SOUTH AFRICAN
INDIES SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC 23-26 JUNE 2014
CONTENTS
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
WHO IS
ATFT?
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television (ATFT) is a non-profit company that tackles transformation in the film and TV industry in South Africa and
CONTENTS PROJECTS 4.
Bantu Nightingales: A History of Black Nurses in South Africa
Gentrification, Where to From Here
5.
I Am Craig
John Moriri: The Mbaqanga Music King Unsung Hero
6.
Ma’ngoyi: Mother of Black Resistance
Mpumalanga Short Film Festival
transformation strategies and
7.
My Father, My Hero
programmes that organisations and
My Mom And Dad are Cousins
government stakeholders in the
8.
industry have in place.
The Good Karma Guide
9.
The Boy, The Blade and The Man
Wembley To Soweto
aims to implement the various
ATFT’s statement of purpose is “to empower, develop and inspire black females, physically impaired and black individuals, as well as black-owned companies, and grow the South African Film, Television, Animation and Transmedia Industries“. ATFT believes South African filmmakers need to increase their networks of international contacts, which will enable them to conduct business according to international standards and develop strong business models for their companies.
01 04
Sin Bin To Celebrity: The John Robbie Story
PRODUCTION PROFILES 10.
Amariam Productions
Away From Keyboard
11.
Azania Rizing Productions
Bolobathaba Multimedia
12. Diamond Hill Fort Films
13. Ftb Multimedia One Man & His Dog Films
14.
Paperpush Productions
The Creative Advantage
15.
Tshedza Media Tumo Productions
INTRO 16.
About the SA Film Industry
COVER PHOTOGRAPH: ‘Mankind’ History Channel; AE&TN; Nutopia UK; Film Afrika South Africa © Joe Alblas | Thank you for your contribution.
Designed and published by:
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PROJECTS
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
BANTU NIGHTINGALES: A HISTORY
OF BLACK NURSES IN SOUTH AFRICA One Man & His Dog Films
t
his is a story about black nurses in South Africa, who from 1908 (when Cecilia Makiwane became the first African woman to qualify as a nurse) were part of a highly aspirational and respected profession, and whose need increased proportionally with industrialisation and the commercial development of South African cities. Nursing was one of the few professions available to black women before apartheid, which meant that selection to training colleges was highly competitive and selective. Nurses were a crucial professional and cultural link between African traditional values and Western education and development, as many Africans were mistrustful of western medicine and norms. The past twenty years have seen a near collapse of the South African nursing profession. This documentary aims to celebrate the past
PROJECTS
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
I AM
05 04
CRAIG
Away From Keyboard
C
accomplishments, while interrogating how things could have gone so terribly wrong as to result in a once lauded profession being one of the most reviled in South Africa.
raig is a man. The thing is, no-one else sees him as a man. People label him to fit their own reality without considering his. So what if he was born a girl? He isn’t. On hormone treatment for the rest of his life, having survived a dodgy double mastectomy and a hysterectomy, he faces job interviews where the inevitable question will be raised: “So…um…how is it that you went to an all girls’ school?” His family is also left isolated and confused by the transition with his father, especially, blaming himself and asking the Gods “What did I do wrong?” The film allows the viewer, through Craig, to look back at four years in his life that made him the man he is today. In retrospect he has to interrogate his own behavior and attitudes towards family and society that he lives in. His parents are taken through a journey of denial, bitterness, disappointment and finally, acceptance by Craig’s decision to follow his heart at all costs.
Director: Kgomotso Matsunyane Producer: Robbie Thorpe Duration (min): 90 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: History Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has given the project a grant R100 000 for research and development. Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-_XsMU4JSYA
Phase: Development
Eventually Craig’s parents and brother’s embrace him as a son and brother culminating in a traditional Xhosa ceremony to officially rename him. This film is a celebration of a young man’s determination and a family’s love amid confusion. Director: Samora Sekhukhune Producer: Chevelle Francis Duration (min): 72 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Observational Documentary - Gender Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: National Film & Video Foundation South Africa (NFVF) Trailer Link: http://vimeo.com/66171532
Phase: Production
GENTRIFICATION,
JOHN MORIRI: THE MBAQANGA
Azania Rizing Productions
Tumo Productions
WHERE TO FROM HERE
T
his documentary film will examine the parallels, history and effects of gentrification in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Brooklyn. The film follows the journey of Kent, a skateboard designer from Cape Town; Mpho, a young architect/town planner from Johannesburg and Colby, a New Yorker and community activist. Through their voices we’ll be introduced to stories from the various community members who have personally been affected by gentrification. Drawing upon areas traditionally underrepresented in urban sociology, this film will also include interviews with families and local institutions. By looking at the ways in which working-class residents in the course of their everyday lives, negotiate change in their neighborhood and share space with their new neighbors. We will pose the question whether gentrification can be justified in this new
global economy. Moreover, exploring inequality in these different areas and examining the ways in which the established working-class and lower-income residents remain socially segregated from the incoming gentrifiers, with both groups forming parallel cultures within their new shared physical spaces. Director/Producer: Kurt Orderson Duration (min): 52 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Social/Historical Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: Azania Rizing Productions is investing 10 000 euro into the project.
