THE NFVF TO OFFER IMMEDIATE RELIEF TO FILM PRACTITIONERS AMID COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

South Africa’s local film and television industry has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and a number of productions have been haltered not to mention scores of live events cancelled. In an effort to offer relief measures, as outlined in the minister’s address on the 25^th of March, the NFVF will be prioritising making payments to beneficiaries that have submitted milestones in the past two weeks. Beneficiaries who have yet to submit milestones over the next three months will also be consulted during this period to determine how best they can be assisted. This extends only to individuals that have current contracts with the NFVF.

The NFVF has ensured that it supports any activities that can occur in confined and isolated environments, with the early release of Calls for Funding that include Script Development, Animation, Post-Production and Archive applications. The call for these applications would have been opened in August 2020, however, due to the current climate, the NFVF released these calls on Friday 27 March 2020, to keep the industry busy during this downtime. The normal funding processes will still be applied to all applications including NFVF Council approvals, envisaged to take place on the 10th of June.  The NFVF will also ensure that funding earmarked for Film Festivals, which have been cancelled based on travel bans in place, is redirected to bolster production budgets for the new fiscal starting 01 April 2020.

As part of the slates program which benefits young emerging producers, the NFVF has identified a savings of R5 million from the current fiscal, which will be used as part of the relief program. The NFVF will provide a once off cash injection of R500 000 to the ten companies currently commissioned by the organisation to assist during this distressing time of canceled production shoots. This relief will only be contained to the slates currently commissioned by the institution. “We stand in solidarity with the practitioners of the TV and Film industry and we hope that these relief measures we have put in place speak to the level of our commitment”, said NFVF CEO Makhosazana Khanyile.

In line with the NFVF’s strategic objective of creating an enabling environment for young Filmmakers to develop the technological skills to thrive in an ever-changing world, the NFVF is currently engaging with potential partners to provide virtual training solutions during this downtime. Further communication will follow in days to come with regard to this initiative.

-End-

About NFVF

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa's film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.

For further information:

Neo Moretlwe

Communications Coordinator, National Film and Video Foundation

Tel: +27 11 483 0880 ext: 207

neom@nfvf.co.za

Keagile Makgoba

Senior Consultant, Instinctif Partners

Tel: +27 11 050 7524

Keagile.Makgoba@instinctif.com  

(Source: www.nfvf.co.za)

MULTICHOICE GROUP SUPPORTS LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY DURING COVID-19

Everyday various sectors across our continent are adjusting and finding ways to deal with challenges brought about by the current coronavirus pandemic. Given MultiChoice Group’s position in Africa’s video entertainment sector, the group is acutely aware of the challenges their partners in the industry are facing. At this time MultiChoice will be standing by them.

Across the continent business and industry is experiencing disruptions and delays. In South Africa, production has come to a complete halt as the industry adheres to the national lockdown. For many years MultiChoice has been a leader in the sector and are a leading investor in local content production. The group has deep rooted partnerships and long-standing commitments that have grown the industry for the benefit of many, both in front and behind the camera.

It is for this reason that MultiChoice has decided to implement several measures, aimed at safe-guarding the incomes of cast, crew, and creatives as well as the sustainability of production houses. With these measures the group can hopefully steer the industry through this tumultuous time.

MultiChoice has set aside R80 million to ensure that current productions are able to pay full salaries of cast, crew, and creatives for the months of March and April, by when hopefully we will have the worst of the disruptions behind us. The need to secure salaries of our creatives goes a long way in creating income stability for them and their families. We believe this to be critical for the industry and in our view simply the right thing to do.

Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory we will be launching an online learning portal that will support over 40 000 members of the industry to gain access to courses and online master classes, so they can continue to hone their craft whilst adhering to the public health measures of social distancing and isolation. 

