Talents Durban 2015 Participants Announced

Media Release

TALENTS DURBAN 2015 PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED

The 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to announce the participants of the 8th edition of Talents Durban, presented in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents an initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival. Talents Durban is a five day development programme made up of workshops and seminars for African filmmakers delivered by film professionals, academics and intellectuals. The Talents, who are selected through a rigorous application process, will also have the opportunity to attend screenings and events at the Festival.

Talents Durban is one of the 6 Talents International programmes formed by Berlinale Talents in Africa and around the world including Talents Beirut in Lebanon, Talents Buenos Aires in Argentina, Talents Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Talents Tokyo in Japan and Talents Guadalajara in Mexico.

40 filmmakers from 10 countries across the continent including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zambia and Cameron will be in attendance.

The following are the selected participants of Talents:

Oluwakemi Adesoye (Nigeria), Ssenkumba Adnan (Uganda), Lawrence Agbetsise (Ghana), Isabella Akinseye (Nigeria), Kassim Braimah (Nigeria), Bentley Brown (Tunisia), Lucky Nhlanhla Cele (South Africa), Karien Cherry (South Africa), Joanne Corrigall (South Africa), Angeline Dimingo (Zimbabwe), Daniel Ecwalu (Uganda), Daniella Esua (Nigeria), Polani Fourie (South Africa), Mehluli Hikwa (Zimbabwe), Benjamin Johnson (South Africa), Njata Joseph (Rwanda), Andrew Kaggwa (Uganda), Joel Kapungwe (Zambia) Godisamang Khunou (South Africa), Trent Kok (South Africa), Makundi Lambani (South Africa), Sheetal Megan (South Africa), Theoline Maphutha (South Africa), Francisca Meyer (South Africa), Ali Mwangola (Kenya), Samantha Nell (South Africa), Simphiwe Ngcobo (South Africa), John Nyoka (South Africa), Roselidah Obala (Kenya), Agbor Obed (Cameroon), Temotope Ogun (Nigeria), Olawale Oluwadahunsi (Nigeria), Kennedy Omoro (Kenya),Osei Owusu Banahene (Ghana), Davashni Rajoo (South Africa), Charne Simpson (South Africa), Samson Ssenkaaba (Unganda), Tendai Charles Tshuma (South Africa), Amy Van Den Houten (South Africa), Mark Wambui (Kenya).

Presented under the theme Start Motion, Talents Durban aims to boost the already rising flow of current filmmaking in Africa, and to encourage filmmakers on the continent to share their stories through their own cultured lense. Participants interact with over 600 delegates of DIFF and Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum which takes place from July 17 to 20 at the festival. Selected participants get to be part of numerous project-oriented, hands on skills development programs. Practical development programmes within Talents Durban include Talent Press, Script Station and Doc Station.

Script station is a script development programme for short films which pairs four writers with script editors who assist in clarifying story and getting to an advanced draft of their script. Our participants this year are John Nyoka, Mark Wambui, Quwakemi Adesoye and Polani Fourie. The mentors for the programme are Tracey Dearham-Rainers and Karima Effendi.

Talent Press is presented in cooperation with Fipresci, an association of national organizations of professional film critics and film journalists from around the world which lobbies for the promotion and development of film culture. The programme invites four critics to cover the films and events of the Durban International Film festival for online and print publication. Talent press has four participants and they are Andrew Kaggwa, Oluwale Oluwadahunsi, Isabella Akinseye and Kennedy Omoro. They will be mentored by film writers/reviewers Sarah Dawson, Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, Debashine Thangevelo and Shaibu Hussein.

DOC station selects three documentary projects in development for coaching and mentoring towards participation in a public pitch at the DFM’s pitching forum, The African Pitch. Participants are given mentoring prior to the pitching and during preparations at the festival. Doc Station participants are Bentley Brown, Sheetal Megan and Tendayi Tshuma and the producer mentor is Odette Geldenhuys. They will receive additional mentorship from Andy Jones, Jihan El Tahri and Khalo Matabane.

Talents Durban is supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Goethe Institute SA, German Embassy in South Africa and Gauteng Film Commission.

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 the College of Humanities, Cheryl Potgieter).

For more information about Talents Durban at the DIFF go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za, or call Sandile Gumede on (031) 260 3586.

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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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SA Film Ayanda announced as DIFF's opening night film

Media Release

SA Film Ayanda announced as DIFF’s opening night film

The highly anticipated South African film Ayanda, directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Real Eyes in association with Leading Lady Productions, has been announced as the opening night film of the 36th The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from 16 to 26 July this year.

Set in the vibrant, Afropolitan community of Johannesburg’s Yeoville, Ayanda is a coming-of-age story of a twenty-one year old Afro-hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she has to fight to save her late father’s legacy – a motor repair shop - when it is threatened with closure. She’s thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars once loved, now in need of a young woman’s re-inventive touch to bring them back to life again.