Phase: Pre-production
MUSIC KING UNSUNG HERO JOHN MORIRI The Mbaqanga Music King Unsung Hero
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t will be a 45 minute story of human truths emerging through images. The story centres on a musician, from an initial aspiring journey of a childhood dream of making music, to a herd boy fashioning three-hole flutes out of reeds and graduating to play his brother ‘blik’ guitar. John Moriri’s life of hussling and hardship led him into his first professional musical break in 1961, when he joined the cast of Dingaka Musical Play alongside Ken Gampu and Margaret Singana. John was featured in a famous gumboots dance scene where men played guitars and dance and this scene was later included in the 1964 Dingaka Movie made by Jamie Uys. The story of John Moriri highlights his decline which began when he travelled to the United States in the 60s with Dingaka Musical Cast and his dreams of building a jazz career backfired. At that time jazz opportunities, particularly for male artists,
were few while mbaqanga music was king. John now frankly admits that at the time. “I thought mbaqanga music was just low class music to make quick money, I liked jazz but now jazz didn’t pay, so I went to mbaqanga music to make money…. But I came to like it.” Director /Producer: Sylvester Bodibe Duration (min): 45 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Music Documentary
Phase: Development
Designed and published by:
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PROJECTS
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
PROJECTS
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
MA’NGOYI:
MY FATHER,
Fort Films
Tshedza Media
MOTHER OF BLACK RESISTANCE
A
s a descendant of a fighter of great resilience in a war against Apartheid, I examine freedom; angle by angle and ask the most important question: Are we truly free? Freedom has always been seen as a destination in South Africa, something that was fought for and ultimately attained. I find it to be quite a restless place and have always questioned the divinity of freedom. Ma’Ngoyi’s influence is still felt to this very day, as each year that passes by women stand in remembrance of one of the greatest demonstrations of the struggle of our time when she orchestrated a march of 20 000 women to The Union Buildings in protest against the pass laws that existed then. The 9th of August has since been commemorated as South African Women’s Day in accordance to this cause. In the turbulent years of the 1950’s two different forces merged to plunge Lilian Ngoyi, a hard-working widow, into the very heart of the liberation struggle in South Africa.
In 1994, South Africa became a democratic country, we were “free at last” but even twenty years on, the disparities and inequality in South Africa still, constantly gnaw at you. With the story of Ma’Ngoyi, we take freedom and dissect it. We look at the resilience of Ma’Ngoyi and what she represented and juxtapose it with my ‘freedom’ to reveal the stark differences, three generations later.
PROJECT IMAGE
Director/Producer: Nqaba Ngoyi Duration (min): 90 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: History Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: nfvf.co.za Trailer Link: http://vimeo.com/69468538
Phase: Production
MY HERO
A
socio-lifestyle documentary series that will honour and celebrate contributions made by fathers from their children’s point of view. What if we had a show that evoked dialogue, sparked thoughts, encouraged communication, possibly set a good example for male parenting, showed the rare but highly seeked affection and gratitude? What if we created a show where children thanked their fathers for what they did, and the impact they have on their lives? What if we could open the opportunity for children to celebrate their fathers? What if we could shift mindsets about fatherhood and redefine the role of men by the stories we choose to put in the spotlight? Fathers become our first and direct encounter with Superman. Girls dote on them and boys want to imitate everything they do. This will be the show that allows that fantasy that became
reality to be in the spotlight. A series that will evoke dialogue, create warm feelings of nostalgia, touch the core and leave a mark in the audience’s hearts. Family redefined... Director: Tshililo Muzila Producer: Takalani Mulaudzi Duration (min): 24 Format: HD Type: Factual Series Genre: Socio-lifestyle
Phase: Development
MPUMALANGA
MY MOM AND DAD
FTB Multimedia
Bolobathaba Multimedia
SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
M
pumalanga is a province where film has never really existed. This documentary showcases films that have been made in the province, but also exposes how much revenue has been wasted over the years. The industry was almost destroyed before it had the chance to become successful, through cruel leadership. This film will also show the province as a dream location for international filmmakers. Mpumalanga Short Film Festival is more than just an event, but a dream to a young filmmaker who always wanted to change the industry in South Africa and in Africa. By organizing an event where films get the opportunity to be viewed, promoted and financed through the event, which serves as a breakthrough to local filmmakers. When you make a film and no one watches it, you become discouraged. Mpumalanga Short Film Festival will change that.
