A year-long discovery, training and mentorship program of the brightest film writing and directing talent in the country.The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the Youth Filmmaker Project 2024/2025. The filmmakers will be guided by the team at Sisanda Henna Leadership x Sisanda Henna Films, facilitators of the NFVF project.
The Youth Filmmaker Project targets previously disadvantaged youths to be guided in developing, writing and directing their own 23-minute debut short films which will become their calling-cards in the international industry. Only the best 10 scripts will be produced by the facilitating company. The program seeks aspirant, talented and hardworking writer-directors to apply. This project is targeted towards aspirant young filmmakers who have a desire to break into the industry and would like to pursue a career in script writing and/or directing. This program will ensure that each participant has a complete script and film that will form part of their portfolio in the future.
OBJECTIVES To seek out remarkable storytellers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and develop regionally based filmmaking talent, which will bring new perspectives to our South African and ultimately the African and global audience.
To nurture, support and promote young writer-directors in South Africa through strategically developed training laboratories, workshops and mentorship.
WORKSHOPPING Scripts will be developed and workshopped over a dedicated development period. During this process each writer and director will be provided with the necessary tools to develop the story and direct their film. The successful projects will be provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film and assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film. Workshop attendance is mandatory as it is key for learning and development.
ELIGIBILITY In order to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Between the ages of 18-35.
Must be South African/ permanent resident
Have a strong written concept and directing potential
Have not directed a professional film/ professional episode of television fiction.
Be a historically disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of 12 months to complete the programme.
Only fictional narratives will be accepted.
SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible candidates for the project must:
Demonstrate a passion for the film industry / filmmaking and the extent of their experience in industry. This includes sending a motivational video.
Have a strong written concept for a 23-minute stand alone film with a clearly thought-out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with other projects under the theme of HOME .
Must understand that aspects of their original story might change for the purposes of producing the script.
Be willing to meet the demands of the film industry and be present at every training and workshop.
Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work as a part of a team in the pursuit of the same objective.
Understand the value of, and is able to, work under pressure and tight schedules.
NB: filmmakers will need to pitch at production stage and the best candidates will proceed to filming/ directing the films.
APPLICATIONS Applications must submit the following documentation in for consideration:
Original concept for a 23-minute film. The film concept should be relatively contained; limited to no more than 4 lead characters, 4 supporting roles and a maximum of 4 locations. The fewer the better.
Under themes stated below. See document Themes.
Pitch deck/ visual treatment, (max 5 pgs)
Include content under the headings: Title, Log-line, theme, tagline, genre, controlling idea, visual realisation, statement of intent, main character/s biographies, world of story use text only (max 2 pgs).
Detailed Synopsis (max 1pg)
Script Sample you have written (max 3 pages): from any previous script of yours or the inciting incident of your concept.
Cover Letter or Video of motivation. (max 2 pages or max 3 min clip). Mandatory.
Who you are and why you are passionate about your story and filmmaking.
How you would benefit from the programme, your 3-5 year vision.
Discuss your background, education and experience highlighting your achievements
CV with picture. (max 3 pgs)
Indicate Province of birth, Province currently residing in.
Work Portfolio (min 3 pgs max 12 pgs ). Mandatory
Certified copy of ID document (no older than 3 months).
Biography with a picture (of yourself). (max 1 pg)
And any other documentation (max 2 documents), video clips or pictures motivating/ demonstrating your skills, aptitude, work ethic, in writing and directing film.
All entries to be submitted on the form, kindly visit : h#ps://sisandahennafilms.com/call-for-entries-nfvf-youth-filmmakerproject/ h#ps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ErEvrw1t03V01Uusaf9DdPQJhl2mTgyOJTL96dBFcak/prefill
Please make sure that all required documents or links thereto are submitted as any missing documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
You can only submit one application.
You can only submit as an individual and not a company.
For any queries, please email: applications@sisandahennafilms.com
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA EMAIL ONLY THROUGH THE PORTAL/ ONLINE FORM CLOSING DATE: 2 JUNE 2024
Theme: HOME
People have the uncanny ability to impose bits and pieces of themselves in spaces and places. Calling them HOME. With home being intimately tied to our sense of identity and self definition. What lengths do we go to in order to seek out homes that belong to us? What do we be
