And that’s a wrap for black SA film-makers

THE NATIONAL Film and Video Foundation and the Industrial Development Corporation invite emerging black filmmakers to submit proposals for consideration under the Emerging Black Filmmakers Transformation Fund.

Launched last year, this fund provides financial, marketing and other related support to emerging black filmmakers. The fund has been designed for black directors who have released fewer than five feature films.

Since the launch, a call was made to black South African film-makers to apply for funding. After a vigorous selection and consultation process, Finders Keepers, directed by Maynard Kraak, was selected as the pilot project. The film is now in post-production.

Applications for next year are now open and will close at midnight on Wednesday, October 14.

Interested black directors and producers are requested to submit proposals based on the following criteria:

Budget capped at R5.2 million (excluding marketing and company statutory costs), films directed by emerging black South African directors.

Director and producer must be black South African citizens. Films must be commercially viable. Films must demonstrate economic and creative merit.

Films must be at the level of theatrical release. Scripts must be at second draft. The cast must be South African. Compliance with the South African Emerging Black Film-makers Incentive. Refer to the website of the Department of Trade and Industry for detailed criteria.

Both emerging producer and director must collectively own at least 75 percent of the film rights.

If the producer is black but not emerging, then the black director must own at least 50 percent of the film rights.

Where the producer is not black, then the black director must own at least 75 percent of the film rights.

A young black producer must be mentored.

Specific information must be submitted with the application, so it’s best to e-mail production@nfvf.co.za to obtain the list of requirements. Late entries will not be considered.

Projects that do not meet the criteria and do not have developed scripts will also not be considered.