07 04
ARE COUSINS
Director: Sifiso Nobela Producer: Nkosinathi Nobela Duration (min): 45 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Documentary Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: Mpumalanga Department of Culture Sport and Recreation Mpumalanga.
Phase: Development
H
er father is his cousin and his mother, her aunt. It is marriage bonded by blood but shunned by many. The story about a long standing tradition of cousin marriage as practiced by Balobedu of the Rain Queen Modjadji. Molatelo Mainetje is a first born child of a cousin couple, Mothoka and Mamolatelo Maenetja. Molatelo’s parents wanted her to marry her cousin, Masilu but she wanted none of it. Molatelo gets the opportunity to confront her parents about their foiled plan to get her to marry her cousin, and why they themselves got married when they’re also cousins. Mokgadi Rapitsi is a 40-year old mother of five. She was forced into marrying her cousin at the age of 17 but ran away to stay with her boyfriend whom she later married. After 21 years, she’s back home. Her marriage didn’t work, and now remembers her cousin. Malekutu Machubeni and Maite Ramputla have been married for nine years and have two
children. Malekutu is a teacher while Maite is a community worker. Malekutu’s mother is Maite’s father’s sister. The couple share grandparents, and strongly believe their marriage is the one way to strengthen family ties. Maite says she knew from an early age she was going to be Malekutu’s wife, while Malekutu says he’s been watching her grow and when the time came he married her at the first opportunity he got. Director/Producer: Molatelo Mainetje Duration (min): 52 Format: SD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Culture Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: National Health Laboratory Service, Lomaen Medical Trailer Link: https://vimeo.com/96313845
Phase: Complete
Designed and published by:
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PROJECTS
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
PROJECTS
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
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SIN BIN TO CELEBRITY:
THE BOY, THE BLADE
Diamond Hill
Amariam Productions
THE JOHN ROBBIE STORY
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hat If one man was brave enough to honestly look back? What will he find? At almost 60, veteran South African broadcaster, John Robbie is ready to look back; face the demons of his past, in SA and back home, in Ireland. In 1980 he chose to tour banned apartheid South Africa with the British Lions... To this day, some in Ireland and South Africa remain deeply opposed to his controversial decision; call him a traitor and a sell out. But he is ready to face his demons Sin Bin is a socio-political documentary feature film about one athlete’s decision concerning his rugby career that affected millions. It’s about the sport, its people & how it affected others. The journey takes John around South Africa, surveying the effects of his choice, the landscape of the sport that was heavily associated with apartheid- and all the way
back to his original country, Ireland. African rugby stalwarts in SA at the time were driven by the slogan “no normal sport in an abnormal society”; but what was John saying by his choices? Director: Gerry Hoban Producer: Sisanda Henna Duration (min): 82 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Socio-Political Sports Documentary Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: National Film & Video Foundation Looking for: Distributor, Broadcaster, Festival Programmers
Phase: Development
THE GOOD KARMA GUIDE The Creative Advantage
F
orget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was possible only after you are done. (Stephen Hawking) Just beneath the mainstream media’s focus on the never-ending, everworsening political, economic, social and environmental crises, a global movement is gathering momentum and exploding into popular consciousness as people seek a better world and future. From farmers’ markets to community banks, housing co-ops to the fair-trade movement, impact investing to local living, alternative energy to simple living; new ways of living, working and playing are evolving in fascinating and surprising ways around the world. The Good Karma Guide is a multiplatform project that documents the rich storyworld of the most inspiring,
game-changing, ground-breaking ideas and initiatives, people and places, enterprises and communities. The big question is: Is it all too little too late? Director/Producer: Nisha Naidoo Duration (min): 90 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Multiplatform documentary
