Relief fund for local film, TV

THE South African Screen Federation (SASFED), supported by the Independent Producers’ Organisation (IPO), has established a Covid-19 Film and Television Relief Fund in collaboration with Netflix to provide emergency relief to the hardest-hit workers in South Africa’s creative community.

“South African crews are vital to Netflix’s success, and we want to help those freelancers who most need support in these unprecedented times,” said Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix’s lead for African Originals.

The streaming service will donate just over R8.3 million, which will be administered by Tshikululu Social Investment, who will screen the applications for eligibility as well as disburse the funds to beneficiaries.

The relief grant is for below the line workers such as electricians, carpenters, hair and make-up artists, drivers, costume designers and many other freelancers who are paid hourly wages and work on a project-to-project basis. The workers will be eligible to apply for the R15 000 one-time benefit.

“Following months of extreme hardship for most of our sector, the IPO is overjoyed that Netflix is providing this desperately-needed relief for those most hard hit by the pandemic – the industry’s below-the-line freelancers,” said Sisanda Henna, IPO co-chairperson.

Starting from Monday next week, members of South Africa’s creative community will be able to apply by filling out an online application at tshikululu.org.za or mailing physical applications. The eligibility criteria will be posted on the website on Monday.

Unathi Malunga, SASFED executive director, said the local industry had been hard hit by the pandemic.

“We hope other potential partners will follow Netflix’s example and support SASFED’s broader initiatives which offer assistance to industry professionals across the whole value chain – an initiative undertaken by industry, for the industry.” |