The film stars Fulu Mugovhani (of Scandal fame) and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje, with a star South African cast including Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabola, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba and veteran star of stage and screen Vanessa Cooke.

“We are pleased that this feel-good film will open this year’s festival,” says Pedro Pimenta, Director of the DIFF. “The opening film of this, the most prestigious international film event in SA, needs to reflect a clear priority established by the festival to reach and develop local audiences.”

“The recently published NFVF report on audiences in this country, is very informative and revealing in that while the industry has been successfully structured and supported from all quarters to allow a regular flow of SA content, much still needs to be done for this content to reach local audiences. By once again opening the DIFF with a strong SA film, we endorse this objective.”

This is the second opening night film at DIFF for director Sara Blecher. Her film Otelo Burning opened the 2011 edition of DIFF to critical acclaim. “We are very proud of Ayanda and are thrilled to have it selected as the opening film at this year’s festival.    The film had a very successful screening in Cannes last month and we look forward to screening it to festival-goers in Durban,” says Blecher.

“Ayanda offers an interesting and positive convergence of talents style , resources and distribution potential for the film market.” says Pimenta. “There is a real sense that reaching an audience has been the most important motivation equally shared by the filmmakers and their financiers in its creation.”

“Ayanda celebrates the diversity of our country and revels in the fact that we are a multi-cultural, colourful and exciting melting pot of Africa,” says co-producer Terry Pheto.  “With this film we have tried to capture the Afropolitan nature of our country and the energy of its people.”

“What is also particularly encouraging in terms of the South African film industry is that the film, originally titled, Andani and the Mechanic, was a project in the 2013 Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum of the DIFF and the Durban Film Office.”  says Pimenta. “The film is one of five titles that have been part of the DFM process over the years that will be screened this year at DIFF.”

The festival includes more than 200 theatrical screenings and a full seminar and workshop programme, as well as the Wavescapes Film Festival, and various industry initiatives, including the 8th Talents Durban (presented in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents) and the 6th Durban FilmMart co-production market (presented in partnership with the Durban Film Office).  For more information go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

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 and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

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The Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival - It's more than just a festival

My Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival Experience 

By Ayanda Mabanga

I had never been to Northern Drakensberg until this past weekend (May 22 – 24), and I must admit that the Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival was a perfect way to be introduced to this part of KwaZulu-Natal’s magnificent world heritage site.

The festival, which was hosted by the Amphitheatre Backpakers and Lodge is a unique event that merged music with adrenalin packed activities such as sky-diving, mountain biking and hiking to the highest waterfall in Africa.

Mornings are not everyone’s friend, especially me! But on Saturday, I had to dust myself up early before sunrise. From Durban to Drakensberg I took what is known as the Bazbus, a mini bus tailored for backpackers that want to explore our beautiful country. Oh boy! did I feel like royalty since I was the only passenger on that day. The 2 hours spent on the bus gave me rare moments for introspection, living in a bustling city, I hardly get to do that.

It was my first experience being at a backpackers and Amphitheatre was quite impressive with its friendly staff and grand facilities. I had the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world.  Stefan, a twenty-two year old from Germany was on his way to Durban when he caught the festival. “I wish this experience could go on for another week,” he said. Boutie and Margie a couple from Midlands near Pietermaritzburg attended the festival in celebration for their fifteenth year annivesary over the weekend and they couldn’t find a better place to do so.

I was a lone traveller with a book to keep me company, just in case nobody wanted to talk to me. Well, I forgot about my book the moment I stepped out of the bus. I was allocated to a dorm[SV1]  , sharing it with a few other people, I murmured a short prayer. “At least I am not in a tent, I am a city girl afterall,” I thought to myself.  “Hey buddy, welcome to the jollers heaven,” were the first words I heard when I met my dorm mates. The flamboyant Dr Pachanga with the chilled out Reece and quirky Lisa were an interesting bunch to be bunking with I joined them on the lawn as they recovered from the previous night’s activities.

Later in the day the music started. I plunged myself onto a comfy couch, just to take in the scene. While the music pumped, a bonfire gleamed in the middle of the camp site, kids lined up excitedly to ride an automatic bull and people kept dropping from the sky. I was in ore of their daring nature and thought I would summon up my courage for later.

Earlier in the day the ‘jollers’ and I went on a drive to the nearest town. With the hippies I was with, we stuck out like a sore thumb. My most memorable moment was when we drove to a supermarket that was blasting music and we just started dancing on the road. The town was at a stand still for a few minutes and then it was back to the festival.

In the midst of adrenalin pumped festivities I bumped into Hezron Chetty. Born in Durban and based in Cape Town, Hezron is a violinist and a member of The Accidentals. “I have been coming to the Smoking Dragon New Year’s festival for the past few years, I just can’t get enough of it,” said Hezron. Other performances included the soulful Stelth Ulvang of The Lumineers, melodic sounds of Tidal Waves and The Meditators. DJ Invisible with his band had everyone in a trance with their captivating performance.

