eekwini Local Film Market and Awards Ceremony - Saluting and supporting Durbans film industry players

eThekwini Local Film Market and Awards Ceremony Saluting and supporting Durban's film industry players

Its that time of the year again when we will gather once again to witness the exciting announcement of the winners of the 2nd eThekwini Local Film Awards. The auspicious occasion, proudly created by the eThekwini Filmmakers Association and endorsed by the EThekwini Municipalitys Durban Film Office, is set to take place from 28 - 30 November at the Durban Manor Hotel, and will honour and celebrate the achievements our local and emerging filmmakers.

The three-day event is two-fold, the eThekwini Filmmakers Associations Local Film Market will provide free to the public cinema-like screenings of locally-produced films participating in the programme, with the opportunity to purchase original material such as DVDs that will be on sale, as well as the glitzy awards ceremony that will culminate on the last day of the programme.

The initiative, now in its second year, was created with the objective of providing a platform for local filmmakers to network and showcase their talent; developing and encouraging an audiences interest in locally produced films and creating a sustainable film industry focused on job creation and empowerment opportunities.

Over and over again, our city has proven to produce award-winning films and filmmakers its about time we acknowledge the hard work, talent and offerings of the players within the industry which make it such a success, said Durban Film Office Head Toni Monty.

Winners will be announced in the following award categories; Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Story/Writer, Best Director, Best Editor, Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Cinematographer and Best Student Production.

Monty believes that the awards will serve as a motivation for industry personnel to set higher standards and engage in healthy competition with each other, which will ultimately see the local film industry reach new heights. Said Monty; Its a great confidence booster to know that your work is appreciated and enjoyed by fellow industry colleagues and the greater public.

The judges of the awards ceremony view the films that have been submitted and select the award winners. Nominees and award winners will be kept a secret until the awards ceremony when all will be revealed, said eThekwini Filmmaker's Association Chairman Andile Buwa.

Apart from the glitz and glam of the ceremony, Buwa said that the event would also cater to the public through its film market which would provide 21 free local film screenings as well as the exciting opportunity for the public to mingle with the stars of the films that will also be in attendance. The market will also serve as a unique platform that will encourage local filmmakers to market and sell their original products, and thus fight the surge of piracy.

Said Buwa; What makes this market unique and exciting is a drive to make the films accessible to a wider audience and to attract those who dont traditionally watch local films at cinemas.

Buwa said that market was a way of giving back to the audience, i.e. members of public, who are the greatest supporters and advocators of the local film industry.

We want the public to get excited and be proud about movies coming out of our city - this is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a great home-grown movie.

The eThekwini Local Film Market will take place from 28-30 November with a detailed schedule of events still to be announced through the eThekwini Filmmakers Association. The eThekwini Local Film Awards will take place on 30 November at 6pm. Both events will take place at the Durban Manor Hotel.

For more information on the eThekwini Local Film Market and Awards ceremony contact eThekwini Filmmakers Associations General Secretary Mr Ntuthuzelo Gentse on cell; 084 308 6265 or via e-mail.

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