The NFVF has put out the following press release. SASFED has for some time been pushing the NFVF via our TOE to build ties with other African countries. We are excited by this news and look forward to reviewing the detail of the MOU and what it actually means for our industries, and the filmmakers of both countries who wish to work together.
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19 May 2013: The National Film and Video Foundation’s CEO Zama Mkosi and Kenya Film Commission’s CEO Peter Muthie on Sunday 19th May 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU’s purpose is to afford filmmakers from both the countries an opportunity to access facilities as well as conducting business together.
The ceremony was attended by the Ministry of Arts and Culture represented by Director General Mr. Sibusiso Xaba, NFVF Council member Sandra Gordon, Kenya Film Commission Chairperson Mr. Chris Foot, filmmakers from both countries and various stakeholders.
Speaking at the signing Ms Mkosi said that the MOU will, amongst other objectives create a platform for growth of the African filmmakers as well as encouraging skills transfer. “It will provide the two countries access to filmmaking facilities and opportunities, a great prospect of working together to tell our African stories in order to achieve our strategic goal of globally positioning Africa.”
Ms Mkosi added that “As African countries we are steadily earning a place on the global stage, and working together will guarantee joint development of content as well as marketing of both the countries’ films and talent.”
Mr. Peter Muthie, CEO of Kenya Film Commission had this to say “we are pleased as Kenya Film Commission and the whole of Kenya film industry to be commencing this partnership with South Africa. This is the beginning of a strong relationship that will ensure that we tell authentic African stories. We are also celebrating our first official participation in Cannes and already, opportunities are opening up for our filmmakers.”
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, Skoonheid, and last year the country released its first 3D animation feature series which had a successful run globally crossing $5.8M in CIS, $3.2M in Poland, 3.1M in Benelux, $3M in Korea, 2.5M in Australia, $1.2M in Italy, $1 South Africa, $758K in Israel and $735 in Portugal.
The event ended with the two CEO’s exchanging gifts from each of the countries.
The National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa is the official host of the South African presence at the Cannes International Film Festival. The SA Pavilion 120 is situated at the International Village and offers all South African filmmakers a business environment equipped with facilities to make it easy to conduct daily business.