Furthermore, we have committed to guarantee the incomes of freelancers in our SuperSport Productions, who are currently unable to work due to the suspension of sport and the national lockdown. This extends to guaranteeing the income of freelancers in our broadcast technology environment.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Crisis Business Info & Advice in Cape Town and the Western Cape

Dear Film and Media Practitioners,

Wesgro is working from home from 26 March – 16 April 2020, and your normal film and media email queries will be attended to by Lisa, or myself – my whatsappline +27731693781 is available for calls. For COVID19 related queries see below announcement.

Wesgro has produced (with all partners) and published this supportbusiness-website with up-to-date information and a channel for business queries. If you can help us update it please do – so do note your queries, to contact below, is being answered by mandate holders, and these responses and clarifications will also drive updates to the various parts of this website.

Please pass it on :

Prepare to be online more than ever in the next 21 days! Consult http://supportbusiness.co.za for assistance. A virtual team of sectorial & communication experts is on standby to answer your questions via supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za #CapeConfidence #Covidcontentcentre

Of course the ordinary contact questions for COVID19 are in my footer but I duplicate here.

For more information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit: http://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

National hotline: 0800 029 999 

Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102 

Clinicians hotline: 082 883 9920

WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 123 456 (All lines are operational 24/7)

Thank you for your patience as we work together to #flattenthecurve and prepare for the clear and healthy period to follow.

Statement by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture on mitigation plans to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the sector

25 Mar 2020

Good afternoon Fellow South Africans, and Members of the Media

President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, MC Ramaphosa, in his address to the nation on the 15 March 2020, declared the spread of Corona Virus (Covid 19) a national disaster. This declaration necessitated the implementation of measures to mitigate the challenges.

Amongst the measures announced by the President was to limit gatherings to less than one hundred people. This necessary measure was a fatal blow to the sector, since it depends on numbers for it to survive be it Gigs, Concerts, Sporting matches et al.

We made the point at the time and we are reiterating now, that sporting and creative sectors are going to be the hardest hit by these critically important measures.

Subsequent to the address by the President to the Nation we convened sectoral meetings and a number of issues were discussed and suggestions made on how to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

On the sporting front for instance they shared with us actions that they have already taken to respond positively to the call made by the President. This includes amongst others the postponement and cancellation of matches. In the final analysis, they further made suggestions on how to address the challenges brought by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The cultural and creative sector remains in the desperate situation as the result of the declaration. They have made some suggestions on how to deal with the situation. They have made the following suggestions:

1. Utilisation of 4^th Industrial Revolution on live performances with no audiences (Live Streaming).
2. They suggested that we engage the private sector especially the financial services sector for the relief on such things like House and Car mortgages, rents and other instalments.
3. They also wanted government to give direction on athletes who are trapped abroad like in USA and Europe.  
4. We engage our sister Department of Communications to avail platforms for key individuals in the sector to send messages of hope and awareness on Corona Virus.
5. 
   
6. To ensure that the Public Broadcaster is biased in favour of local content during this period.

This will go a long way in alleviating the plight of artists and athletes.

In this meeting we also had the presence of the organised formations in the sector such as National Federations in sports and the Confederation (SASCOC).

On the side of the cultural and creative sector we had the federation of the creatives the Creative and Cultural Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA).

We also had collecting societies like SAMBRO, SAMPRO, IMPRA and CAPASSO who all have made commitments to pay royalties to members on time.

We urge everyone to play a role in addressing the difficulties faced by the sector. Let us put a shoulder to the wheel.

All these suggestions mean we must get resources, especially financially, to address the challenges at hand. This means at looking at what the department can do.

Budget Allocation

The Department has therefore reprioritized its budget allocation from quarter one to avail over R150 million to provide the much needed relief to practitioners in the sector.

The allocated funds will be utilized to render various forms of support to practitioners during this period.  Priority will be given to artists and practitioners who were already booked by some of the cancelled and postponed events funded by the department, as well as to the legends of the industry.