Phase: Development
AND THE MAN
I
n South Africa the custom of male circumcision is taboo: a bastion protecting Xhosa tribal power from the influence of modern government. The tradition is as dangerous as it is secret. Last year more than 50 boys died and hundreds more were permanently disfigured or left infertile. Yet young men still flock to initiation schools in their thousands, just as Xhosa director Mayenzeke Baza did as a teenager. The Boy, The Blade & The Man offers a unique window from the contemporary world into the past, contextualizing an occasionally brutal but deeply compelling tradition that is a ‘rite of passage’ for the Xhosa boy becoming a man. My personal experience has given me the insight and motivation to tell this story. I ask you to journey with me into this complex ritual, taking you by the hand to introduce you to the elements supposed to transform a
Xhosa boy into a MAN. Does it really work? And what kind of men do we become? Director: Mayenzeke Baza Producer: Pascal Schmitz Duration (min): 75 Format: HD Type: Feature Documentary Genre: Documentary Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: NFVF, Hotdocs Blue Ice fund, Bertha Fund Trailer Link: http://vimeo.com/44479092
Phase: Post-production
WEMBLEY TO SOWETO Paperpush productions
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n 2010, Africa’s first World Cup, was hosted in South Africa. Renowned photographer John Cole, along with David Westhead, joined the world in celebrating footballs greatest tournament. John Cole had taken a now famous picture in 1988 at the ‘Free Mandela’ concert, which subsequently sits in the Mandela house in Houghton. He wanted to recreate that image years down the line in South Africa at the kickoff concert in Soweto as a sort of full-circle story of this beautiful land. During this trip to South Africa, he embarked on teaching mainly previously disadvantaged kids photography and how to make a living out of it. During the World Cup in South Africa, they went to fans parks, the streets of Joburg, lectures by legendary Peter Magubane, even a pre tour inside the calabash. This photographic journey is captured in this heart warming adventure outside the fields. Bringing to light the spirit of “Feel it, it is here”.
Director: Kagiso Sesoko Producer: Muso Sefatsa, Kagiso Sesoko Duration (min): 55 Format: HD Type: Factual One Off Genre: Factual Broadcasters / Financiers / Distributors / Sales Agents: Gauteng Film Commision, Desmond
Phase: Complete
Designed and published by:
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PRODUCTION PROFILES
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
PRODUCTION PROFILES
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
AMARIAM
AZANIA RIZING
The Boy, the Blade and the Man / p9
Gentrification, where to from here / p4
PRODUCTIONS
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ersonal Profile: Pascal Schmitz is a South African producer and CEO at Amariam Pictures CC. He produces feature films and documentaries for the local and international theatrical, DVD and television markets. He has served as a board member of the Documentary Filmmakers Association (DFA) for three years from 2008 to 2010. Pascal co-founded the Association for Transformation in Film and Television (ATFT) and is currently one of the executive directors and the public officer for this non-profit organisation. Pascal has facilitated numerous workshops for both government and organised industry on producing, financing and distribution of film and documentary in South Africa and abroad.
Pascal Schmitz
Company Profile: Amariam Pictures produced an Ethiopian feature film in 2009 entitled “Adera” for cinema that was selected at 16 international film festivals and the documentary film entitled “Pascal’s Journey” in 2008 for SABC, the
PRODUCTIONS
P
ersonal Profile: Kurt Orderson is an award-winning Independent filmmaker and social activist from Cape Town, South Africa. His body of work includes seven critically-acclaimed feature length documentaries that have screened at numerous internationally film festivals. His first feature length documentary, ‘Definition of Freedom’ (2004), examined the role hip hop played during the South African struggle. The film won best documentary at the Atlanta Hip Hop film festival (2005). He co-directed ‘On the trail of my father’ (2007), a film about the late internationally renowned reggae artist Lucky Dube, The film won best feature documentary at the Silicon Valley African film festival. In 2011, he produced Eldorado, a feature film and Winner at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival 2011, Special Mention South African Feature Film.
