The concept for the Female Only Filmmaker Project is a valuable intervention by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), 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 20-25-minute script over a period of 5 months.
The 10 selected candidates and their submissions will go through a development process in preparation for the production of the films, which will take place over a 10-week period later in 2016.
The development process will include 3 x 3 day workshops between the month of April, May and June 2016, working with facilitators and mentors, who will work with the writers on developing the script.
Please note that being selected as a writer does not automatically guarantee that you will be selected to direct your script. A pitching process to the NFVF and an industry evaluating committee will be scheduled to select the directors.
Part of the development phase will be dedicated to providing each candidate with the necessary tools to prepare for the Director’s Pitch. These include but not limited to learning how 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.
Eligibility:
In order for an aspiring 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, production, Assistant director, Production Managers, continuity etc.
- Be a Historically Disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
- Be 100% available for the project –Attendance at all scheduled development workshops, as well as one-on-one sessions with the mentors to complete the programme is compulsory.
- Selection Criteria:
Eligible candidates for the project must:
- Have a strong written concept for a half hour (approx. 20-25 minutes) stand alone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with the 10 other projects.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including Final draft 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.
- Provide references of previous work.
- Short-listed submissions will be invited to present their proposals in person to a panel that include the producers, mentors and the NFVF.
Theme: “Negotiating Spaces”
The series of films that will be produced need to be packaged as a cohesive series, and in 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 and explore the values and expectations of modern day African women,
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. Therefore the theme “Negotiating Spaces” remains relevant and is what we want to explore in these short films.
Themes include:
- 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 and we believe there is a multitude of stories that can come out of this theme. The ultimate goal is to produce relevant stories that will resonate with audiences today, told from a female perspective and stories that we as a country can recognize ourselves in.
A short Film Format (A Guide):
A short film is not a summarized feature film. A short film should feel complete and not wanting more, nor should it feel like the first installment of more to come. It would be ideal if the short film format is maximized with a strong beginning, middle and end. Often a twist or surprise at the end can be very effective as a strong punctuation of the story being told and this format lends itself to this kind of ending. A too big idea that works better as a feature becomes too difficult to manage and can detract from a fulfilling learning experience. The resulting product then feels incomplete and flawed. Short films can be powerful and engaging, thought provoking or fun, in short – we are looking for a concise, satisfying viewing experience. This platform offers the ideal opportunity for candidates to be creative and explore storytelling ability in a short film format.
KINDLY AVOID:
- Sending in an idea for a TV pilot
- Sending in an idea for a feature film
- Sending a modified novel
- Sending an autobiographical/personal story/manifesto
- We encourage you to be creative and think of a story.
Applications:
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy and in triplicate (3 copies) for consideration:
- Narrative treatment for one 24 min film including a detailed synopsis, a character bible, and an MTP document (major turning point) document.
- A Short Bio and CV
- A certified copy of ID document.
- 2-3 References
Closing Date: 31 MARCH 2016
All applications must be submitted as hard copies to the National Film and Video Foundation offices, by the closing date.
Address: 87 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg
Office number: 011 4830880
All enquiries must be directed to:
BLINGOLA MEDIA – 011 463 9018
Or email info@blingola.co.za bongiwe@blingola.co.za
NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT NO EMAIL ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Important dates:
31 MARCH 2016 – CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS
11 APRIL 2016- ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP 15 SHORTLISTED SUBMISSIONS
20 APRIL 2016 - SHORTLIST PRESENTATION TO NFVF PANEL AND PRODUCERS.
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The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is governed by the National Film and Video Foundation Act 73 of 1997 as amended by Cultural Laws Amendment Act 36 of 2001. The mandate of the NFVF, in terms of section 3 of the Act, is:
- To promote and develop the film and video industry;
- To provide and encourage the provision of opportunities for persons, especially from disadvantaged communities to get involved in the film and video industry;
- To encourage the development and distribution of local film and video products;
- To support the nurturing and development of access to the film and video industry;
- To address historical imbalances in the infrastructure and distribution of skills and resources in the film and video industry.