For the audiovisual sector, already over 25 TV productions have been postponed, possibly to be cancelled by broadcasters, about 15 live shows have been cancelled: the DSAC together with the Department of Communication are engaging the broadcasters to ensure that producers should pay the cast and crew that were due to go into production.

Partnership with the DSAC Playhouses to create live streaming programmes

The playhouses, which are entities of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture will avail to artists a platform to perform live-streaming activities which includes amongst others stand-up comedy, poetry sessions, music, and so forth.  This will be done to keep people entertained, to showcase the work of the creatives, and to promote local content across all art genres. The Department will commission service providers in the digital space to curate new programs in all disciplines to ensure that artists continue to work. The department will share detailed plans on the process for participation.

Support from Entities of DSAC to Practitioners

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) will offer immediate relief to practitioners in the film industry by prioritising and making payments to beneficiaries that have submitted milestones in the past two weeks on an urgent basis. Beneficiaries who have yet to submit milestones over the next three months will also be paid.  NFVF also intends to release a call for Development, Post-Production, Animation and Archive by the end of this week, which ordinarily would have only been released in August.  The aim of this exercise is to ensure that normal processes are applied to all applications including council approvals by the 10^th of June to keep the industry going.  NFVF will further reprioritise funding earmarked for the film festivals which have been cancelled, and realising them for an early production in September 2020. 

As part of the slates programme which benefits young emerging producers, NFVF has further identified a savings of R4.5 million from the current fiscal, which will be used as part of the relief programme.  NFVF will provide a cash injection of R500 000 to the nine companies currently commissioned by the organisation.  This relief will only be contained to the slates currently commissioned by the institution, and would be extended it to anyone else in the industry.

Key messages by practitioners in the sector #OneMessageManyVoices

The Department further calls upon both the public and private broadcasters to lend a hand in the relief program towards the sector by playing more locally produced content to enable artists to earn royalties, and to show patriotism towards their country. Part of DSAC’s education and awareness programme is to share, messages about Covid19, but also to communicate messages that will bring courage and hope to South African citizens; that we are a resilient country and we can triumph in spite of this pandemic. Through our campaign, we will be sending out a strong message, that carries many voices. This we will attain by commissioning young and upcoming artists, renowned artists, and our legends to curate via their respective social media platforms.

Media Enquiries:

Masechaba Ndlovu

Spokesperson

Minister: Sports, Arts and Culture

Tel: +2782 858 4415

Email: MasechabaN@dac.gov.za

Issued by the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture

IPO COVID-19 Crisis Management Coordinator

The Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) is looking to employ, on a short-term basis, a passionate industry professional with a strong understanding of the industry and ability to grapple with the crisis’ fast-changing conditions.

 

The contract will be for 2 months with a possibility of an extension.

 

The Coordinator will work directly with the EXCO and various subcommittee members. She or he will:

 

• Assist EXCO to execute its emergency strategy. EXCO members will work directly, contributing their time and resources to support the Coordinator in every way possible.
• Engage and consult with IPO members, offering support and information.
• Sit and represent producers on the newly-established IPO-Broadcaster Emergency Task Team in order to negotiate with broadcasters regarding their responsibilities in this crisis.
• Lobby for emergency relief from government and government agencies
• Liaise closely with SASFED and industry-wide actions
• Work with the IPO communications sub-committee to keep members and public abreast of developments.

 

The individual should have at least five years of experience in the industry, strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the production sector, be a flexible and strategic thinker committed to local content and  have access to high-speed internet for video-conferencing.

 

This is a paid position to start as soon as possible. 

 

Please send CV and short letter of motivation to ipoexco@ipo.org.za by 9am Tuesday 24th March. 

Only preferred candidates will be contacted for interview. 

Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) Notice on COVID-19

Please find attached the IPO Executive Committee response to the current COVID-19 situation and current developments within the industry. We wish to ensure you that we are working collectively with industry stakeholders during this time, and are mindful of the impact this is having on our businesses, crew, cast and suppliers.