national broadcaster. In 2010 they produced the documentary “Unhinged: Surviving Jo’burg” that was bought by Fox/ TopTV and distributed nationwide on DVD. They recently produced a B-Grade horror film titled “Blood Tokoloshe” which premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in July 2013 and are currently developing a dance feature film with theatrical distribution signed called “Pop, Lock ‘n Roll” due to be shot in early 2014 and released on cinema in South Africa. SA Cell: +27 82 506 8312(SMS only) International Cell: 082 506 8312 Tel: +27 484 5220 Email: pascal@amariam.co.za Web: http://www.amariam.co.za Address: Postnet Suite 216, Private Bag X2600, Houghton, 2041
Kurt Orderson
and formed to include issues facing the working class and marginalized voices. Fictional and documentary features produced stimulate public discourse around issues which only often remain in the realm of the private. The mission statement of the company is to educate people about film as a way to contribute to the growth of a community of filmmakers with an emphasis on personal/ political narratives targeted at an active rather than passive audience. SA Cell: +27 72 577 0731 (No roaming) Tel: +27 21 469 9744 Email: ordersonkw@gmail.com Web: http://www.azaniarizing.tumblr.com Address: APT. 404, 32 Parliament Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Company Profile: Azania Rizing Productions was founded in 2008 by filmmaker Kurt Orderson
AWAY
BOLOBATHABA
I Am Craig / p5
My Mom and Dad are Cousins / p7
FROM KEYBOARD
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ersonal Profile: After producing the documentary series ‘Africa Rising’ in 2006, Samora Sekhukhune was hooked – on documentaries and the continent. She is directing her debut feature documentary I AM …CRAIG which explores gender identity in a modern African context following the female to male transition of a Soweto youth. The film “has the potential to be truly cinematic and do a great run at festivals” according to funder NFVF (South Africa). Also in production is WIZARD OF ZIM, a documentary inspired by her father’s birthday wish – to meet President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. An intimate family love story set against the backdrop of growing mistrust of mainstream media in reporting on African content . Selected from more than 120 entries to receive financial and other valuable support from Hot Docs Blue Ice Group Documentary Fund.
Samora Sekhukhune
Company Profile: An independent production company set up in 2010. Our focus is on
11 04
MULTIMEDIA
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ersonal Profile: Molatelo Mainetje is an award-winning television news producer, a video journalist and a documentary filmmaker. She’s been in the television production industry for the past 13 years. She worked for various locally and international broadcasters. Molatelo is multi-skilled; she’s a camera operator, writer, producer, director and video editor. She worked for the South African Broadcasting Corporation, eNews Channel Africa(eNCA), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and Metropolis TV in the Netherlands. Molatelo has produced several documentaries and films, and My Mom and Dad are Cousins is her first directed documentary feature film.
creative documentary. Why? Because we love documentaries and we believe in them. Our content celebrates Africa, her complexities and people. Why? Because we hold ourselves personally responsible to be among the architects of a new Africa and know that great power lies, even in these modern times, with the artists, storytellers and crazy people! Away From Keyboard qualifies on all these counts and is always on the lookout for like-minded, fearless partnerships. Cell: +27 61 404 5360 (No roaming) Tel: +27 11 431 3858 Email: sssamora@gmail.com Web: http://awayfromkeyboard.co.za Address: Postnet Suite 241, Private Bag x9 Melville, 2109, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Molatelo Mainetje
about 13 years ago when she relocated to the big city of Johannesburg. While some regard it as taboo, others see it as a way of strengthening family ties. Still within those who encourage the practice, with the coming of modernisation, cousin marriage is undergoing a major shift. My Mom and Dad are Cousins tells a story of varying three characters whose experiences with cousin marriage paint a picture of an evolving culture. SA Cell: +27 83 714 5648 (SMS only) Tel: +27 11 496 3286 Email: bolobathaba@gmail.com Web: www.bolobathaba.co.za Address: Unit 15 Quartz Close, 1 Chamfuti Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2091 Gauteng, South Africa
Company Profile: My Mom and Dad are Cousins is the producer’s personal story of culture meets modernity, and science. Having grown up in rural South Africa in a conservative community, Molatelo thought her existence was normal until
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PRODUCTION PROFILES
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
PRODUCTION PROFILES
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
DIAMOND HILL
FTB MULTIMEDIA
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P
Sin Bin to Celebrity:The John Robbie story / p8 ersonal Profile: Software engineer turned actor/ writer/ director and producer, Sisanda Henna is a well-known award winning South African actor. Henna worked at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival whilst living in Los Angeles. Producer trainee on the Clint Eastwood rugby film Invictus. A director on hit series Intersexions, and writer/director on sabc’s weekly music show, Henna currently works on one of the country’s top daily dramas, in the writing and directing teams. A charismatic and innovative producer with a global vision.
