EC given R15m to get film industry rolling

The Eastern Cape film industry is heading for greater heights.

The fledgling industry on Wednesday received a R15.8m cash injection from the provincial economic stimulus fund.

The Film Development Fund was announced and launched by Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC) CEO Phumeza Skoti at a media and filmmakers’ briefing session.

Skoti said the funds would stimulate job creation in the creative industry and promote the growth of the creative economy.

The much needed funding for the film industry will be allocated towards establishing a fully resourced provincial film office, developing the necessary skill sets involved in the industry, financial support for filmmakers using small to medium businesses, creating marketing platforms such as screenings and outdoor cinemas and establishing a regulatory environment by developing enabling policies.

ECPACC has identified Buffalo City Metro, Joe Gqabi District municipality, Makhanda and Port St Johns as the four hotspots for film production in the province.

Skoti said these were areas they could afford to fund but also noted Nelson Mandela Bay Metro as a fitting landscape for film production.

She said the R15.8m for the 2018-19 financial year was welcomed by the council as it was a lot better than the R1m received in the past.

“We want to enhance the competitiveness amongst filmmakers so that we can bridge the gap between well established filmmakers and our local filmmakers. For us to bridge that gap we need to start working together,” she said.

Skoti said the fund would work with 16 production houses while targeting previously disadvantaged individuals, particularly women and the youth. “We want the Eastern Cape to produce quality films that will be consumed by national and international audiences, she said.

“ECPACC is talking to different countries to make sure that some of these 16 films that will be funded will be watched in South Africa and showcased on international film festivals.”

Skoti said ECPACC would also focus on working with film creatives in the rural areas with the help of the House of Traditional Leadership.

ECPACC will release an application process where local creatives can apply to access the funding.