NFVF Celebrates the Launch of the Eastern Cape Film Hub
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the National Department of Arts and Culture will on Thursday, 05 March 2020 launch the Eastern Cape Film Hub in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. This launch is a collaboration between NFVF, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC), and Cortex Hub.
The purpose of the film hub is to provide local filmmakers editors and digital entrepreneurs by giving them access to a shared workspace with high-speed internet and resources to help accelerate their passions and chosen fields. The Arts and Culture, Minister Nathi Mthethwa; and the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane will grace the occasion.
In 2012, the National Film and Video Foundation undertook a study to investigate the applicability of Film Hubs in South Africa, as a means of stimulating economic activity, driving transformation and creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the film sector. Out of that study, a concept document was produced which set out the criteria and a framework for the establishments of film hubs across the republic of South Africa. This initiative was driven by lack of film activity in many regions in the country mainly due to a lack of infrastructure that gives access to production and post-production facilities to aspirant filmmakers.
“The Eastern Cape Film Hub is part of the NVFV’s and the Department of Sports Arts and Culture to create a thriving ecosystem of filmmaking. To that end, it is important that we ensure filmmakers in all provinces are supported accordingly, and this film hub will serve as a pilot that can only be refined over time. We also thrilled to be partnering with the Cortex hub whose expertise lies in the digital entrepreneurs space as technology is one of the key focus areas of moving our industry forward,” Says NFVFV CEO Makhosazana Khanyile.
The facility will provide access to training, mentoring and rental facilities to kick-start their filmmaking and editing careers. Following the completion of the programme, entrepreneurs will be tasked with creating a short film. The Film Hub will also ensure that young filmmakers entering the industry are exposed to collaborative efforts alongside successful local film talent. The Hub’s success will influence similar collaborations in underserviced parts of South Africa.
Aspiring filmmakers will have an opportunity to participate in a 12-month incubation programme. On the programme entrepreneurs will be given a chance to enhance their film business skills. Aspiring filmmakers that are interested in this opportunity should visit www.safilmhub.co.za. ‘’Buffalo City is honoured to see the creation of the country’s first Film Hub in the municipality. It is a known fact that Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN have potentially the highest film and local content activities, and the opening of this hub in our municipality speaks volumes about the potential seen in the Province. The government continues to seek ways in which it can increase investment and partnerships in the Creative Arts Industry and this is great start in that effort,” says Mayor of Buffalo City Xolo Pakati.
About NFVF
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa's 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.
About Eastern Cape Film Hub
The Eastern Cape Film Hub aims to enhance African storytelling by leveraging technology. We aim to provide the Eastern Cape film industry with the synergy of film and technology to benefit all relevant stakeholders.
Enquiries:
Neo Moretlwe, Communications Coordinator, National Film and Video Foundation
Tel: 011 483 0880 x 207
E-mail: neom@nfvf.co.za
Keagile Makgoba
, Senior Consultant, Instinctif PartnersTel: 011 050 7524
E-mail: Keagile.Makgoba@instinctif.com