The morning after was like no other. I woke up early, with coffee on one hand and my book in the other while watching the sun rise over the eye-catching foothills,  I could have locked myself forever in that moment of that scene. 

It was fascinating to see people jumping out of planes, running around mountains while others simply relaxed by the pool with kids playing games. It is not often that we get to witness such a combo of fun. Lisa from Durban said she came up to the Drakensberg to enjoy nature. “This is my way of reconnecting with nature and rejuvenating my spirit. The music and outdoor activities are icing on the cake,” Lisa said.  

The diversity that was represented in the contained space of Amphitheatre was simply amazing and showed a glimpse of how people can coexist peacefully. I look forward to attending the festival again next year, and maybe I will venture to tandem jump….or hot air balloon…or quad bike…or maybe just maybe I will attempt the hike to the Tugela Falls the highest falls in Africa, right here on our doorstep. Now that will be after I have finished my book!

Photo credits: Alastair Fraser

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

Eco-film about controversial titanium mining to co-premiere at Encounters International Documentary- and the Durban International Film Festivals

The Shore Break, an award-winning film that unpacks the dilemma faced by a rural community on South Africa’s Wild Coast as to whether to support or resist a proposed titanium mining project that could fundamentally change their lives forever, will have its South African co-premiere at the Encounters International Documentary Film Festival in June and at the Durban International Film Festival in July.

Directed by Ryley Grunenwald, The Shore Break was a selected project at the 2012 Durban FilmMart, the IDFA WorldView Summer School 2013, the Hot Docs Forum 2012 and the Hot Docs Dealmakers 2013. It is co-produced by two South African companies, Grunenwald’s Johannebsurg-based Marie-Vérité Films and Odette Geldenhuys’ Cape Town-based frank films. It was in competition at the recent International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), and was named the Best Feature Length Documentary at the 2015 International Environmental Film Festival (FIFE) in Paris.

In the Amadiba area, in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful Wild Coast, the Pondo people have tended their traditional way of life for centuries. A proposed titanium mine and the government’s controversial plan to build a highway across this ancestral ground, has polarized the community with those that see it as the beginning of the destruction of a way of life, and others who see it as a beacon of economic hope for the region.

Nonhle Mbuthuma, a young local eco-tour guide, is a staunch supporter of her people and the endangered environment on which their livelihood and culture depends. She wants to develop eco-tourism in order to protect her community’s homes, farms, graves and traditional lifestyle. Her cousin Zamille “Madiba” Qunya, a local entrepreneur and self-proclaimed modernizer, is fully supportive of the proposed mining operations and highway construction. Tired of his community living in poverty, Madiba scurrilously courts private capital and questionable government officials. While the South African President deposes the pro-environment Pondo Royal Family, Nonhle rallies support with little more than dogged determination.

“South Africa’s Wild Coast is my favourite place in the world – it has a rugged, mysterious beauty, and our family has been visiting there for years. When I heard about the proposed mining and toll road through the area, I could only imagine the extent of the environmental destruction of this pristine area,” says Grunenwald. “I met Nonhle Mbuthuma, who is a leader in her community, on one of my trips there. When I found out her arch enemy in favour of the developments was her own cousin and that the South African Government had dethroned her environmentally-conscious King Mpondombini Sigcau, it felt like something out of Shakespeare. I had to make a film about it.”

“In the early stages of filming I was only aware of how the titanium mine and highway threatened whatever was in their pathway,” explains Grunenwald. “However spending time with Madiba definitely made me see things from a broader perspective. He pointed out things that I couldn’t deny: the Wild Coast’s dire need for more schools, hospitals and employment. He believed large-scale development is the only hope for change. On the other hand Nonhle wanted development that would last longer than the 25-year lifespan of the mine. She believed alternative development such as expansive eco-tourism could develop the area without their having to give up their land and livelihood. Throughout production I kept changing my mind as to who was more ‘right’ about the development of the Wild Coast. The complexity intrigued me and I wanted to allow the audience to see things from both sides.”

“It is very easy for urban middle class people to want to protect the environment when its preservation does not impair their own access to necessary facilities,” says Grunenwald. “However rural people should not have to give up their land and livelihood in order to access basic services and opportunities. I was struck by the amaMpondo's connection to their land and their determination to protect it for future generations no matter what the cost. They are willing to die for it. We hope The Shore Break will be seen by a wide audience - not only to entertain but to raise awareness of what's going on and to stimulate debate about the development of our most picturesque coastline.”

Co-producer Geldenhuys, a public interest and human rights lawyer, says “I am very interested in what is development? How is it defined? Who defines? By being structured around the drama of a family feud, The Shore Break manages to ask this question in a non-academic way, but in a manner that ordinary people can relate to.”

