The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulama Xingwana signed a film co-production treaty with the Australian Minister of Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Sports, Ms Kate Ellis in Pretoria today.
The purpose of the treaty is to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the area of film.
The treaty will assist generate the much-needed resources from both countries. It offers film makers, actors, distributors and marketers from both countries to access benefits such as subsidies, tax incentives, co-productions and other financial benefits allowed by the two countries or national funding institutions.
In this way the co-producing countries are able to share the risks and costs of productions, whilst increasing the output of high quality films.
It will also facilitate the cultural, creative and economic exchanges between the two countries. Such exchanges contribute to the enhancement of relations between the two countries.
In addition to financial benefits, film provides invaluable opportunities for the development of a vibrant civil society mobilise political and social change and unlock the potential of the tourism industry by marketing the country abroad while educating its own citizens.
"As South Africa, we know that the Australians will benefit a lot from our scenery and natural landscape which has already proved to be popular with film makers.
"Our country has already been a location for many successful international films such as Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamonds, Invictus, etc.
"Our own film industry has also been very successful in recent years despite the fact that our film makers work with small budgets. We are proud of achievements of films such as Tsotsi, Jerusalema and many others," said Xingwana.
The National Film and Video Foundation will continue to facilitate funding and the general conducive environment for our local industry.
Government will continue to support this important vehicle for our nation to tell its stories and preserve its culture. We value the importance of international collaborations in our effort to grow the local film sector.
This will also help contribute to the gross domestic product of our country.
Enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Tel: 012 441 3083
