South African film industry to be positioned at the 68 Cannes International Film Festival

Johannesburg, 29 April 2015: Section 4.1 (i) of the NFVF act mandates the organisation to nationally and internationally facilitate and promote liaison between individuals and institutions. In response to the mandate, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission (KZN Film Commission) will lead a South African delegation to the festival.

Cannes International Film Festival is one of the prestigious film festivals identified as a significant platform to market local films and locations. The festival is not only a platform to market local films but also offers an opportunity for filmakers to rise more funding for their films and also acquire international distribution for their products.The film festival runs from the 13th until 24th of May 2015.

The festival is one of our strategic platforms where we offer our local filmmakers an opportunity to negotiate co-production deals with filmmakers from treaty countries. This initiative extend beyond co-productions as we also ensure that South Africa is positioned as the best filming destination, says Ms Zama Mkosi NFVF CEO.

During the festival, Ms. Mkosi will engage other countries, hosting strategic sessions to ensure that Cannes remains an important platform. The sessions include co-production fora and roundtable discussion with other African countries comprising Algeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. As part of strengthening our relations with other African countries, we will hold a roundtable discussion with the aim of telling a positive African story to the rest of the world, adds Ms. Mkosi.

Apart from the strategic sessions and meetings, the NFVF, together with KZN Film Commission will screen South African films selected as part of the Cannes film offering. The screening schedule comprise a South African Showcase, which highlights all the films; and market screening of two local films Ayanda, a coming of age story of a twenty one year old Afro hipster produced by Terry Pheto and directed by Sara Blecher; and Stone Cold Jane Austen, a hilarious reality-styled comedy that pushes boundaries in the entertainment world, produced by radio presenter, musical director, singer and songwriter Jon Savage.

Other South African films scheduled for market screening at the festival include Necktie Youth, Die Windpomp, Dias Santana, Bordering on Bad Behaviour, The Man with the Heavy Leg, and Assignment. It is encouraging to witness more South African films being screened at the festival. This will create more opportunities for our local content, resulting in more partnerships, co-production projects and sales and distribution deals. As we constantly promote South Africa, particularly KwaZulu Natal, as the best filming destination, we will continuously meet with co-production partners and further meet with key location scouts executives to position our beautiful province, says Carol Coetzee KZN Film Commission CEO.

In celebration of African Month', a campaign run by the Department of Arts and Culture, the NFVF and KZN Film Commission will host an Africa Day Celebration, targeted at strengthening relations with the BRICS, African and Treaty countries.

Please visit www.nfvf.co.za and www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.za for detailed South Africa Cannes schedule.

Brought to you by the NFVF and KZN Film Commission, the SA Pavilion will be situated at number 118 International Village Riviera. The SA Pavilion is a hub for all South African delegates to conduct business, for visitors to find information on filming activities in South Africa and to inquire about films and SA locations.

On behalf of the National Film and Video Foundation

Media Contact Person

Naomi Mokhele OR Sean Bracegirdle

Manager: Communications Communications Coordinator

Tel: +27 11 483 0880 Tel: +27 11 483 0880

naomim@nfvf.co.za seanb@nfvf.co.za

www.nfvf.co.za

Twitter: @IamNaomiM

@FilmFound

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is governed by the National Film and Video Foundation Act 73 of 1997 as amended by Cultural Laws Amendment Act 36 of 2001. The mandate of the NFVF, in terms of section 3 of the Act, is:

To promote and develop the film and video industry;

To provide and encourage the provision of opportunities for persons, especially from disadvantaged communities to get involved in the film and video industry;

To encourage the development and distribution of local film and video products;

To support the nurturing and development of access to the film and video industry;

To address historical imbalances in the infrastructure and distribution of skills and resources in the film and video industry.

LINK:	http://nfvf.co.za/home/index.php?ipkMenuID=&ipkArticleID=240...
	See more stories from nfvf

Most recent headlines