The MoU was signed by FPB COO Mmapula Fisha and the GFC's acting CEO Mzwandile Masina.
Fisha said: "We are very excited about the MoU and it's something that we've talked about for some time. The FPB wants to ensure that all the films that are supported or funded by the GFC are classified. Our mandate is to classify content so that children are protected and adults are informed before they consume content."
"This MoU will give us a chance to work with the industry. Up until now the FPB has only been involved at the end of a production. Now we will have the opportunity to engage with filmmakers before, during and after production and answer all their queries about classification. For example, if a filmmaker wants to reach all South African audiences his film needs to be squeaky clean."
"The FPB also wants to partner with the GFC in outreach programmes to bring films to schools outside the main city centres and to make films more accessible to school children."
Fisha revealed that the FPB is working on MoUs with the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and other film commissions around the country.
GFC acting CEO Mzwandile Masina commented that the signing of the MoU was an important milestone for the GFC, which recently moved from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Masina continued: "We would like to express our gratitude to the board for allowing us to enter into this partnership. Both the GFC and the FPB are government agencies tasked to develop and grow the film sector. For the past few months we've been trying to find each other and w've done it today. This partnership will help the GFC to better achieve our goals and allow us to set up regulated distribution channels>."
"Since 1 April the GFC has acquired a new vision where we will incorporate other creative industries such as fashion, design, music and digital publishing. The GFC is positioning the creative industry sector as a significant economic contributor to the province."
"While the FPB is a national body, the GFC is a provincial body. It’s important to note that Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the country - we host major broadcasters like the SABC, e.tv, M-Net and TopTV and most of the local soapies are shot in Johannesburg"
Masina stressed that the Gauteng government continues to support the film sector and has invested a great deal of money thus far.
In the past financial year the GFC has funded 23 short films, feature films, documentaries and television productions collectively worth R2.8 million.
Visit the Gauteng Film Commission website and the Film and Publication Board website.
