The international jury this year was led by former Manager of the DIFF and current Director of the Sydney Film Festival, Nashen Moodley and included prolific and award-winning South African filmmaker Robbie Thorpe, South African producer of numerous award-winning films who sits on the advisory panel for NFVF, Moroba Nkawe and award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, Newton Aduaka.
The South African feature film jury consisted of film-makers Lizelle Bischoff, Thandeka Zwana and Jenna Cato Bass while the documentary jurors were film-makers Annalet Steenkamp and Sylvia Vollenhoven and the short film jurors were film-makers Darryl Els, Zandi Tisani and Terrence Dalisu Ngobese.
Best Feature Film - Sunrise directed by Partho Sen-Gupta.
Best South African Feature Film - Necktie Youth directed by Sibs Shongwe-La Mer,
Best Documentary and Best SA Documentary - Beats of the Antonov directed by Hajooj Kuka and The Dream of the Shahrazad directed by Francois Verster, respectively.
Best Actor - Didier Michon for his performance in Fevers directed by Hicham Ayouch
Best Actress - Anissa Daoud for Tunisian Spring directed by Raja Amari.
Best African Short Film award went to The Aftermath of the Inauguration of the Public Toilet at Kilometre 375 directed by Omar el Zohairy.
Best South African Short Film - Unomalanga and The Witch
Production Merit Award, - Rights of Passage
Best Screenplay Award - Sabrina Compeyron and David Constantin forSugar Cane Shadows directed by David Constantin.
Jean-Marc Ferriere, took the honours for Best Cinematography “for creating a distinctive, atmospheric, highly-crafted and visually dynamic world depicted almost entirely in the dark”, inSunrise directed by Partho Sen-Gupta.
Special Mention for Direction was made of Kivu Ruhorahoza for Things Of The Aimless Wanderer, “for a courageous and single-minded attempt by a director harnessing all means at his disposal to tell a personal, intricate and political story.”
A Special Mention for Best Film was given to Tunisian Spring by Raja Amari, “for it’s powerful depiction of an event that has, and continues to have, resonance in the world.”
Democratsdirected by Camilla Nielsson, got aSpecial Mention for a Documentary, which is “commended for putting a human face on a story that is complex and sometimes almost opaque.”
The Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award for the film that best reflects human rights issues which comes with a cash prize of R10 000 donated by the Artists for the Human Rights Trust went to The Shore Break, directed by Ryley Grunenwald. The jury citation reads “The film powerfully portrays a struggle within a local community regarding foreign mining rights in a pristine environment…(and) concisely and movingly uncovers this complex and urgent matter, which is still under investigation and in need of public support.”
A further Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Honorary Award was given toThe Look of Silencedirected by Joshua Oppenheimer, a film that “bravely uncovers the genocide in Indonesia in the 1960’s.”
The jurors for these awards were Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Betty Rawheath, Professor Lindy Stiebel and Coral Vinsen, convener of the jury panel.
Arterial Network’s Artwatch Africa Award, for an African film that meaningfully engages with the issues of freedom of expression, went to Beats of the Antonov, directed by Hajooj Kuka, who was presented a cash prize of R15 000. The jury citation said “This compelling film shows how the power of music, dancing and culture sustains the displaced people living in the remote war-ravaged areas of Southern Sudan.”
The highly anticipated South African film Ayanda, directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Real Eyes in association with Leading Lady Productions, has been announced as the opening night film of the 36th The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from 16 to 26 July this year.
Set in the vibrant, Afropolitan community of Johannesburg’s Yeoville, Ayanda is a coming-of-age story of a twenty-one year old Afro-hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she has to fight to save her late father’s legacy – a motor repair shop - when it is threatened with closure. She’s thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars once loved, now in need of a young woman’s re-inventive touch to bring them back to life again.
The film stars Fulu Mugovhani (of Scandal fame) and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje, with a star South African cast including Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabola, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba and veteran star of stage and screen Vanessa Cooke.
“We are pleased that this feel-good film will open this year’s festival,” says Pedro Pimenta, Director of the DIFF. “The opening film of this, the most prestigious international film event in SA, needs to reflect a clear priority established by the festival to reach and develop local audiences.”
“The recently published NFVF report on audiences in this country, is very informative and revealing in that while the industry has been successfully structured and supported from all quarters to allow a regular flow of SA content, much still needs to be done for this content to reach local audiences. By once again opening the DIFF with a strong SA film, we endorse this objective.”