Sisanda Henna
Company Profile: Diamond Hill - shedding light on life through story; exists to entertain and inspire. We develop, package and produce African-born world-class entertainment. Diamond Hill focuses on the development of motion pictures; story (script), financing and packaging. Our Projects: Super Tumi: The iconic story of hope about a year old boy, Tumi from the shanty town of Orange Farm, who journeys across the
P
Nqaba Ngoyi
Company Profile: Fueled by passion and driven by hard work, Fort Films intends telling stories of Africa and its people as well as stories of the world. This company was created by Nqaba Ngoyi, out of a love and passion for motion pictures and story-telling. It was this very passion
ersonal Profile: Sifiso Nobela, graduated from India Film School, obtaining a Diploma in Film Direction. My love for film has help me reach National TV, producing music videos, PSA, documentaries and short films. The Mpumalanga short films Festival is a project where I have achieved the best audience where the province showcases its work in a nut shell. It’s an event based on a film industry in Mpumalanga. Most of the films that I have worked on have been distrubuted over the country. My passion for film has promoted Mpumalanga a province that is behind the film industry.
Cell: +27 72 106 4843 (SMS only) Tel: +27 11 838 0126 Email: sisanda@diamondhillworld.co.za Web: http://www.diamondhillworld.co.za Address: Post Net suite 146, Private Bag x9, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa
Sifiso Nkosinathi Nobela
Ma'Ngoyi: Mother of Black Resistance / p6 ersonal Profile: After directing a few plays as community work, Nqaba began to develop concepts for film and television. These activities led to building relationships with a number of film companies in Johannesburg. He’s currently working as an Insert Producer for a music show called Sunday Chillaz as well as Director on a Documentary Series called In Conversation ‘Making Cents’, currently in Post Production. His previous work includes shows such as The Money Drop for Endemol South Africa and I Am A Work Of Art. He has recently directed and produced a comedy DVD for one of South Africa’s most promising comedians.
Mpumalanga Short Film Festival / p6
border to save an Angolan girl in a refugee camp. The Exchange: 1989, Freedom Fighter and Pastor, Rev Chikane is almost killed in the US- an assassination attempt by the apartheid chief of police in South Africa. 10 years later, Chikane is Chief of Staff for the President of South Africa, but a peculiar man waits to visit him in his office.
FORT FILMS
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consideration for the cultural diversity of South Africa. Our offices are a base to utilize, enjoy, learn, and discover. It is also a workplace of inclusion and respect, with a focus on the development of creativity and ideas. SA Cell: +27 74 644 1397(Calls) Tel: +27 13 766 5007 Email: info@ftbmultimedia.co.za Web: http://www.msffestival.co.za Address: 32 Bell street , 3rd floor office no 310 Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa
Company Profile: Mpumalanga Short Film Festival’s mission is to provide a cultural alternative to the commercial film experience, and to celebrate and promote the artistic elements of the medium and related ones, and to nurture and promote the art of filmmaking itself. Included in the mission will be special
ONE MAN & HIS DOG FILMS
Bantu Nightingales / p4
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ersonal Profile: Kgomotso Matsunyane is an accomplished producer, broadcaster & writer. She is an accomplished documentary director and has been a commissioning editor for drama at SABC1, after which she was editor at The Oprah Magazine (SA). Her short documentary film “Heavy Traffic” was nominated for a BANFF TV award, and several of the series she has produced have also won national television awards. She is a former partner at T.O.M. Pictures, where she hosted a Late Night talk show for TV and was host of the breakfast shows on Kaya FM and Talk Radio 702 & Cape Talk 567 on weekends. She has a wide experience covering television, film, radio and print. She’s a mentor to 20 women across the continent.
that led to working on a short South African/ American film GARGOYLE, as an Assistant Producer; which was subsequently nominated for a Golden Horn Award for Best Short Film 2010 as well as the production of a PSA for NICRO. That later escalated into even bigger productions such as up-coming documentary called Ma’NgoyiMother of Black Resistance. Fort Films has just completed a comedy DVD with one of South Africa’s most promising comedians. SA Cell: +27 72 724 0952 (SMS only) Email: nqabaq@gmail.com Address: 55 Moorat Drive, Brackendowns ext. 5 Alberton 1448
Kgomotso Matsunyane
in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Our ethos is to make compelling, progressive content that reflects, celebrates and promotes the African woman’s history and identity, while contributing to the overall growth and understanding of the African continent. SA Cell: +27 82 886 7463 (SMS only) Tel: +27 21433 1090 Email: kgomotso@kgomotso.co.za Web: http://www.kgomotso.co.za Address: P.O. Box 352, Sea Point Cape Town, South Africa, 8060
Company Profile: OMAHD Films is an innovative feminist production company formed by Kgomotso Matsunyane, based
Designed and published by:
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PRODUCTION PROFILES
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
PRODUCTION PROFILES
South African Indies Sunny Side of the Doc 2014
PAPERPUSH
TSHEDZA
Wembley to Soweto / p9
My Father, My Hero / p7
PRODUCTIONS
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ersonal Profile: I’m an addict for content, Although I haven’t actually created much I have spawned plenty of ideas and worked on a number of projects. I began my career on screen 20 years ago; films, tv series, ads and presenting. Eventually moving behind the scenes, creating and producing for etv, Sabc 1, and Mtvbase Africa. I created one of South Africa’s longest running shows, Shiz Niz, a weekly hip hop show which was carried on a kids programming Craze. It featured the hottest acts to date and helped launch many a career, when I left that show to hone my skills in producing in foreign lands for Mtvbase. I went to east Africa to produce the VJ search and chart show there after, upon returning to South Africa I left Mtvbase to focus on building Paperpush productions along with my partners.