Exquisitely filmed with arresting cinematography, The Shore Break is edited by Kerryn Assaizky, with original traditional cross-over music by local musician Ntombe Thongo, and sand animation by award-winning animator Justine Puren-Calverley. The almost Kentridgesque animation links sections and propositions in the film, subtly providing context and silent commentary, creating opportunities for the audience to reflect and muse.

The Shore Break has been selected by Bertha BRITDOC Connect Fund to use the film for outreach. The film will have free screenings in the affected area, with decision makers as well as other communities facing similar development struggles. “We’re regularly partnering with more NGOs who want to use The Shore Break in their work around development, community engagement, and extractive industries, “ says Grunenwald.

The film has been made possible by the South African government’s DTI Film Rebate Scheme, a public sector initiative which is ensuring that South African films, including The Shore Break are reaching exhibition. Other funders include Ford Foundation, National Film and Video Foundation, Knowledge Network, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Gauteng Film Commission, Worldview, Alter Cine Foundation, and the Hot Docs Blue Ice Film Fund.

The film will screen at Encounters International Documentary Film Festival in Cape Town during 4 to 14 June 2015 and at the Durban International Film Festival which takes place from July 16 to 26, 2015. It will also screen at the Sydney International Film Festival during June 2015; and has already been screened at the Festival Millennium 2015, Belgium, and Hot Docs 2015 in Canada.

For more information go to www.theshorebreakmovie.com

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/102621491

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theshorebreakmovie

Twitter: http://twitter.com/theshorebreak

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 Captions to photos attached embedded in the JPG files. There are more pics available and these are also available in higher resolution.

Digital stills, EPK and links to articles and reviews are available online: http://theshorebreakmovie.com/press/

Official Project Selection for the 6th Durban FilmMart Announced in Cannes

Media Release

Official Project Selection for the 6th Durban FilmMart Announced in Cannes Yesterday

Nineteen documentaries and fiction feature film projects from around Africa have been selected for this year’s Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place in Durban, South Africa from July 17 to 20, 2015. The details of the selection were announced at a networking function held at the South Africa Pavilion at the Cannes International Film Festival last night.

The Durban FilmMart, now in it’s it 6th edition has selected these projects from 120 submissions by African filmmakers who wished to participate in the continent’s premier finance and co-production market. 

A joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival, the Durban FilmMart aims to raise the visibility of African cinema, stimulate production on the continent, and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers. The DFM creates an optimum platform for African filmmakers, financiers, broadcasters and top film experts to converge, network and spark creative thinking around current and future projects.

“This year, we are pleased to welcome projects from a diverse range of countries on the continent, including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” says Toni Monty, of the Durban Film Office. “The DFM has become an important springboard for projects that have been conceptualized by African filmmakers, to support them as the projects move from the idea to exhibition. Over the last five years we have seen many projects go on to be awarded further opportunities to develop at various other markets, and eventually be screened in cinemas and festivals around the globe. In previous years, past DFM projects have been selected for the Durban International Film Festival, testimony to the value this market adds to the development process.”

A Reader Panel, comprising of African and international film professionals had to moderate and score submissions, culminating in a rigorous selection discussion over shortlisted projects in both the documentary and fiction section.

These feature and documentary film-makers will be attending the DFM for one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers in the Finance Forum. The projects will also have an opportunity to pitch to a panel of commissioning editors from local and international funders and financiers.  The selected project participants will also be given opportunities to network and meet industry professionals during several scheduled industry sessions.

Selected Projects:

9 Documentaries

After Marikana – The End of Democracy  (South Africa), Producer Anita Khanna, Director Rehad Desai

Amal (Egypt) Producer Sara Bökemeyer, Director Mohamed Siam

Life and Times of John C (South Africa) Producer Neil Brandt, Director Francois Verster

Truck Mama (Kenya) Producer Zipporah Nyaruri, Director Zipporah Nyaruri, Co-director Peggy Mbiyu

Not in My Neighbourhood (South Africa) Producer and Director Kurt Orderson

Project Delight (South Africa) Producer and Director Karin Slater

Terre Jaune (Togo) Producers Sitou Ayite and Madje Ayite with Elisabeth Guthmann, Director Bouna Cherif Fofana and Sitou Ayite

The Other Half of the African Sky (Zimbabwe) Producer and Director Tapiwa Chipfupa

The Rainbow: Jazz for the Struggle, and the Struggle for Jazz (South Africa) Producer Antoinette Engel, Director Niren Tolsi

10 Fiction

Cactus Flower (Egypt) Producer Hossam Elouan, Director Hala Elkoussy

Inkabi (The Hitman) (South Africa) Producer Anco Henning, Director Norman Maake

Laughter is the best Colour (Nigeria) Producer  Mohammed  Musulumi, Director Chike Ibekwe