This is the second opening night film at DIFF for director Sara Blecher. Her film Otelo Burning opened the 2011 edition of DIFF to critical acclaim. “We are very proud of Ayanda and are thrilled to have it selected as the opening film at this year’s festival.The film had a very successful screening in Cannes last month and we look forward to screening it to festival-goers in Durban,” says Blecher.
“Ayanda offers an interesting and positive convergence of talents style , resources and distribution potential for the film market.” says Pimenta. “There is a real sense that reaching an audience has been the most important motivation equally shared by the filmmakers and their financiers in its creation.”
“Ayanda celebrates the diversity of our country and revels in the fact that we are a multi-cultural, colourful and exciting melting pot of Africa,” says co-producer Terry Pheto.“With this film we have tried to capture the Afropolitan nature of our country and the energy of its people.”
“What is also particularly encouraging in terms of the South African film industry is that the film, originally titled, Andani and the Mechanic, was a project in the 2013 Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum of the DIFF and the Durban Film Office.”says Pimenta. “The film is one of five titles that have been part of the DFM process over the years that will be screened this year at DIFF.”
The festival includes more than 200 theatrical screenings and a full seminar and workshop programme, as well as the Wavescapes Film Festival, and various industry initiatives, including the 8th Talents Durban (presented in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents) and the 6thDurban FilmMart co-production market (presented in partnership with the Durban Film Office). For more information go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.
Junaid Ahmed – Junaid Ahmed Productions, Sizwe Mkhaliphi – Zamolade Constructing and Resources)
The very first grantees of the Micro Budget Film and the Development Funding Programmes were awarded at a special Durban Film Office event, which took place at SmartXchange, on the 1 October at 12pm – 1pm. This Film Development Fund event not only marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the filmmaking grantees and the Durban Film Office, it also publicized the official call out details for the next new submissions.
The Durban Film Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development arm, kick-started the submissions for the Micro Budget Film Programme and the Development Fund Programme at the beginning of 2014 with imperative goals to help provide Durban filmmakers with invaluable support, assistance and funding. Enthralled with the standard of submissions, the Durban Film Office, along with the Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, were thrilled and proud to award the first grantees for these programmes.
“I want to congratulate all the beneficiaries of our development programme in terms of the film industry. I’m so glad to see how much the Durban Film Office has achieved, in terms of making sure our dream of including the development component in the film industry, especially with developing our own people from Durban and from South Africa. The biggest thing is to make sure that we encourage them to do exchange programmes whereby the up-and-coming artists will be able to learn from those who have been a part of the industry for a longer time. I know once these programmes are known by the public sector there will be people who will come on board and also sponsor some of the film productions. So with that, we will be able to succeed, and will be able to tell of these success stories in a few years to come,” says Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala.
Commemorating the beginning of this new chapter, the Micro Budget Film Programme was awarded to Sizwe Mkhaliphi from Zamolade Constructing and Resources for the project Mhlola, Andile Buwa from Buwa Films for Family Matters, Akhona Matyila from Mulatto Films for A History of Memory, and Similo Gobingca from Burning Coast Films for Ports of Saints. This exciting new programme is set to arm these emerging filmmakers each with a R100 000 grant to produce their film and provide insight into industry know-hows on sourcing additional funding through the micro-budget model, and in depth training focusing on marketing, sales, support, advertising, product placement and sponsorship deals.
“When I found out I was a grantee for the Micro Budget Film Programme I was so excited and grateful for the opportunity. It is a great platform and a little intimidating at times when I think about what a really cool opportunity it is! I hope to achieve a beautiful film and gain better experience as a filmmaker. I know if I put a lot of hard work and take in good advice this film could bring about other opportunities,” says Micro Budget Film Programme grantee Similo Gobingca.
The Development Fund Programme was awarded to Bonie Sithebe from Durban Motion Pictures and Junaid Ahmed from Junaid Ahmed Productions CC. These two filmmakers have been granted R250 000 funding to assist the production of their projects, which have been deemed to be commercially viable and locally and globally competitive.
“When I first received the email to say that I am a grantee for this fund, I read it three more times to make sure it was real. When I realised it was, I was so happy I called everyone involved to let them know. I hope to achieve a well-developed script that would be of international standard. My first plan of action is to involve all relevant creatives to assist in getting the project off the ground,” says Development Funding Programme grantee Bonie Sithebe.
“The Durban Film Office is proud of the first grantees awarded the Micro Budget Film Programme and the Development Fund Programme; we are confident in our choice and eager to see these programmes in action. We are certain these programmes are going to give our Durban filmmakers the leading edge in the competitive film industry. More importantly we know it will equip them with sound knowledge, support and put them on the map locally and even internationally,” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty.