Many Thanks,

IPO Communications Committee on behalf of Exco

IPO Response to Coronova Virus (COVID-19) Emergency

Dear members and colleagues,

As the spread of COVID-19 in SA and around the world continues, the IPO executive committee held an emergency meeting yesterday (via videoconference) to discuss our response to the current crisis with specific regard to our screen industry.

Many of our members are battling to formulate the right action with regards to projects already in production or about to start production. We are all mindful of the fact that we are potentially putting a large amount of people at risk by continuing to shoot, and that we might participate in the exacerbation of this national and worldwide health disaster by not containing the spread of the virus. At the same time, we, as producers, are responsible for the jobs of thousands of our freelance cast and crew, and are also very mindful of the economic implications of suspending or cancelling a shoot.

In addition, in the vast majority of cases, legal liability would ordinarily rest with the producer. We are therefore the ones bearing the brunt of the risks – financial and otherwise, if we continue with a film or TV shoot in order to honour our commitments to broadcasters / clients despite the current pandemic, or if we suspend it to protect the lives of our people and find ourselves in breach of our contractual obligations. We are therefore caught between a rock and a very hard place.

Since the President declared a National Disaster, we have engaged with broadcasters to obtain guidance from them, since in most local productions we are dealing with commissions where they ultimately have the final word on anything we do, but so far they have not come back with a clear policy. It seems some of them are actually keen to hear from us, the IPO, on how we, as an industry should deal with the current crisis with calmness, clarity, unity and responsibility.

Heeding our President’s call to do everything in our power to stop this pandemic and save lives, acknowledging what the rest of the world is doing and the ensuing suspensions of all foreign productions in the country, the IPO ExCo has decided to recommend that all our members suspend their ongoing production or delay any imminent production, and inform and consult with their lawyers, their channel CEs and Business Affairs as to the best way of implementing their decision. Action is required TODAY to reduce the exponential risk in virus spread.

We have also decided to write an urgent memorandum to all the broadcasters, as well as the department of health and the presidency to outline the specific challenges faced by our industry and to call for an urgent all industry response. All broadcasters have the same anxiety. This is that they won’t have enough material or new material to show and this would cause them a drop in ratings and consequent financial harm. But we believe the industry needs help to do the right thing, to protect the cast and crew’s health, their loved ones and minimise the impact on their financial well being. We will recommend that broadcasters must take responsibility for cushioning some of the economic impact by providing support on halted productions to cast and crew during this unprecedented crisis.

We are immediately calling for urgent meetings (telephonically or video conference) with all stakeholders, including SABC, eTV, Multichoice, other broadcasters and platforms, as well as NFVF, DTI, IDC, DAC, etc. to coordinate our actions, with the aims of limiting the immediate impact of this crisis, and allowing our industry to come back stronger when this national crisis is over.

We will also reach out in the next few days to the relevant Minister in the National Command Council that was created by the President, and ask for urgent and meaningful support measures to soften the huge blow that our screen industry is about to receive.

We are in the process of reviewing terms of trade, standard commissioning and co-production agreements (incl. force majeure and insurance clauses), as well as our agreements with the various guilds, and will share with you our findings as we go.

We are also taking steps to secure the pro bono services of labour and entertainment lawyers to assist our members as they have to face these huge and never-seen-before challenges.

We appreciate that these are uncertain and challenging times and are doing – and will continue to do – everything we can to support IPO members and their businesses.

For the latest government guidance relating to COVID-19, visit: https://sacoronavirus.co.za

Please contact us if you have any questions or matters you wish to discuss with the IPO executive committee at ipoexco@ipo.org.za

Please stay safe.