Muso Sefatsa
MEDIA
Takalani Mulaudzi
industry talent. Tshedza Media has produced 3 television series since it’s inception 2 years ago. Come Again? a presenter-driven travel show, 100% Youth and Freedom is not Free for the 20 years of democracy celebration. Tshedza Media is currently producing a decommission of 100% Youth. SA Cell: +27 76 130 3114 (No roaming) Email: takalani@tshedzamedia.co.za Tel: +27 10 593 3067 Web: http://www.tshedzamedia.co.za Address: 13 Myrtle Street, Naturena Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2091, South Africa, ZA
Company Profile: Tshedza Media is a communications company that specialises, but is not limited to, film, television and video Productions. The core focus of the company has been documentary productions. Tshedza Media is a base for advancing and training
TUMO
PRODUCTIONS
The Good Karma Guide / p8
Nisha Naidoo
ersonal Profile: Milly Takalani Mulaudzi had a major spectacular ‘Lightbulb Moment!’ And so Tshedza Media was born. This also came with more than 10 years experience in the television and film industry. It also made sense that in the film and television industry, productions starts and sparks with lights being switched on. Takalani has produced a lot of television shows, a short film and corporate videos. She is part of a team that mentors emerging producers through the NFVF. Takalani loves working with content, driven teams and budgets. Tshedza Media is youthful and creative … just what the doctor ordered.
SA Cell: +27 82 362 9484 (Calls) Tel: +27 11 980 8476 Email: msefatsa@paperpush.co.za Web: http://www.paperpush.co.za Address: 1687, Mahlangu Street, Protea North
THE CREATIVE ADVANTAGE
P
P
experienced young, Soweto born guys. We started the company hoping to create the freshest content but soon realized what task it was to have an operational company that’s also profitable. Now that we have established a solid foundation, we are embarking on a big mission to create content for distribution and show what South Africa has to offer. Particularly Soweto.
Company Profile: Paperpush productions, a company based in Soweto and run by
ersonal Profile: Nisha Naidoo has more than 15 years experience in the film and television industries in East, West and Southern Africa, the UK, USA and Canada. She is founder and CEO of The Creative Advantage since 2003. Her areas of expertise are: Multiplatform media project design, development, production and project management, Producer and Creative Entrepreneur training and mentoring, and Business Strategy Consultant for Creative Enterprises. Nisha Holds an MBA degree from Manchester Business School; an MBA specialization in the Business of Film from the Marshall School of Business and School of Motion Pictures, University of Southern California; and an MFA Degree in Film Production from York University in Canada. Nisha also served an advisor to the Board of the South African National Film and Video Foundation from 2012 until 2014.
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Company Profile: The Creative Advantage was found in 2003. It specialises in 3 areas: 1. Multi-platform project conceptualization, design, development and production and management 2. Producer and Creative Entrepreneur training and professional development 3. Creative Enterprise and Project Strategy Research, Design and Management The Creative Advantage has worked on projects and with creative enterprises in South, West and East Africa, Canada, the USA and the UK.
John Moriri / p7
P
ersonal Profile: I’m a creative Entrepreneur in TV & Video productions in South Africa and the UK, the latest being an Associate Producer for Crosspond Limited in London. I’ve done a lot of events and video coverage for the South African High Commission in London, and I’m currently a director at Tumo Productions. To mention few of my achievements: winning an FNB Vita Award in 1994 at the Windybrow Annual Theatre Festival, to an international acclaimed touring UK play Thanda’Bantwana with the major UK Dance Company Adjido Dance Ensemble in 1995,(South African International Film &Market Festival), some SABC independent productions and TV scriptwriting training.
