Skills programme for film makers launched

The summit is also aimed at assisting film makers in the shift from creative to entrepreneur, benefitting not only themselves but the local film economy in general, by creating employment and business opportunities. The summit will provide funding pipelines, access to the market, mentorship and collaborative opportunities.

with an uncompromising directness. These are themes that still hold great weight today. Indeed, his art continues to transcend and hold lessons.”

The announcement was paired with the opening of a new South African musical, Hlakanyana, which was developed and coproduced by UJ Arts & Culture, in partnership with Madevu Entertainment.

After a long development journey since the advent of Covid-19, Hlakanyana is set to bring folklore, award-winning music, and magic to the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre at the UJ Arts Centre.

Directed by theatre icon Janice Honeyman, and featuring some of South Africa’s most promising emerging artists, Hlakanyana casts a spotlight on a cunning, unethical creature, depicted in animal or human form, and who is the long-awaited son of the chief of a village, but instead of being a uniting force he leaves devastation in his wake.

For more info visit https://arts. uj.ac.za.

Johannesburg - The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) has launched the inaugural Discover Summit.

The summit, launched recently at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, will be a three-day event, taking place from 18-20 October at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The Discover Summit is a revolutionary platform aimed at equipping current and next generation local filmmakers with the skills to thrive in an evolving industry landscape. The event will touch on current methods of film making, preparing and guiding local filmmakers on the industry’s evolution, together with steps to keep up with and set global standards.

The summit is also aimed at assisting film makers in the shift from creative to entrepreneur, benefitting not only themselves but the local film economy in general, by creating employment and business opportunities. The summit will pro- vide funding pipelines, access to the market, mentorship and collaborative opportunities. For this the GFC partnered with the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR).

Gauteng SACR MEC Mbali Hlophe said development of the local industry creates a pathway to a global audience.

“The summit will be Gauteng’s ticket to the global stage, as not just a filming destination, but a hub of industry knowledge that will ensure survival and development of modern filming practices, allowing us to grow as the world grows,” she said.

GFC chairperson Busisiwe Mhaga said: “Evolving is the most vital aspect of the industry we love. Change is constant, necessary, and should be embraced as we look at developing a more sustainable industry, positioned for local filmmakers to be ready for the prosperous journey ahead.”

With an array of exhibitions, panels, masterclasses and workshops, the summit promises to empower creatives through five key tracks; digital, business funding, marketing, African pop culture, filmmaking and wellness.

GFC acting CEO Keitumetse Lebaka said: “We seek to fulfil our many goals and directives within the film making industry, and empower our talent in their visions as creatives and entrepreneurial masters of their respective crafts.”