THE film industry is a major part of the creative industry and the Makhanda Virtual Film Festival will be held from 12 to 16 July as part of the National Arts Festival.
This year’s virtual film festival is tailor made with programmes to suit the needs of the Eastern Cape Film Industry which is marred by a lack of creative skills in film crews.
According to Nceba Mqolomba, EC Film Festival Director, they will dedicate half of the program to basic skills training like script writing to pitching in partnership with the Writers Guild of South Africa. They have also roped in Zee Africa TV for the pitching and commissioning techniques sessions/masterclasses.
“COVID-19 restrictions to flatten the curve actually presented the district with an opportunity to go virtual, thus affording new prospects for filmmakers to connect with audiences beyond South Africa,” said Mqolomba.
“To pull a virtual festival requires a team with special expertise. Sarah Baartman District is pleased to embark into this new digital territory and appreciate the evolution that this transformation is bringing about. Also to take the lead in this new method of delivering events in collaboration with Sollywood SA, Afree Cinema and the Eastern Cape Film Festival in presenting its five day virtual film festival as part of the National Arts Festival,” said Mqolomba.
The tradition of the film festival is to celebrate a legend in the film industry. Last year they celebrated Dr John Kani. This year they will be celebrating an inspirational icon that hails from the Sarah Baartman District, the legendary Vusi Thanda. Some of his earlier as well as latest work will be showcased.
The festival is held online using new technology with no physical interaction. It will focus on documentaries with live streaming of all the masterclasses on Facebook on the Makhanda Virtual Film Festival 2021 and Eastern Cape Film Festival pages.
To try to increase inclusivity Mpuma Kapa TV will be screening the Festival sessions and films.
Admission is free, but you need to secure your space and get a link to attend the sessions
To book your space or for more information
- For more information contact Nceba Mqolomba on 083 580 9875 or nceba@ecfilmfestival.co.za or radioyabantu@gmail.com