On the Way to Paradise (South Africa) Producer Imraan Jeeva, Director Sara Blecher

One More Night in Lagos (Cote d'Ivoire) Producer Tosin Coker, Director Marina Niava

Riot Waif (South Africa) Producer Jean Meeran, Director Zinaid Meeran

Selma and Charlize (South Africa) Producer Junaid Ahmed/Helena Spring, Director Robyn Aronstam

Sunflowers Behind a Dirty Fence (Uganda) Producer Nathan Magoola, Director Simon Mukali

The Tall Assassin (South Africa) Producer Carolyn Carew, Director Roy Zetisky

Unbalanced (Ghana) Producer Akosua Adoma Owusu, Director P. Sam Kessie

The DFM also invites filmmakers who do not have projects selected for the market and industry professionals, to attend as delegates for the programme of  masterclasses, forums and networking events during the four-day market.  Registration is now open and early bird rates apply until 27 June 2015. Delegates who register within the early bird window, get discounted registration rates and inclusion in the DFM’s Industry Manual, a valuable networking tool during and after the market.

The 6th Durban FilmMart takes place in Durban, at the Tsogo Sun Elangeni from 17 to 20 July 2015, during the 36th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (16-26 July 2015).

For more information on the Durban FilmMart and to register as a delegate visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

 -ends

Issued on behalf of The Durban FilmMart by:

Sharlene Versfeld & Ayanda Mabanga

Versfeld & Associates

 031-8116528/ 083 326 3235

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

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

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.)

-ends

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

Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival

Media Release

Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival May 22 to 24

Amphitheatre Backpackers, Northern Drakensberg

A unique event combining music and adrenalin-packed activities for the whole family adds a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the Amphitheatre World Heritage site in the Northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal from May 22 to 24. The Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival, is a new event hosted by the Amphitheatre Backpackers, whose popular new Year’s Smoking Dragon Festival has captured the imagination of revellers since 2009.

“There are so many organisations in the northern Drakensberg area that have such wonderful offerings for adventure seekers and nature lovers, that we have decided to combine music and adventure into one big creative festival for everyone from 0 to 100 to enjoy.” says Ilsa Roberts the festival director. “This inaugural event is an idea to bring like-minded music- and outdoor-lovers together to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful Berg.”

The Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival is all about “adrenalin”. There are a myriad activities to participate in, including skydiving (from the festival grounds), rock climbing, paragliding, abseiling, mountain biking, trail running, micro lighting, quad biking, off-road Segway or scooting, canopy touring, paintball, hiking (to the highest waterfall in Africa,) kloofing, white water rafting, bass fishing or hot air ballooning. Some of these are unique in that this is the first time that they will be available in the area.

“Festival goers will have access to these on site but are encouraged to explore the many adventure sports on offer in the surrounding region. There are separate charges for some of the adrenalin activities, which can be booked through the Smoking Dragon website, and of course, all safety and regulatory procedures will be adhered to.” says Ilsa.

Music on offer includes a range of reggae, folk and afro funk sounds with Stelth Ulvang (From The Lumineers), Shortstraw, The Tidal Waves, Champions Of The Sonarverse, Veranda Panda, Fools Of Fate, The Accidentals, The Gus Brown Band, Gavin Ferguson, Hezron Chetty, The Meditators, Inkhonjane No Bheseni, Dj Invizable and Dj Dubmasta China.

“There will be our usual food vendors, clean toilets and showers and full bars.” explains Roberts. “Music starts at 5pmon Friday and Saturday, after all the adrenalin has been used up, and ends at 12pm so that sportsmen and women will be guaranteed their much-needed sleep to get up and enjoy more fun the next day.”

All in all the festival will appeal to all across the generations. 18 years and younger come in for free and those born in or before 1950 pay half price.

The festival starts on Friday, May 22 at 3pm and runs until Sunday, May 24 closing at 3pm. Tickets are R600 for 3-day ticket which includes the 2 nights camping, 3 days of music, a free lucky draw to win another full ticket and R1000 worth of vouchers to be spent outside the festival on adventure activities, cafes, restaurants etc.

There are also day passes: Friday Access 1 day and 1 night camping at the festival R250, Saturday 1 day and 1 night camping R350,00 and Sunday Day only R100,00.  Tickets for accommodation and activities can be purchased online. For more information go to www.smokingdragon.co.za, or email amphibackpackers@worldonline.co.za or call 082 855 9767/076 8227508.

To see some of the activities on offer go to:  http://youtu.be/gN2wKQH7cmU

 -ends

Issued on behalf of Smoking Dragon:

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.

-ends

Dear Mandela tours to informal settlement communities - April 30 - May 25, 2015

Award-winning film tours to informal settlement communities

April 30 - 25 May 2015

Dear Mandela, the multi award-winning documentary film, directed by Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza, will be screened in informal settlement communities on a national tour, to help highlight human rights issues and inform and educate people about their rights.

