe (Busi) Dikana, on Saturday evening, 18 May.

Zonke and her family are devastated at this sudden loss, but she wishes to extend her greatest apologies to the media and fans out there and thanks them for the continuous support.

Lira, known for her emotional ballads and uplifting songs about journeying and self fulfilment, didn’t hesitate to step in to support a fellow musician in her hour of need. Lira  performed at the African Renaissance concert last year and is delighted to be back at this significant annual event. “The quest for unity in Africa is an important one. That music has been identified as one of the ways we can continue to engage with this concept, is hugely significant and an immense honour for us musicians,” said Lira.

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

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

The concert will start at 6.30pm until late at the Durban ICC Arena and tickets are R100 and are available from Computicket. For more information and the full African Renaissance programme, contact reception@wozani.co.za or telephone 031-266 9792

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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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John Gale appointed to the Ogilvy & Mather South Africa Board

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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15th African Renaissance presents the annual Africa Day Concert

Durban ICC Arena - May 25, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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BASA to launch Toolkit and Entrepreneurial Partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venue 
Soweto Theatre 

About Business and Arts South Africa NPC: 

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

About Shanduka Black Umbrellas NPC: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information can be found at www.shandukablackumbrellas.org

New Manager of Durban International Film Festival Announced

NEW MANAGER ANNOUNCED -  Durban International Film Festival

Peter Machen, is the new DIFF manager

Plans are well underway for the 34th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), South Africa’s largest and longest running film festival hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA), reports Kishore Gobardan Director of Professional Services in the College of Humanities at UKZN in which the CCA is housed. The CCA is currently a special project of the newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, in the College of Humanities.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of well-known film critic and arts journalist, Peter Machen, as the DIFF Manager,” says Gobardan.

“Peter has been working with the Durban International Film Festival for the last seven years as a programme advisor,” says Gobardan. “He comes to the Festival with a wealth of institutional knowledge which provides much needed continuity.  Along with a solid knowledge of the programming requirements, Peter has also been responsible for writing synopses in the festival publications and editing and designing the festivals' Reel Times daily newsletters. He has appeared on various DIFF panels, as well as introduced directors and facilitated Q&A sessions during festivals. So we are pleased to welcome him on board the team and look forward to the significant value he will add to the mix.”

Machen, who has a BA Honours degree in economics from UKZN, is one of South Africa's leading arts writers and communication consultants. A talented publication designer, Peter has produced a range of publications and is author and designer of two coffee-table books Durban - A Paradise and its People and Durban - A Return to Paradise. He is currently Sunday Tribune's resident film columnist.

Earlier this year Machen attend the Rotterdam and Berlin Film Festivals as part of his research as a programme advisor for DIFF, and is excited about the challenges that lie ahead. “It is quite a daunting task to step into someone else’s programming shoes,” he says, “but because I have been so intimately involved in the festival for some time now, I know my way around and look forward to creating a programme that will be interesting and varied for our audiences.” To that end, Peter will be heading off to the Cannes Film Festival next month to seek out additional cinematic treasures for the DIFF 2013 programme.

“The Assistant Film Festival Manager position will be announced within the next few weeks, and the CCA Director’s post has been advertised and should be filled soon.”

It’s business as usual for the Durban FilmMart, the co-production project of the Durban Film Office and DIFF, this according to Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. “We have had a great response to the call out for projects for this year’s Durban FilmMart. Submissions are now with adjudicators and we await their selection. We are proceeding with the plans to present a strong fourth market, and we are pleased to receive continued support from our partners and supporters, Rotterdam Film Festival’s CineMart, IDFA, Arte France, Hot Docs and EAVE, as well as the inclusion of other awards from new strategic partners, Paris Project, the co-production and development platform of the Paris Cinema International Film Festival,  Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and No Borders, a co-production market of the Independent Filmmakers Project In the USA.”

The 34th Durban International Film Festival will take place from July 18 to 28. The full programme will be in the www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za website five weeks before the festival begins.

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