The Durban Film Office has announced the second phase for these innovative programmes and encourages local filmmakers to take advantage of this exciting opportunity and submit their projects for the chance to be the next grantees. For more information about the programmes, and how to submit projects, contact Project Manager, Fezile Peko via email fezile.peko@durban.gov.za at the Durban Film Office or go to www.durbanfilmoffice.com
You are kindly requested to make your bookings as early as possible as there are limited screening slots available. Bookings will be made on a first come, first served basis.
Due to time constraints please take note that the maximum time for screenings is 90 minutes per project.
Please also note that the Durban FilmMart is not responsible for inviting your guests. Applicants (projects) will be required to invite their own guests. Interested delegates should use our website to view and contact registered attendees, which can be accessed on:
300: Rise of an
Empire is a powerful film that certainly does justice to its
release in IMAX® 3D, and audiences will leave the theatre feeling as if they
too had been part of the war.
If you see it with the Dolby Atmos Sound System at Ster Kinekor Gateway the powerful digital audio creates a unique
environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie – and
part of the non-stop action of the warring Greeks taking on the might of the
Persian army.
The film is based on Frank Miller's
latest graphic novel, Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking
visual style of the blockbuster 300(released in 2006). This new
chapter of the epic saga is a companion piece to the first film and takes the
action to a fresh battlefield – on the sea, as Greek general, Themistokles
(Sullivan Stapleton), attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge
that will change the course of the war.
300: Rise of an Empire pits Themistokles against the
massive invading Persian forces, led by the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes (Rodrigo
Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), his vengeful commander of the Persian
navy.
After its victory over King Leonidas
of Sparta’s army of just 300, the Persian Army under Xerxes’ command marches
towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first in
the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet led by the fearless
Themistocles. However, Themistocles is forced into an unwilling alliance with
the traditional rival of Athens, the oligarchic Sparta led by Queen Gorgo (Lena
Headey), whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. Together, they
take on Xerxes and the powerful Persian army that still reigns supreme in
numbers over sea and land.
The visuals really are amazing. It is almost as if you have been transported to that time and you will feel like you are in the middle of an adventure. Some great acting, writing and direction makes for a wonderful film.
Rating 9/10
View the trailer here:
For more information on Ster-Kinekor
and IMAX®, visit www.sterkinekor.com. Avoid the queues by booking online
or by calling Ticketline on 082 16789, or you can book at the box office.
You can also download the Ster-Kinekor App on your Nokia, Samsung Android,
iPhone or Blackberry phone for updates and to book from your mobile. To
find out what other exciting promotions Ster-Kinekor has on offer, follow
@SKTheatres on Twitter or Facebook at
Ster-Kinekor Theatres.
DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CALLS FOR FILMMAKERS
The largest of Southern Africa's film festivals and the most important film festival in Africa, DIFF hosts a film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.
The festival will consider films completed in 2013 and 2014, and there is no charge for entry. All submissions must be entered via the Eventival online system. In order to submit a film you will need to create a visitor account if you have not already done so in past years. The deadline for all entries, including delivery of screeners, is 28 March 2014 for short films, documentaries and feature fiction films.
The extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international filmmakers and industry professionals includes the 7th Talent Campus Durban (19-23 July) in cooperation with Berlinale Talent Campus, and the 5th Durban FilmMart (19-22 July) in partnership with Durban Film Office, as well as various other streams of programming including Durban Wild Talk Africa and Wavescape.
Specific streams of programming for 2014 will include a focus on 20 years of democracy in South Africa, as well as films that explore architecture in various ways. This latter stream of programming acknowledges the World Congress of Architects which will take place in Durban in 2014, the week after DIFF.
"We look forward to once again receiving a wealth of top quality films from around the globe," says festival manager, Peter Machen. "We also welcome input from and engagement with current and potential partners who support the development of the film industry on the continent. It is through collaboration that we can offer film-makers and the public a festival of brilliant film and a worthwhile industry development programme."
The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the City of Durban and other valued funders and partners.
EFC AFRICA HITS CINEMAS Ster-Kinekor & EFC AFRICA announce exclusive broadcast partnership
Johannesburg (South Africa) – EFC AFRICA 28, taking place on Thursday, 27 March, will be screened at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas around the country for the first time, with an eruption of high-definition (HD), larger-than-life MMA action on the big screen.