The film, which premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in 2011, follows the journey of three friends living in Durban's vast shantytowns who refuse to be moved from their shacks after the South African government begins to evict of shack dwellers in an endeavor to 'eradicate the slums'. From their humble homes, the three take their pleas to the highest court in the land as they invoke Nelson Mandela's example and become leaders in a growing social movement, known as Abahlali baseMjondolo. The film is at once inspiring, devastating and funny, offering a new perspective on the role that young people can play in political change and is a fascinating portrait of South Africa coming of age.

Winner of multiple awards, including Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival and a nomination for Best Documentary at the African Academy Awards, Dear Mandela has screened in 35 countries and been translated into 10 languages.

The national tour, is being launched at the Constitutional Court on Thursday, 30 April, with remarks by Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Dikgang Moseneke and a post-screening panel discussion and Q&A session with Justice Zak Yacoob, Abahlali baseMjondolo Founding President, S’bu Zikode and Youth Leader, Mazwi Nzimande. Thereafter will be screened in communities in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg facing similar challenges as those faced by the members of the Abahlali movement. Each screening of the tour will be followed by a Q&A and debate with AbM Founding President, S'bu Zikode and Youth Leader, Mazwi Nzimande. Both leaders have been directly affected by the wave of state repression. As documented in the film, S’bu’s family home at the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement was destroyed by ANC party loyalists in September 2009 and they were forced into hiding after repeated public death threats against him. They are currently back in hiding after more death threats, some coming from leaders in Durban. For the audience, the campaign presents an opportunity for these communities to engage with, and learn from, the issues raised and struggles depicted in the film.

The tour will also include accompanying workshops for community leaders, run by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI). Funded by the Ford Foundation, the project hopes to build a platform to connect the struggles of grassroots social movements and community based organizations, to equip these organizations with the necessary knowledge about their legal rights, and encourage them to partake in bringing about social change in their immediate environment.

“Ensuring that marginalised communities are trained and versed in their legal rights would mean that illegal evictions would be substantially curbed. Legal training and knowledge transfer would also result in pro-active community-driven claims to socio-economic entitlements, thereby enabling these communities to participate in the discourses of delivery from a legally secure position.” says Dara Kell. “The screening tour brings together community members and activists from all over South Africa to discuss forced evictions here, and around the world, connecting those at risk of forced eviction around the globe, and strengthening social movements working toward the right to adequate housing and dignity for all.”

Screenings are as follows:

Thursday, April 30: Launch at the Constitutional Court, Johannesburg, 18:00

Saturday, May 2: Workshop and Screening -  Masakane or Zandspruit Primary School (TBC) Zandspruit, Johannesburg

Sunday, May 3 Workshop and Screening - Evaton Community Centre, Evaton, Johannesburg

Saturday, May 9: Screening - Hindu Surat Foundation, 137 Dr Goonham Street, Durban CBD

Sunday, May 10: Screening - Silver City Community Hall, Umlazi Township, Durban

Saturday, May 16: Workshop and Screening -  Green Point Hall, Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Sunday, May 17: Workshop and Screening -  Community Hall, Sweet Home Farm, Phillipi, Cape Town

For more information and times, follow the tour on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Tumblr. (@dearmandela)

All screening information at: http://dearmandela.tumblr.com/ NOTE THIS URL TO BE UPDATED

This project is supported by the Sundance Institute, the Ford Foundation and Chicken & Egg Pictures. Sleeping Giant is a documentary and new media production company based in New York.

-ends

More about the film

Watch the trailer in English: https://vimeo.com/26538549

What the critics said:

VARIETY: “Stirring…evocatively shot, lucidly edited.”

"GRIPPING, eye-opening…a call to action as much as it is an indictment of a government that has lost its way" - Charl Blignaut, City Press

"ENTHRALLING" - Mahala Magazine

"Leaves us with questions few have dared to ask about the new South Africa" - Marie Huchzermeyer, author of Cities With 'Slums'

-ends 

Awesome Africa International Arts Festival

Media Release

Awesome Africa International Arts Festival – April 26 and 27, 2015

As a fitting finale to the Celebration of 20 years of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with Awesome Africa Festival Productions, is set to host the Awesome Africa International Arts Festival featuring a host of world-renowned performers across a number of genres. The festival will take place over two days in different venues, kicking off with a Gala Concert at The Playhouse on Sunday, April 26 and followed by a full day at the Sibusisiwe Community Hall and Lovelife Centre in Mandeni, iLembe District on the North Coast on Monday, April 27.

For the Playhouse concert, doors open at 5pm and the concert begins at 6pm. Headlining the festival is the legendary Salif Keita from Mali, the “Golden Voice of Africa”  whose place in the pantheon of African music has been well documented and revered. He performs with his dynamic 13 piece band from Dakar.

