Toronto film wisdom to be shared

PRETORIA: Renowned television producer Vusi Zion (formerly Twala) says the wealth of information he will accumulate at the 40th annual Toronto International Film Festival he is attending in Canada will benefit other producers he is working with back in South Africa.

Zion is one of the 20 filmmakers and producers that have been funded by the Department of Trade and Industry to attend the prestigious festival, which started on Thursday and will run until September 20, the department said at the weekend.

Part of the benefits of the festival for the group is the rare opportunity to network with other television producers and filmmakers from around the world.

More importantly, on the schedule is a series of industry conferences and workshops focusing on a wide vari- ety of topics ranging from the creative process, financing and co-production, to marketing, sales and distribution.

“There is so much to learn here in the field of film and television production. It is important to grasp as much as possible from the festival and share with other producers back home.

“Not everyone is fortunate to get a privilege of attending a mammoth international film festival like this,” Zion said.

“As much as we have projects that we specifically came here to market, we are representing the country. The least we can do to ensure that even those who are not here can benefit, is to share the knowledge and information we are collecting here with them. Our coming here must also inspire others.”

His main objective in Toronto was to test the appetite of the international market for his television series Malaika. It is a series based on a young woman torn apart by what she likes and is profoundly talented in, and what her parents want her to do.

The series is inspired by Miriam Makeba’s song of the same name.

“Before leaving South Africa, I had already sent out e-mails to various companies and individuals that I would like to meet with to discuss Malaika with the aim of getting funding and international distribution for the series.

“I believe in the story and I am optimistic that it is at a standard that will appeal to the international market.”

Zion was confident that the international film buyers and distributors would be impressed by Malaika’s commercial viability, due to its potential to appeal to the global audience. – ANA