National Film and Video Foundation South Africa’s Post

📊 The Durban FilmMart 2024 Monitoring and Evaluation Report is now available for everyone to read. “Unlike other markets, DFM provides a unique platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with international industry professionals, and access funding and co-production opportunities tailored to the African context. Its emphasis on diverse voices and stories from Africa, coupled with targeted workshops and mentorship programmes, makes DM a distinctive and invaluable event in the global film market landscape.” - Delegate, DFM 2024 The full report is available on our website. https://lnkd.in/dpD-dXgU This report is an independent monitoring and evaluation review that has been completed in accordance with the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association principles and practices. Author: Michele Sohn

Mid-Year Insights from 30,000 ft: "The State of African Cinemas" Based on the "Expectations for 2024 and Beyond" piece I published on January 2, where are we, six months into the new year? [Akoroko Premium subscribers received a more thoughtful piece on this earlier in the week] Assessing the vast cinematic *experiment* across the African continent, halfway through 2024. A macro perspective... 1. There is indeed evidence of growth and increased global interest in African cinemas: participation in major international film festivals, as new film festivals with an African focus, continue to launch globally; various international collaborations and partnerships; new initiatives. However, this growth is gradual rather than dramatic. 2. Challenges remain especially in key areas like comprehensive, sustainable financial support, widespread infrastructure development, and efficient distribution networks, where there are even any. So, while progress is being made, major obstacles remain. 3. The future does appear promising, with ongoing initiatives in education, increased government support, and international collaborations. However, continued support, investment, and adaptation to a rapidly evolving environment (particularly technological) are crucial. 4. The pace and extent of change vary across different aspects of the industry, and across countries. Rapid changes in how media is consumed, and, more importantly, the accessibility problem, add to this uncertainty. 5. The idea of "change" as essential, is reflected within the framework of the "Laboratory of the Future" concept I've integrated as an overarching theme and aligns well with the overall picture. The spotlight now on Africa and the African Diaspora is evident. However, there isn't a clear indication of a transformative shift in any industry sphere. Any evolution within the African film and television ecosystem will likely continue to be gradual and uneven, across different regions and sectors. And I wouldn't expect much to change during the second half of the year. In essence, maintain a holistic view, play the long game... and subscribe!

SPI recently launched the first Economic Impact Study of the film incentive supporting international productions filming in Spain. Based on project data collected by SPI between 2019 to 2022, incentivised international film and television production generated an estimated minimum of €1,795 million in GVA contributions to Spain’s economy.    The overall GVA RoI was 9.0, meaning that for every €1 invested through the programme, the benefit to the Spanish economy was €9 in terms of additional economic value from direct, indirect, and induced effects.     More here>https://lnkd.in/eT5kNZ6T

As the Marché du Film wraps up this year, it’s interesting how filmmakers and entertainment professionals keep up on new industry trends, sharing insights and discussing how filmmaking and their vision can make a profound impact on our world.

🌟 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆́ 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒈𝒊𝒖𝒎: 𝑨 𝑪𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑹𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 🌟 After a century-long hiatus, the illustrious Pathé Cinémas brand is making its grand return to Belgium, reigniting the golden threads of cinematic history. By acquiring smaller cinema chains in key locations, Pathé will once again bring 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐨𝐟-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. The first of these cinemas will open in 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐤, marking a significant milestone for a group synonymous with the evolution of cinema in Europe for over a century. 🎬 𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕...  ... Flanders boasts a vibrant cinema industry with a rich history and a dynamic present. Supported by initiatives like Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds (the Flanders Audiovisual Fund), the region is known for its competitive film production and international distribution. Recent successes such as the TV series 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 and 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 highlight the strong demand for quality local content. 📷 Chapman Taylor

Film festivals are often judged on their relevance to the community. 🌍 We recently saw this in the Netherlands, where future municipal and government funding for festivals is firmly based on their relevance to their communities. This isn't just the case in the Netherlands, all around the world film festivals are on a quest for relevance. In that quest they might seek to add more events or have a year-round presence through partnerships with cinemas or educators. 🌟 Great strategies, but they do come with some extra hurdles as the film festival management suddenly becomes a whole lot more complex. Read more about these hurdles and how to overcome them here: https://lnkd.in/gwwPAeUB #RelevantCinema #FestivalManagement #FilmFestivals

The CCSE UWS are rounding off their year with the release of a new summary film and blog for their Spirit-funded Festivals Connect project. Festivals Connect set out to embed improved EDI outcomes in the planning for events and festivals. Watch it at this link: https://lnkd.in/dCpMDpqv For more on this area of work, you can find the amazing EDI Playbook they wrote for organisers in our Insights section: https://lnkd.in/dBUEyqYn

Wise words by Lise Lense-Møller ❤️ 💬I feel it’s very important that the producers engage, it’s even their responsibility. ‘You’re not just in the industry, you ARE the industry’ is one of the first things we tell them. If they point to some limitations within the system, we ask them ‘So how can you change it?’”

Transformation is an incredible force that can shape our community and culture, especially within the film industry. Not too long ago, the Middle Eastern cinema scene faced numerous challenges—censorship issues, limited funding, and a lack of accessible platforms for storytellers to share their voices. Today, we witness a renaissance fueled by initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which has not only revitalized the local cinema but has also created a thriving cultural landscape with festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival paving the way for emerging filmmakers. Notable films such as "Wadjda" and "Capernaum" have captivated global audiences, telling powerful stories that resonate deeply with our heritage. This inspiring change didn’t happen overnight. It began with passionate individuals and organizations dedicating their efforts to infrastructure, training, and grant initiatives that uplift our region's storytellers. Collaborations across borders have broken barriers, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes. For those eager to contribute to this evolution, seek out local film workshops, invest in emerging talent, or even create your own narrative. Every small step adds to the greater tapestry of our cinematic future. Remember, your story is important, and the film industry thrives on diverse voices. As we reflect on this journey, it's clear that the importance of sharing our unique stories cannot be understated. Let's embrace this change and look forward to a bright future for Middle Eastern cinema, where every tale is celebrated and every filmmaker is supported. 🌟🎬 #MiddleEasternCinema #Storytelling #CulturalRenaissance #Vision2030 #FilmIndustry #SupportLocalFilmmakers

🎤Lise Lense-Møller, whom we are lucky enough to call EAVE Producers Workshop Head of Studies, shared her thoughts in an interview with Nordisk Film TV. Don't miss it if you are interested to learn more about the EAVE methodology and to get insights from an inspiring producer. 💬“We develop the humans inside the producers” is a motto. “Staying in the industry, making it in the industry and making a mark in the industry” is another. 💬The selection of European and also outer-European participants is consciously done to provide as vast an outlook as possible, represented in genres, nationalities, countries with both elaborate funding systems or hardly a film industry at all, different merits and life experiences – all this and more forming a veritable mosaic of knowledge and perspectives. 💬I feel it’s very important that the producers engage, it’s even their responsibility. ‘You’re not just in the industry, you ARE the industry’ is one of the first things we tell them. If they point to some limitations within the system, we ask them ‘So how can you change it?’” 👉Read the full interview and learn more: https://lnkd.in/eQG8BeEa #exchangeevolveempower #EAVE #producertraining