Best wishes,

IPO Executive Committee

WGSA: Basic screenwriting course for emerging screenwriters ON HOLD

WGSA presents Basic Screenwriting Course for Emerging Screenwriters 27 to 29 March 2020 ON HOLD until further notice If you have applied already, and if the new dates suit you, you do not need to re-apply. Sorry for the inconvenience, but your health is important to the WGSA Not a WGSA Member? JOIN US

Ninth Cape Town International Animation Festival postponed to April 2021

The ninth Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) has been postponed to 24 to 27 April 2021.

The event will take place at the Cape Town Stadium and will be excitingly co-located with Comic Con Cape Town. Both events were scheduled to take place in May this year, but have been postponed following the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and the South African Government’s ban on public events over 100 people as one of its responses to manage the pandemic.

“We are obviously saddened not to be able to bring you the incredible programme we had lined up, but we are committed to being socially responsible and doing whatever we can to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus,” says Festival Director Dianne Makings. “The health and safety of our delegates, sponsors, staff and the population at large is and will remain our highest priority. The good news is that next year CTIAF will be even bigger with an epic four days of events!”

“We will continue to present Africa’s animation talent under one roof, and uniquely understand the challenges, needs and opportunities of the African animation industry. In 2021 we look forward to bringing you more undiscovered African stories through colourful narratives. It’s not ‘Goodbye’, but rather, ‘See you all soon!’

Delegates will have a choice between refunding their ticket or rolling it over to the new dates in 2021. This process will be managed hand-in-hand with ticketing partner Howler.

CTIAF is the largest dedicated African animation festival on the continent. It is renowned for presenting world-class content as well as an opportunity to engage with global industry leaders. The programme includes something for everyone, from animated films to insightful workshops and masterclasses, business-to-business sessions, round table sessions, producer events, networking opportunities and government panel discussions. The CTIAF is committed to inspiring the next generation of both audiences and animators with its popular annual student competition, family programme and an outreach initiative. 

The CTIAF is proudly presented by Animation SA and is made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors the Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Cape Town, Wacom, Wesgro, Nickelodeon, the High Commission of Canada, The Japanese Embassy and Consulate in Cape Town and the French Institute of South Africa.  CTIAF has also partnered with Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Accra Animation Festival and The Triggerfish Academy.

Visit www.ctiaf.com for updates or join CTIAF on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CTInternationalAnimationFest

Twitter: @CTanimationfest

Instagram: @CTIAF

#CTIAF2020

Notes to editors

The CTIAF has enjoyed great successes in its goal of creating a platform for the art and business of South African animation. The most recent successes have included:

▪ A special screening of CTIAF curated short films representing South African animation will be screened at Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2020

▪ Post 2019’s event and as a result of discussions at the festival both Peter Ramsey and Aron Warner are working with South African studios

ANIMATION SA

Animation South Africa is a non-profit industry association which represents the interests of animation professionals by:

▪ Creating new business opportunities by identifying and coordinating export missions to key markets
▪ Conducting and participating in global market research.
▪ Creating knowledge-sharing opportunities to up-skill our animation professionals
▪ Consulting with government in an effort to inform a regulatory environment in which the animation industry can thrive.

PRESS RELEASE: 14th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs14)

SAFTAs14 Update

16  March 2020

In light of the announcement made by President Ramaphosa and the Government’s strict actions in response to the COVID19 (“Coronavirus”) outbreak, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) would like to inform you that the 14th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs14) will no longer take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 27 – 28 March 2020.  

Further details will be communicated in due course.

 -End-

About SAFTAs

The South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs) were established by industry representatives and the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF), as an event that honours, celebrates and promotes the creativity, quality & excellence of the South African film & television talent. They also serve to encourage the development of new talent, fostering a generation of filmmakers united in the collective mission of telling authentic South African stories. 

About NFVF

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa's film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.

