The concept for the Female Only Filmmaker Project is a valuable intervention by the National Film and Video Foundation, to provide recent female entrants into the industry, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration with other women.
Successful applicants will be guided in the development of their stories into a 24-27minute script over a period of 5 months.
Ten shortlisted submissions will go through a development process in preparation for the production of the films, which will be shot over a five-week period. However only 6 of the scripts will be selected to go into production in 2014.
The development process will include 3 x 3 day workshops between the month of June and early August 2014 with facilitators and mentors, working on developing the script with writers. During this process, each director will also be provided with the necessary tools to break down scripts for camera as well as detailed strategies for extracting the best performances from the actors.
The successful projects and teams will then be provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film. A post-production supervisor will be appointed to assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film.
Finally, a special premiere of three of the best completed films as chosen by their peers will be held at a suitable venue to be confirmed with the cast, crew and creative personnel as well as NFVF council and staff.
ELIGIBILITY
In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have worked in the industry for at least two years.
- Have worked in one or more departments including (but not exclusive to): writing, directing, editing, cinematography, producing, Assistant director, Production Managers and actresses.
- Be a Historically Disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
- Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of 8 months to complete the programme.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligible candidates for the project must:
- Have a strong written concept for a half hour (approx. 26 minutes) stand alone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with at least 5 other projects.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including software, formatting, scheduling and editing.
- Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work with others in pursuit of the same objective.
- Understand the value of and is able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
- Have a showreel that demonstrates their creative abilities.
- Have written, directed, photographed or edited two or more short films, documentaries or commercials.
Short-listed submissions will be invited to present their proposal in person.
THEME
“Negotiating Spaces”
The series of films that will be produced need to be packaged as a cohesive series, and order to achieve this, we have put forward a theme around which writers can submit their story idea.
In an effort to avoid stereotypical and clichéd themes usually associated with women films, we want to explore current themes that resonate with modern day African women, themes that explore the values and expectations of modern African women today.
How do women negotiate their position as mothers, wives, daughters, career women and professionals, girls etc. – in an ever-changing society? The pressures and expectation imposed by society on women requires them to continuously negotiate and navigate their place and position and within their own personal desires. Our proposed theme is thus: “Negotiating Spaces”
Themes such as:
- Family (responsibility and expectation);
- Taboos (cross cultural);
- Love
- Life lessons (lived experiences and how they mold us);
- The heroine inside and outside the family etc.
- These are just some of the themes that can be explored with this theme. We believe there is a multitude of stories that can come out, but the ultimate goal is to make stories that will resonate with audiences today, told from a female perspective and stories that we can recognize ourselves in.
APPLICATIONS
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy triplicate for consideration:
- Narrative treatment for one 26 min film including character bible, detailed synopsis, major turning point document.
- CV and copy of ID document.
- Show-reel
CLOSING DATE:
6 JUNE 2014
All applications must be submitted as hard copies to the National Film and Video Offices, by the closing date.
All enquiries must be directed to:
BONGIWE SELANE – 083 2607929
Or email bongiwe@blingola.co.za
IMPORTANT DATES:
6 JUNE 2014 – CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS
13 JUNE 2014- ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP 1O SHORTLISTED SUBMISSIONS
20 JUNE 2014 - SHORTLIST PRESENTATION
