10 / NEWF 2018
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NEWF 2018
NATURE, ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE FILMMAKERS CONGRESS Creating a Path to Conservation Through Film.
T
he second edition of the Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers Congress (NEWF) takes place at the Durban Botanic Gardens from July 16th – 18th 2018. NEWF is Africa’s premier destination for the convergence of nature, environment, wildlife and adventure conservation filmmakers, scientists, conservationists and broadcast media. The world consumes so much of Africa’s wildlife and natural history yet there is no permanent platform in Africa for filmmakers, conservationists and scientists to explore, stimulate discussions and ideas and move towards a shared vision of protecting the earths’ natural assets for future generations. Importantly there is also a critical need for Africa to expose the world to the wealth of Africa’s stories, wonders and natural history in addition to its wildlife, told this time around from unique African perspectives by Africans. “NEWF was born out of the need to create a permanent niche platform in Africa for passionate filmmakers around the world to forge new relationships, build on those already formed, innovate and move towards further development in natural history and conservation content creation”, explains Noel Kok, Founder and Programmes Director of NEWF. For three days, NEWF creates a path to conservation
through film by providing a platform for delegates to engage, network, connect and contribute to the industry. NEWF 2018 offers topics to inspire story and spark lively and robust debate, informative panel sessions, case studies and interactive demonstrations. An array of keynote speakers, industry leaders, decision makers and special guests are attending. Some of the International guests include Peter Hamilton (Documentary Television), Ludo Dufour, Managing Director of Sales and Distribution (Off The Fence), Bettina Dalton, Executive Producer (WildBear Entertainment Australia), Lisa Samford, Executive Director (Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival), Dr. Paula Kahumbu, CEO (Wildllife Direct, Kenya) and Luwi Nguluka (Wildlife Crime Prevention - Zambia). South African guests include, Thando Shozi-Malanga, Head of Factual (SABC), Graeme Duane, Creative Director (Earth Touch), Peter Lamberti, CEO (Lion Mountain Media) and Dr.
Andrew Venter, CEO of leading conservation organisation WILDTRUST. Other South African independent filmmakers participating in panels include Janet Solomon, James Suter, Oli Caldow, Candice Odgers, Karin Slater, Bonginhlanhla Ncube (Mr. B). Sessions will be facilitated by award-wining female factual content creators Takalani Mulaudzi, Yolanda Mogatusi and Jolynn Minnaar. One of the key areas of focus of NEWF is the NEWF Development Fund — a programme designed to kickstart the next generation of nature, environment, wildlife and adventure conservation filmmakers and will host the N.E.W Pitch Documentary Short Pitching Competition during the congress. The N.E.W Pitch competition is aimed at discovering the next generation of nature, environment, and wildlife filmmakers. “Do you have an engaging, innovative or inspirational natural history, environmental, conservation or adventure story?”
asks Pragna Parsotam-Kok, Founder and Congress Director of NEWF. Eight finalists have been selected to pitch at the N.E.W Pitch competition during NEWF 2018 and four winners will be selected to win R 50 000 to develop and produce their documentary short. The 2017 N.E.W Pitch winners will premiere their films at a public screening on the beach, on July 17th. Registration is open for NEWF 2018. Registration costs R500 for a three day pass and provides delegates access to all programmes and events including, daily lunch, opening night and closing night. To register and for highlights visit www.newf.co.za. The Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers Congress is funded by the National Film and Video Foundation, The KwaZuluNatal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental affairs, eThekwini Municipality, Parks and Recreation Unit and The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and is made possible through various other sponsorships and partnerships.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Cell: +27 64 294 0669 WhatsApp: +27 64 294 0669 Email: info@newf.co.za Website: www.newf.co.za