Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile and his Irish counterpart Minister Jimmy Deenihan signed a co-production treaty on Sunday, aimed at boosting the film industry in both countries. The treaty was signed at the 65th Cannes Film Festival.
Mashatile said the treaty, would bring new opportunities for those within the film sector. "We are very happy today to see that this relationship is going to grow, because culture is about people to people relations. But also whatever we do, the film industry and so on, we are also helping to grow our economies, create jobs for people and more skills for people."
The treaty will enable productions from both countries to qualify for the different incentives associated with home-grown content in each country, as well as enable collaborations between producers from the two countries.
“This agreement aims to allow Irish film-makers and production companies to forge closer links with their South African counterparts, for the benefit of both parties," added Deenihan.
The treaty has been under negotiation for nine years and both Ministers' agreed they want to see rapid results of this co-production. Minister Mashatile added that "South African film makers have earned a place on the international stage, through relationships like this one; we will continue to support them and our future story tellers."
South Africa is well-known for telling authentic South African stories, discovering talent and producing award-winning films. Films that have won awards locally and internationally include amongst others Oscar-winner Tsotsi, Skin, Drum, Yesterday, Otelo Burning, Life Above All and Skoonheid. Ireland has also produced world renowned filmmakers including award-winning cinematographer PJ Dillon and director/producer Ken Byrne.
This is the eighth co-production treaty South Africa has signed.
For further information contact:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
Minister Paul Mashatile and his Irish counterpart Minister Jimmy Deenihan signs a co-production treaty
