
Call for Documentary Project: Life and Legacy of the Lion of The Midlands, Harry Themba Gwala has been extended
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), would like to extend the invitation for TIER 1 and 2 filmmakers ONLY, to submit proposals reflecting on the life and legacy of Harry Gwala.
Background:
From 1960, Gwala was involved in the ANC underground. In 1964, he was imprisoned on Robben Island for sabotage and recruiting for Umkhonto we Sizwe. He was released in 1972 but restricted to Pietermaritzburg. There, he established a laundry collection business as a cover for continued ANC activity and attempts to revive the South African Congress of Trade Unions. In 1975, Gwala was arrested again, this time sentenced to life imprisonment under the Terrorism Act.
But when people become conscious of what they want, and are prepared to fight for it, those people are free, because what is freedom, if not as Engels says the realisation of necessity Harry Gwala
The call seeks to award funding to the value of R1 000,000 (1 Million Rand only) for the production of one feature-length documentary in keeping with the theme of commemorating Harry Gwala.
Terms of Reference:
The proposals must demonstrate the promotion of Gwala's values, principles, and aspirations, especially considering his tenacity and fight for justice and equality.
Proposals must have a clear central idea, captivating and compelling story, inspiring character/s, a bold visual style, and accurate representation of Gwala's life.
The film that is produced out of this initiative will have to meet the NFVFs requirements for content that informs, educates, entertains, and offers unique perspectives of this legacy.
Concepts must be production-ready.
Selection Criteria for Projects Proposal
Applications must include:
1 2-page motivation
1-page synopsis
Visual Treatment
Detailed outline
Archive Research Plan
CVs of key creative team with showreel/portfolio of work
Budget
Finance and recoupment plan
Proposed development and production schedule
Marketing and distribution strategy and plan.
Eligibility
In order for a production company to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Producer/s must be either a South African citizen or be a permanent resident of South Africa.
51% black-owned and managed companies with a unique proposal.
Tier 1/2 Production Company. This is defined in the NFVF Funding Policy as:
Tier 1 (Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 feature-length documentary films.)
Tier 2 (Filmmakers with limited experience in the film industry, but who have developed and produced 1-2 feature-length films, television fiction and/or, 2-3 documentary short films seeking to venture into feature film development and production)
Production company should demonstrate an understanding of packaging and marketing of documentary films.
Who does not qualify?
Previous recipients of NFVF slate funding including animation slate, documentary slates, youth and female filmmaker project are NOT eligible for this fund.
Individuals and/or Production Companies that have 4 (four) active NFVF funded projects across the value chain i.e., development, production, post-production, marketing and distribution, training, and festival funding support.
Compulsory Requirements:
All applicants must submit the following compulsory documentation:
BBBEE certificate.
Valid Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Clearance Status Pin Document (not older than one year) *
Recently Certified ID copy (dated certification stamp not older than six months) *
Company registration document
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Failure to submit the above-mentioned compulsory documentations will render the application incomplete and therefore disqualified.
The Closing date for applications is 31 March 2021 at 5PM. Any queries maybe directed to Nadinec@nfvf.co.za
Please note that failure to submit the above-mentioned key and compulsory documentation will render the application incomplete and therefore disqualified.
No late applications will be accepted.
About the NFVF:
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, was mandated to ensure the equitable growth of the South African film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing, and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
05/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/02/2026
The 11th-annual Summit will not only the unprecedented headwinds facing the business, but also the groundbreaking opportunities for the future....
04/02/2026
Just moments before the 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off, members of the event's audio team assembled for a group photo at the base of the stage inside Los Ang...
04/02/2026
At the Vienna Interdisciplinary Symposium on Aortic Repair (VISAR), Riedel Communications' Managed Technology Division delivered a turnkey technical infrast...
04/02/2026
The Mountain West Conference announces a new media rights package featuring CBS ...
04/02/2026
Earlier this week, the NFL announced it would play regular season games in Madrid, Paris, and Mexico City in 2026 as part of a nine-game international schedule,...
04/02/2026
Custom-built carts carry music speakers for Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime S...
04/02/2026
In an era of constrained spectrum, two tactics have emerged: work closely with regulatory bodies and utilize engineering chops
The Federal Communications Commi...
