The Eastern Cape Film Festival will for the first time since its founding as part of the Ginsberg Easter Festival in 2014, be held in Kariega at the VW People Pavilion from 1 to 6 December.
The Eastern Cape Film Festival founder and director Nceba Mqolomba, who hails from Kariega, said he is “very happy taking the event home.”
The festival is an annual platform for filmmakers, professional and aspirant, as well as industry experts who pride themselves in consistently empowering the Eastern Cape community through engagements on the entrenchment of film as an economic sector.
Mqolomba, a 2022 South African Film & Television Award (SAFTA) recipient for Outstanding contribution in the film industry says this year’s festival will be a showcase of motion picture global diversity, protest art and productions/cinema, film as a universal language as well as producing for international consumption.
“The Eastern Cape Film Festival was founded as a means to fill a structural void that existed in the make-up of the province’s film production economy. The Eastern Cape did not have a flagship film event, despite its contribution to development of film in South Africa,” said Mqolomba.
“In 2021, we felt confident enough to host a festival that began to position the province as an international film destination. International and award-winning speakers, facilitators, panellists, and trainers participated in the festival. This fest fostered understanding of the internationalisation of film production and addressing the world’s thirst for new filming destinations with fresh and unique content.”
Submissions callout
The film festival is open to all genres namely short films, student films, documentaries, full length, animation, and music videos. Submissions can be sent to submissions@ecfilmfestival.co.za and the closing date is Friday, 18 November.
According to Mqolomba, they are also looking for experienced filmmakers to mentor and oversee short film productions. Those interested are requested to contact him.
Festival programme
1st December: Masterclasses and workshops
Opening film: My Favourite Place by Jahmil Qhubeka
2nd December: Masterclasses, workshops, and screenings
3rd December: 48 Hour film challenge and screenings
4th December: 48-Hour film challenge and screenings
5th December : Masterclasses, workshops, and screenings
6th December: Eastern Cape Film Forum round table
- For more information call 083 580 9875 or email to info@ecfilmfestival.co.za, radioyabantu@gmail.com or nceba@ecfilmfestival.co.za