In a partnership that has been in development for months, EFC AFRICA and Ster-Kinekor announced today (12 March) that fight fans throughout South Africa will be able to watch all 13 bouts from every upcoming EFC AFRICA event, live.
The partnership is launched on the back of Ster-Kinekor having completed the digital conversion in each of its cinemas. Substantial investment in the highest quality, live satellite broadcast equipment and a continuously tested and monitored signal will ensure a stable live broadcast of all the fight action, in crystal clear high definition.
The new format promises fans a big screen, live cinema experience, using the most advanced cinema broadcast platform available worldwide.
"We're excited to be offering fight fans the chance to see our events in such an awesome, larger than life setting," said EFC AFRICA president Cairo Howarth. "Ster-Kinekor's state of the art, digital HD setup makes it an incredible experience, from the first fight to the last. From 01 May, fans in Bloemfontein will be able to attend the cinema too, which we've been trying to organise for some time. Ster-Kinekor is leading the way with HD broadcast technology, and we're incredibly proud to be associated with this exciting project."
Doug Place, Marketing Executive of Ster-Kinekor Theatres, is equally delighted with the announcement of this new partnership. “Cinema is an evolving sector and we are in an exciting place right now. Resulting from our massive investment in technology and the digital upgrade, doors are opening for us to consider more alternative partnerships such as this one with EFC AFRICA.
“The digital conversion also means that the EFC fights on the big screen will be an awesome viewing experience for the fans. Watching all the live action in larger-than-life high definition is better than it has ever been seen before, and makes for a fantastic night out at the cinema!
“We are focused on continually improving the consumer experience and introducing fresh new offerings and alternative content that tap into new markets and what appeals to those audiences. It is these new initiatives that will ensure that the path to ongoing and future growth in the cinema industry is sustained,” comments Place.
The live Ster-Kinekor EFC AFRICA experience is to be made available in stages, with additional cinemas coming online for future events.
Fans can enjoy the EFC AFRICA 28 HD, big screen experience at the following Ster-Kinekor cinemas:
·Ster-Kinekor Fourways (Johannesburg)
·Ster-Kinekor East Rand Mall (Johannesburg)
·Ster-Kinekor Gateway (Durban)
·Ster-Kinekor Cavendish (Cape Town)
EFC AFRICA 29, taking place on 01 May, will see the addition of cinemas at:
·Ster-Kinekor Brooklyn (Pretoria)
·Ster-Kinekor The Zone (Johannesburg)
·Ster-Kinekor Cradlestone (West Rand)
·Ster-Kinekor Maponya (Soweto)
·Ster-Kinekor Cape Gate (Cape Town)
·Ster-Kinekor Tyger Valley (Cape Town)
·Ster-Kinekor Mimosa (Bloemfontein)
·Ster-Kinekor Greenstone (Edenvale)
Bookings for EFC AFRICA 28 at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas open on Friday, 14 March. Tickets cost R120, Ster-Kinekor SKCLUB, Discovery Vitality or Edgars club movie card benefits will apply. To find out more, visitwww.sterkinekor.com.
18 Days Until Durban FilmMart 2014 Submissions Close
Africa’s premier co-production market, the Durban FilmMart (DFM) is open for project submissions. With principal funding from the City of Durban, Durban FilmMart (DFM) is a partnership between the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).
Calls for submission of feature-length fiction, documentary and animation films closes on 18th February 2014 so filmmakers planning to submit projects for this year’s co-production market in Durban, only have a few weeks left to the final deadline!
Selected projects will be invited as official projects of the 2014 DFM programme, with support provided for one representative of each selected project to attend DFM in this July.
The 5th DFM takes place in Durban from 18-21 July2014, during the 35th edition of the DIFF (17-27 July 2014). DFM will serve as a meeting place for national and international film producers, buyers, financiers, sales agents, funders and other film professionals, who will participate in industry-related workshops, master classes, seminars and networking events.
Ten fiction projects and ten documentary projects will be selected for one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers in the Finance Forum. Official DFM 2014 projects will also be afforded the opportunity pitch to a panel of local and international broadcasters and film funds in a public pitching forum. DFM, a catalyst for growth of the African Film industry, aims to develop African filmmakers by creating opportunities within the sector.
Toni Monty, head of DFO, encourages African filmmakers to submit their projects “We are excited to provide a platform for African filmmakers to be heard as well as providing a chance to get their foot in the door through facilitating funding and networking within the industry. Don’t let this opportunity of a lifetime pass you by.”
Entries are open to all Africans in key creative roles, whether they be writers, directors or producer (all projects must have a producer attached).
