13 Durban-distributed Films at DIFF

It's good to see Durban companies working to support Durban initiatives. Videovision Entertainment for instance has been a long-time supporter of the Durban International Film Festival and in 2009 is looking local to present a really magnificent slate of movies including African premieres of films such as Looking For Eric, London River, An Education, Samson & Delilah and Whatever Works." That's film partnership for you.



DIFF starts on the 23rd. Be there.

Stakeholder Meetings

Just back from 2 days of stakeholder meetings in Durban / KZN. It always amazes me that I meet new people each and every time I'm in town. WHERE HAVE Y'ALL BEEN? Keeping tabs on who is doing what and where in the province is one of the biggest challenges moving forward.

Having said that, there was a commitment from the Province to take the Film & Media Strategy to government for approval and adoption, and the KZN Department of Arts & Culture, Sport & Recreation also outlined its programme that really allows young film makers to experiment and play.

Also good news from the Durban International Film Festival: DIFF 2009 will open with a Durban-made move (My Secret Sky) and the Short Film Screenings include the work of some 17 local filmmakers.

Feedback Meetings - Monday 9th

We would like to invite you to join us for a Film Industry Review feedback session with Martin Cuff on the 09/03/2009 at Botanic Gardens. There are two sessions:

• 10.00 - 12.00 for members of the Stakeholder Committee
  

• 13:00 - 15:00 for aspiring producers and participants of the various Collectives

The purpose of the meetings is to workshop the findings of the study to date and to provide you with an opportunity to give further input before we commence drafting the final report.

Your input is most valued and we do hope you are able to attend.

Kindly RSVP your attendance to Thembani Mthembu on 031 311 4243 or MthembuVT@durban.gov.za

Kind Regards,

Gugu Zungu
Durban Film Office
031 311 4243 (T)

Introduction

Ladies and Gentlemen of the "Durban Film Partnership", welcome to your blog. We'll be using this tool to keep you in the loop with all of the things we're doing, the people we're talking to, the issues we're discussing, as part of the Durban Film Industry Review.

First things first, though; as an inclusive process, our meeting in Durban on 28th November agreed the following:

The term “Film Industry” is generally understood to be an umbrella of entertainment media production activities, including feature film, television, tv commercials, stills photography, animation, new media and video games. It also includes a range of development and distribution interventions that support the sector including film education and training, audience development and film festival activities.

Which really means you're all invited - to input, comment, participate. We look forward to hearing from you.