04/02/2026
Three examples of how wireless microphones are deployed to bring fans in deep and up close
Microphone manufacturers have myriad ways to put wireless to work fo...
04/02/2026
The mic manufacturer will join other suppliers in the new Rock Nashville production campus
Sennheiser is relocating its U.S. headquarters from its long-time lo...
04/02/2026
Olivia Colman and John Lithgow appear in Jimpa by Sophie Hyde, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Courtesy of Sundance Institute | pho...
04/02/2026
Lyrics are one of Spotify's most popular features, giving fans a richer way to experience the music and artists they love. They're viewed hundreds of mi...
04/02/2026
Queer Renegades: SBS Audio's new podcast reclaiming Australia's queer hi...
04/02/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites final-year animation students to participate in an exclusive creative showcase at the Annecy International...
04/02/2026
Viper Shield's robust phase of flight-testing production representative hard...
04/02/2026
Pilot To Launch with Super Bowl LX on February 8 and Continue with High Profile Live Events, Entertainment and Sports
Nielsen to Use State of the Art Wearable...
04/02/2026
New control solution applies broadcast robotics workflows to PTZ cameras with third-party integration and upgrade paths
Vinten, a global leader in robotic cam...
04/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/02/2026
Katie Vitolins Announced as Vice President of Alumni Products and Services An alumna and former trustee, Vitolins will lead the relaunch of Berklee's alum...
04/02/2026
Wednesday 4 February 2026
Full cast announced for Saturday Night Live UK, comin...
04/02/2026
Wednesday 4 February 2026
Fear of running out of mobile data (FORO) is a real i...
04/02/2026
Rohde & Schwarz powers next generation television in Brazil with DTV technology...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Shares Teaser of the Third and Final Season of Knokke Off
Entertainment
04 February 2026
GlobalNetherlands
Link copied to clipboar...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Premieres The TikTok Killer on March 6
Entertainment
04 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Download the pictures
...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Music Is Having a Golden Moment on Netflix as New and Nostal...
04/02/2026
Fox Corporation Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results NEW YORK, NY, February 4, 2026 - Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX; FOX or the Compan...
04/02/2026
Lucas P. Arag n Joins FOX Advertising as Senior Vice President, Creative New York, NY - February 4, 2026 - Accomplished Creative Executive Lucas P. Arag n has...
04/02/2026
Following the passing of our friend and colleague Hugh Wallace, and with the full support of his family, RT will proceed with the broadcast of the new series o...
04/02/2026
Editor's note: This post is part of the Nemotron Labs blog series, which exp...
03/02/2026
Tagboard, a modern, interactive graphics system for news, sports, and entertainm...
03/02/2026
Studio Network Solutions (SNS) announces the launch of Trio, a new S3-compatible cloud storage service fully integrated with EVO for media backup, archival, and...
03/02/2026
50 Production Trucks at center of 160 U.S.-based productions...
03/02/2026
Nielsen, which specializes in audience measurement, data, and media intelligence, announces that it is piloting a new methodology enhancement to more accurately...
03/02/2026
Appear's X Platform will be used by NBC Sports to deliver video compression, satellite modulation and transport stream aggregation for its production of the...
03/02/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...
03/02/2026
NHL Network announces its comprehensive programming schedule for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, underscoring the highly anticipated return of NHL players to...
03/02/2026
NBC Sports has chosen Canon to deliver 115 Canon UHD broadcast lenses for its production of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Canon will also send suppo...
03/02/2026
Audio-Technica equipment will be used by NBC Sports to deliver much of its audio capture requirements across all sporting venues for its production of the 2026 ...
03/02/2026
NBC Sports will use Cisco to deliver AI networking technology for its all-IP production of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, including the deployment of...
03/02/2026
NBC Sports will utilize Chyron PRIME CG to produce live broadcast graphics to display names, athlete information, scores, statistics, leaderboards, headshots an...
03/02/2026
NBC Sports will utilize Grass Valley to deliver advanced signal conversion, rout...
03/02/2026
NBC Sports will utilize Planar to deliver leading-edge fine pixel pitch LED video wall technology for its production of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics...