Government supports industry’s growth
OVERNMENT is emboldened by the fact that the local film industry as part of the broader creative industries is a major driver of economic growth, job creation and the building of sustainable livelihoods, according to Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile.
Speaking on the occasion of release of the economic impact study for the film industry he said government is encouraged to note that the industry contributes R3.5billion annually to the country’s GDP.
“We will use the study to strengthen the work we are doing to provide increased and sustained support for the industry.
“Currently we are in the process of converting the NFVF into a fully fledged National Film Commission and establishing a National Film Fund.
“We believe that these initiatives will contribute significantly to the growth, development and sustainability of the local film industry,” said the Minister.
He said the study will assist in work to generate additional investment into the sector, expand enterprise and business opportunities, create a sustainable funding model, strengthen competitiveness, facilitate skills development, build the necessary support infrastructure as well as expand access to existing and new markets for film makers.
This study lays the basis for our interventions to ensure that the film sector contributes directly to the goals of the Mzansi Golden Economy strategy, according to Minister Mashatile.
“The study will also assist us as we seek to build partnerships with the private sector.
“It will also strengthen our ability to advocate for more favourable incentives for the sector so as to attract investment.
“Using the findings of the study we will be in a better position to identify the best institutional structures and mechanisms to support the growth of the sector,” said Mashatile.
He said the release the study is at a time when local films and actors continue to receive acclaim across the globe.
“I refer here to artists such as Florence Masebe who recently won the Best Actress in a lead role Award for the film Elelwani at this year’s African Movie Academy (AMA) Awards.
“The film also won the Best Production Design Award. A number of other South
GAfrican productions were nominated and received awards at the same event.
“Earlier in the year we celebrated the achievement by the film Layla Fourie, which received the Jury Special Mention Award at the Berlinale International Film Festival
“A number of other local film productions continue to make us proud on the world stage.To us this indicates that our film industry can compete successfully with the best in the world.
“It also indicates that the world wants to hear the South African story; a story of the triumph of the human spirit,” said Mashatile.
The Minister assured all those involved in the local film sector that they have the full support of this government!