R3.2m boost for township film project

ASPIRING filmmakers from Nelson Mandela Bay townships could soon get their shot at creating South Africa’s next award-winning blockbuster, through a new film development and training project.

This, after production company Shoot 97 Productions CC was awarded the tender by the municipality to train 100 residents in script writing, film screening and productions.

The project, which has a budget of R3.2-million, is funded through the National Lottery grant.

The targeted recruitment areas are Motherwell, Walmer Township, the northern areas and KwaNobuhle.

In a report to the sports, recreation, arts and culture portfolio committee, executive director Noxolo Nqwazi said the purpose of the Township Film Factory was to create a platform for filmmakers and strengthen the municipality’s relationship with the film sector.

“Each crew will consist of several participants of the communities, which will each have to produce one week of creative programming that will be screened at the end of the project and that could be utilised on NMBTV station,” Nqwazi wrote.

The curriculum will include script-writing guidelines, correlating audio and video, camera operation, sound and lighting as well as post-production editing and design. The Walter Sisulu University has partnered with the Township Film Factory to facilitate the script-writing component of the workshops.

All participants who complete the course will receive a university certified certificate.

Councillors lauded the project, saying it was long overdue. ANC councillor Marian Harning said the metro was “a filmmaker’s dream” because of the ocean, mountains and other biomes.