The award winning South African hip hop artist Khuli Chana in collaboration with MuzArt will also perform at both venues.  Khuli is a multitalented musician well known for his ‘Motswako’ rap style which includes street-talk and highly influential messages in Setswana, English and other South African languages. MuzArt is a five piece musical collective that has collaborated with noteworthy musician. The group was nominated for South African Music Awards, Metro FM Music Awards and UK’s Soul Survivor Awards

Awesome Africa has become known for its unique collaborations in the past, and this year’s festival is no exception. The “Freedom Suite” collaboration, which will perform at both venues, brings together the extraordinary talents of South African living legend Ray Phiri together with the “Jimi Hendrix of the kora” N’Faly Kouyate from Guinea in West Africa, who besides fusing storytelling, jazz, dance and traditional griot music is also known for his collaborations with the Afro-Celt Sound System which blend Irish Celtic music with that of West African countries. The powerful and trance-like Drummers of Burundi from Central Africa will also form part of this unique collaboration.

Other featured artists are Christine Salem, the maloya superstar from Reunion Island, award-winning guitar maestros Nibs van der Spuy and Guy Buttery, the alluring maskandi duo Qadasi and Maqhinga Radebe, and a 72nd birthday homage to Steve Fataar who will perform with master Cape Town guitarist Errol Dyers. Pride of the Zulu will also serenade the audience with their accapella styled traditional melodies.

The Mandeni festival kicks off at 11am on Monday April 27 with a free Business Management Workshop for up and coming artists as well as relevant arts practitioners. Topics that will come under the spotlight include; performing platforms and funding, contracts and copyright, studio etiquette and the value of quality sound, the digital freeway and international marketing and identity.

A broad spectrum of genres will be represented and the illustrious visitors to Mandeni will include Ray Phiri, N’Faly Kouyate, The Drummers of Burundi, the ground breaking DJ Websta, Holly - known for her “Kasi” vibes, house music and crowd rocking stage performances, Christine Salem, Existing Consciousness and the sizzling Afro-Latino sounds from Napalma (Brazil / Mozambique),

In keeping with the theme of showcasing talent from the Mandeni, KwaDukuza, Ndwedwe and Maphumulo regions of iLembe, artists include traditional Indian sounds from Kalakara featuring Keeran Eshwarlall, traditional Zulu dancing with Amasokemvelo, popular gospel band Mandeni Soul Healers, choral accapella from Central Voices, maskanda star Sgora, kwaito sensations GS, Ndwandwe Sister and Ukujabula Kuyashiyana the winners of Ndwedwe’s Isigekle Competition. Comedian Siyanda Maphumulo, DJ Dope and Groutville’s Uhuru Poets Society will keep the audience entertained between sets. Festivities close at 9pm.    

“Besides many pro-active socio-economic elements, the Festival commemorates Freedom Day by linking a concert in Durban with a project to take the music and the arts back to the people - in essence straight into the communities who have supported our fight for freedom and democracy.” says MEC for Arts & Culture Mrs Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Sapetha.  “This important synergy also addresses the vital aspects of social cohesion and nation building in our country. No longer will iconic events and artists be the domain only of the big cities.  Whilst offering our local artists a platform to showcase their talents on an international stage, this event also serves to bring a signature event to Durban as well as helping to boost tourism levels and create jobs in the Mandeni area.”

Tickets for both the Playhouse and Mandeni events are R150 per person available via Computicket and Shoprite Checkers. Tickets will be available at the door but it is preferable to book early.

For more information go to www.awesomeafrica.co.za, or call Gabi on 081 419 4509.

--end 

Sharlene Versfeld/Ayanda Mabanga

Versfeld & Associates

sharlene@versfeld.co.za/ mabanga.ayanda@gmail.com

031-8115628 / 083 326 3235

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

Time of the Writer - Day Programme

Time of the Writer - Day Programme

A select group of writers from South Africa and Africa will gather together for a week of thought provoking literary dialogue and exchange of ideas at the Time of the Writer Festival. Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by the National Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Durban, the French Institute (IFAS) and the Goethe-Institut, this 18th edition takes place in Durban between 16 and 21 March. The festival features a host of free events as part of the day programme that are spread across Durban and the surrounding areas as part of the festival’s ongoing efforts to promote and creative expression through reading and writing. This includes school visits, a publishing forum and a range of seminars and workshops.

Writers in Media

Hosted by the School of Journalism at the Durban University of Technology, this seminar explores the role played by writers in shaping popular media. To lead discussions will be Mzilikazi wa Afrika, Margaret Von Kempler and Futhi Ntshingila at the Durban University of Technology, City Campus, Room 149, on Tuesday 17 March between 11:00 and 12:30. 