Facebook: @SAFTASSA

Twitter: @SAFTAs1

Instagram: @SAFTAs1 

Website: www.nfvf.co.za

For further information:

Neo Moretlwe

Communications Coordinator, National Film and Video Foundation 

Tel: +27 11 483 0880 ext: 207 

Email: neom@nfvf.co.za

Keagile Makgoba

Senior Consultant, Instinctif Partners

Tel: +27 11 050 7524

Email: Keagile.Makgoba@instinctif.com

Gabi Mbele

Communications Consultant  

Tel: +28 664 4161 

Email: gabi@gabcommsafrica.com

POSTPONED: Department of Labour discussion on the request for submissions on Freelancers deemed as employees for certain provisions of the LRA (Labour Relations Act) and BCEA (Basic Conditions of Employment Act)

INTIMACY CO-ORDINATORS: SAGA Workshop information - 14 MARCH 2020

JOIN US!! SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2020

Calling all industry practitioners and Students – Actors definitely both male and female, directors, producers, crew, production staff etc. 

Intimacy Co-ordination is a new concept in South Africa and it is also growing worldwide. As you would have a stunt coordinator, there are now protocols being developed and used internationally when it comes to intimacy, scenes including sexual content, nudity and simulated acts etc.

Join this informative talk in Jhb with Sara Blecher (the only South African trained as an intimacy coordinator) and in CT with Kate Lush (British intimacy coordinator now based in CT)

See invitation and details below – RSVP to admin@saguildofactors.co.za

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WGSA 5th ANNUAL MUSE AWARDS HELD ON 29 FEBRUARY 2020 AT THE APOLLO HOTEL IN JOHANNESBURG

The Writers Guild of South Africa hosted its 2019 WGSA Muse Awards Ceremony on 29 February 2020 at the Apollo Hotel, Johannesburg.

The event was well attended with representatives of the guild’s sponsors, family and friends of the finalists from across South Africa, friends of the WGSA, interested parties and WGSA council members.

Our host, Ms Theoline Maphutha, current WGSA chairperson, also acted as MC for the event.

The finalists and winners for the following categories:

BEST ANIMATION SCREENPLAY
CATE WOOD HUNTER - THE TRANSMOGRIFICATION OF ST. BUNNYCRISP
DORETTE NEL - RUBY & ROACH (WINNER)

PETER GOLDSMID - FESITO GOES TO MARKET

BEST DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY
CATHERINE MEYBURGH - DYING FOR GOLD (WINNER)
ENVER SAMUEL - SOMEONE TO BLAME

SUSAN SCOTT – STROOP

BEST TV COMEDY/SITCOM SCREENPLAY
MLUNGISI MHLANGA - THE SUNNY SIDE OF LADYSMITH (WINNER)
RICHARD NOSWORTHY AND JÜRGEN HELLBERG – CROSSROADS
STEPHEN NAGEL AND DEAN RAVELL - FRESH FACE SOCIETY 

BEST TV DRAMA SCREENPLAY: PRODUCED
NICOLA HANEKOM - DWAALSTER_EPS 10_BLOEDMAAN
LOUIS PRETORIUS - DIE BOLAND MOORDE_SEASON2_EPS 5

LOUIS PRETORIUS - FYNSKRIF_SEASON1_EPS 4 (WINNER)

BEST TV DRAMA SCREENPLAY: UNPRODUCED
CAYLYNNE KING - GODS AND MONSTERS
MLUNGISI MHLANGA - P.I. GIBSON

STEPHEN NAGEL - WORLD WITHOUT END (WINNER)

BEST SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY: PRODUCED
ANIL POLTON - THE SOUTHERN CROSS
BONGI NDABA - MIRACLE

SEAN DRUMMOND - APOCALYPSE NOW (WINNER)

BEST SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY: UNPRODUCED
MLUNGISI MHLANGA - WAYS OF LIVING
SHIVANA NAIDOO - THE PALACE FOR LOST DAUGHTERS (WINNER)

STEVEN PILLEMER - GIRL IN THE CELLAR

BEST FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY: PRODUCED
CHRISTIAAN OLWAGEN AND CHARL-JOHAN LINDERFELDER - KANARIE
LOUIS PRETORIUS - DIE RUIMTE TUSSEN NIKS

SEAN DRUMMOND - FIVE FINGERS FOR MARSEILLES (WINNER)

BEST FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY: UNPRODUCED
AVRIL KINSEY - THE WILD COAST (WINNER)
HANNEKE SCHUTTE - THE POEM

STEVEN PILLEMER - COURTING ANATHI

This year the WGSA had two Special Awards.