SA Cell: +27 76 163 9013 (SMS only) International Cell: 076 163 9013 Tel: +27 31 207 4245 Email: nishanaidoo@rocketmail.com Address: Suite 3, 691 Ridge Road, Durban 4001, KZN, South Africa
Sylvester Bodibe
covered some events for the Joy of Jazz Festival 2012 in Joburg including 2 dvd’s for the Gauteng Tourism Authority events in the West Rand, the Write Associates video presentation at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2012 and the Gauteng Lekgotla Parliament Forum in 2011. SA Cell: +27 72 672 8557 (Calls) Tel: +27 117 89 9110 Email: sylver15_99@yahoo.com Address: 13 Blairgowrie Drive, Blairgowrie, Randburg, 2194, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Company Profile: Tumo Productions was assigned to do video coverage for some ANC Centenary Events in the South Africa such as the 3rd ANC Solidarity Conference & the late O.R.Tambo Memorial Lecture in Pretoria. It has
Designed and published by:
16
INTRO TO ATFT
The Association for Transformation in Film and Television
ABOUT THE
SOUTH AFRICAN FILM INDUSTRY S
outh Africa has a vibrant film industry that is growing in reputation and is competitive internationally. Local and foreign filmmakers are taking advantage of the country’s diverse, unique locations, as well as low production costs and favourable exchange rate, which makes it more affordable to make a movie here than in Europe or the US. The jewel in the industry’s crown is Tsotsi, Gavin Hood’s gritty drama about a young gangster in Soweto, South of Johannesburg, which won an Academy Award for best foreign language film in 2006. In 2010, District 9 - an action-packed science-fiction movie about a sub-class of aliens forced to live in the slums of Johannesburg - was nominated for four Academy Awards, including best picture. South Africa also has a growing reputation as a producer of award-winning local content, such as Oscar-nominated Yesterday, the story of the struggles of an HIV-positive mother, and U-Carmen eKhayalitsha, a Xhosalanguage film which won the Golden Bear award at the 2005 Berlin Film Festival. Documentary filmmaker Francois Verster’s A Lion’s Tale won a non-fiction Emmy in 2006, recognised for its “most outstanding cultural and artistic programming”. Building on South Africa’s reputation for quality and creative film making, a string of successful big budget international productions have been filmed here, including Fury Road, the fourth Mad Max film; Blood Diamond with Leonardo DiCaprio; and Clint Eastwood’s Invictus. Opportunities abound, with the makers of movies, commercials and other productions being attracted by South Africa’s highly skilled film crews and technicians, excellent technical capacity and infrastructure - as well as the good weather.
Our Mission
ATFT is pleased to present its delegation of emerging filmmakers from South Africa to Sunny Side of the Doc 2014. ATFT, together with the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Wesgro, hosts the South African Indies Stand at Sunny Side of the Doc 2014 and has created this catalogue of companies and productions from South Africa in attendance at Sunny Side of the Doc 2014.
Our Statement of Purpose “To empower, develop and inspire black females, physically impaired and black individuals, as well as black-owned companies, and grow the South African Film, Television, Animation and Transmedia Industries”.
ATFT’s Highest Aspiration
“An overall growth of 200% of South African content on local and international platforms of which 80% is made and sold by black females, physically impaired and black individuals, and black-owned companies by end 2018”
Contact Information
Web: www.atft.info E-mail: info@filmandtvtransformation.org Established 2013 South African Non Profit Corporation No: 2013/054061/08
Executive Directors
Sifiso Khanyile - Spokesperson Mayenzeke Baza - Intl. Relations Tshego Molete - Skills Development Pascal Schmitz - Public Officer
Staff
Zukiswa Boyce - Project Coordinator
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To empower, develop and inspire black females, physically impaired and black individuals, as well as blackowned companies, and grow the South African Film, Television, Animation and Transmedia Industries.
“
Come learn about the South African Independant Television and Transmedia Industry. A world of locations in one country, great weather, first class crew, facilities and infrastructure, amazing stories, co-production treaties with many countries and great funding and tax incentives. Meet some of the world’s friendliest and most passionate filmmakers at the SA Indies Stand at the Sunny Side of the Doc 2014 and read more about some of the projects on offer at various stages, from development to completed work, in this catalogue. ATFT SA Indies Stand A 17 at Sunny Side of the Doc 2014.