Schools Writing Forum

The Schools Writing Forum connects teachers of literature with festival writers to discuss the teaching of literature in the classroom, and in particular, creative and engaging teaching approaches. This important interface will see writers ZP Dala, Dilman Dila and Charlotte Otter present their views and engage with teachers at the Chatsworth Education Centre, 219 Florence Nightingale Drive, Westcliff, Chatsworth, on Tuesday 17 March between 12:30 and 14:30.

 Writers visit Luthuli Museum

The Luthuli Museum is responsible for managing the safeguarding of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Chief Albert Luthuli’s life, history and philosophy. Festival writers Sue Nyathi and Nthikeng Mohlele will visit this national monument and share their experiences as writers with learners and community members at the Luthuli Museum, 3233 Nokukhanya Luthuli Street, Groutville, on Wednesday 18 March between 10:00 and 12:00.

Writers visit Workers College

The Workers College provides the opportunity for adult learners to engage festival participants Jacob Dlamini and Mzilikazi wa Afrika, who will share their insights and perspectives on the intellectual processes that direct their writing. This invaluable discussion will take place at the Workers College, 127 Magwaza Maphalala Street, on Wednesday 18 March between 12:00 and 13:30.

Coffee Conversations

A discussion with MJ Mngadi and Ousmane Diarra will take place at Alliance Française- 22 Sutton Crescent, Berea Wednesday 18 March between 15:30 and 16:30

 Writers Speak Out

Festival writers will speak out to University students and offer insight into their philosophies, writing processes and literary works. Writers will be visiting the following tertiary institution campuses:

• English Studies (UKZN Howard College)
• isiZulu Studies (UKZN Howard College)
• Mangosuthu University of Technology
• Gcina Mhlophe Studio (UKZN Edgewood Campus)

Book Day

Time of the Writer will host Time of the Writer “Book Day” at the Open Plan Studio on Saturday 21 March. This day-long event will be featuring a whole range of publishing forums, book launches, a creative writing workshop and a storytelling programme for the young readers, presented by the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust.

See programme or website for details: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the 18th Time of the Writer, festival is made possible by support from our funders; the National Department of arts and Culture, eThekwini Municipality's Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit, the Goethe-Institut, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Adams Booksellers as well as support from our partners; Pan Macmillan, Daily News, Computicket and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. 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.

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Book Day @Time of the Writer

Book Day @Time of the Writer

The Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) presents the 18th Time of the Writer from 16-21 March. This festival will be hosting a day-long programme with a focus on both aspiring writers and bibliophiles, aptly named, the Time of the Writer “Book Day” at the Open Plan Studio on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00- 14:30. The programme will feature a creative writing workshop, a range of publishing workshops, book launches and a storytelling programme for the kids by the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust.

Open Plan Studio is a combined office, art, photo studio and event space situated on the 4th floor of a newly renovated light industrial building now known as The Design Factory that overlooks some of Durban’s most iconic features such as; the Lion Match Factory, both Kings Park and Moses Mabhida stadium, the Stables, Durban Club and the ocean beyond that. Through this conversion into studio space, Open Plan aims to become a new creative hub and precinct in the city of Durban.

Book Launches: There will be a number of book launches featuring a rich and varying lineup of books from local authors including: A Piece of Cake by Cecil Levin, Everyday Matters by Margaret Daymond, How to Teach Your Baby in the Womb by Hamza Moleleki, Letters to My Native Soil- Lewis Nkosi Writes Home by Lindy Stiebel, Poetry Potion Dear SA – Vol. 3, No. 8 by Poetry Potion, Rusty Bell by Nthikeng Mohlele, The Dream House by Craig Higginson and What About Meera by ZP Dala.

Publishing Forum: With publishing as one of the fundamental elements in the growth of a local literary culture, a rich line-up of speakers will participate in the Publishing Forum at this years’ Time of the Writer festival. The programme comprises various topics, including publishers discussing the publishing landscape, contemporary South African publishing, the process of compiling an editorial from contributors, and the process of self-publishing.

Creative Writing Workshop: An open workshop and discussion focusing on creative writing by three festival participants - Imraan Coovadia, Thando Mgqolozana and Craig Higginson

Storytelling with the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust: The GAHT is founded on the success of its founding member, internationally renowned playwright, actress and storyteller, Gcina Mhlophe. The purpose of the GAHT edutainment is to promote a culture of reading and writing through skills-transfer workshops and performances at schools, the approach of the organization is to expose young emerging writers and performers at schools and communities to established writers and storytellers, so that they can learn skills from these well-known artists.

For more information contact the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal (031) 260 2506/1816 or  info@cca-ukzn.co.za. For the full programme go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page: 18th Time of the Writer.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the 18th Time of the Writer, festival is made possible by support from our funders; the National Department of arts and Culture, eThekwini Municipality's Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit, the Goethe-Institut, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Adams Booksellers as well as support from our partners; Pan Macmillan, Daily News, Computicket and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. 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.

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