THE GFC (GAUTENG FILM COMMISSION) AWARD FOR BEST GAUTENG WRITER
All submissions into the competition are marked by three judges during the initial judging phases. This award is presented to a Gauteng-based writer who scores highest points by any judge, for any entry into any of the categories who then, during the final round, obtains the highest average from three additional judges. This is the third year the GFC has sponsored this award:

CHRISTIAN MYNHARDT – THUNDER
STEVEN PILLEMER - COURTING ANATHI

SUSAN SCOTT – STROOP (WINNER)

THE PAUL IAN JOHNSON FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BEST EMERGING WRITER

The Paul Ian Johnson Foundation is the creation of Lynne Johnson, a widow of the late Paul Ian Johnston, a beloved muse award-winning WGSA member. The award is presented to an emerging (WGSA candidate or student member i.e. a writer who has not had their work produced at the time of entering the competition), with the highest score in any category. The prizes, sponsored by the foundation, included a cash prize of R 10 000.00 (for a laptop/computer and software), a 1-year mentorship with access to at least 5 hours facetime per month with an industry professional, a two-week screenwriters course, a free copy of the latest Final Draft version and a signed copy of Robert McKee’s book, Story. The two runners-up received a free copy of the latest Final Draft version and a signed copy of Robert McKee’s book, Story. The inaugural award was introduced and presented by Lynne Johnson:

DEAN RAVELL AND STEPHEN NAGEL - DAY ZERO
SHIVANA NAIDOO - THE PALACE FOR LOST DAUGHTERS (WINNER)

STEPHEN NAGEL - WORLD WITHOUT END

The WGSA also paid tribute to its founding chairperson, Ms Thandi Brewer and former WGSA council member, Clinton Marius, who passed away this year. 

A huge thank you to all our judges and our sponsors:

JUDGES
First Round: Prof Adelle Gascoyne, Dr Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren, Ayanda Halimana, Bafana Khumalo, Ben Johnson, Dylon Ben-Israel, Dyllon Campbell, Francois Le Pere, Gerhard Ehlers, Gershwin Fritz, Ian Walters, Julie Hall, Jürgen Hellberg, Makganwana Mokgalong, Margaret Goldsmid, Nick Cloete, Pat van Heerden, Peter Goldsmid, Sir Peter Okafor, Raffaella Delle Donne, Renè van Rooyen, Richard Nosworthy, Sean Drummond, Steven Pillemer, Thabiso Tshabalala, Thamsanqa Mthiyane, Theoline Maphutha, Tracey-Lee Rainers, Ty Skosana, Vicki Bawcombe.

Final Round: International Judges - Pamela Jaye Smith (USA), Yinga Ogun (Nigeria), Nathan Kiwere (Uganda). South African Judges - Prof Adelle Gascoyne, Dries Scholtz, Elsa van Schalkwyk, Elsje Stark, Fidel Namisi, Dr Janet van Eeden, Lynn Johnson, Neil Brandt, Pamela Powers, Dr Phyllis Dannhauser, Renè van Rooyen, Thamsanqa Mthiyane, Thandi Sebe, Vicki Bawcombe.

The results of the judging process have been audited by Vaughan Jones, Corporate Accountant / SAFREA Treasurer.

SPONSORS
The WGSA would like to thank all 2019 Muse Awards sponsors, the NFVF, GFC, Veronica Stewart and the Paul Ian Johnson Foundation.