Annual film festival aimed at growing industry in province
A LOOK at the history of film in the Eastern Cape and some insight into its pioneers, are on the agenda at this year’s Eastern Cape Film Festival, which begins today.
The annual event, formerly known as the Ginsberg Film Festival, is now in its third year and will be held at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre in East London until Sunday.
The festival draws professional and aspiring filmmakers and industry experts together.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, festival director Nceba Mqolomba said this year’s theme was a celebration of the early pioneers of the industry who paved the way for what is now known as Bantu film in South Africa.
“Film and storytelling have a rich history in South Africa, with some of its roots embedded in the Eastern Cape. For this festival, we’ll be taking a microscopic look into the development of this industry and its economy,” he said.
“I am looking forward to seeing how the filmmakers have grown over the past few years, as well as seeing what they want to see moving forward.”
Mqolomba said since the festival was renamed in 2015 it had grown in leaps and bounds.
“The festival’s success has been underscored by the levels of engagement among filmmakers and how these have culminated in a unified voice among them.”
He said this year’s festival activities would include movie screenings, production critiques, workshops and an opportunity to network. “There will be an awards segment at the end of the weekend where films that have stood out will be recognised.
“Also, honorary achievement awards will be given to certain pioneers who played a role in the emergence of the film production economy.”
He hoped that by the end of the festival there would be an understanding of the direction the industry was taking and that industry players would be better able to position local film as a key contributor in the economic development of the province.
“There are significant changes occurring in the fields of production, distribution, broadcasting and new technology, making it easier to create content. The festival is meant to grow this highpotential industry to its full potential as a means to create opportunities for young people.”
The festival is open to all members of the public who are interested in the industry.
“The Eastern Cape, with its vast history and rich heritage, has always been an ideal location for groundbreaking film productions. We would like to see ourselves with a vibrant and efficient local film industry that will help create sustainable jobs, tell our stories and help social regeneration, as well as position the province as a film destination locally and internationally.” —