INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR THE YOUTH FILMMAKER PROJECT 2019/20 HAS BEEN EXTENDED

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa's film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.

The NFVF in collaboration with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is pleased to announce that the call to submit proposals for the Youth Filmmaker Project is now open. The filmmakers will be guided by the team at Triangle Post and Animation Studios, facilitators of the NFVF project.

BACKGROUND 

The concept for the Youth Filmmaker Project is to provide ten young filmmakers, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration with other filmmakers.

We are looking for 10 - 15 aspirant young filmmakers who will be guided in developing their concepts into 24-minute scripts. Successful candidates must be able to set aside time over a 9-month period in order to fully partake in the programme.

This project is targeted towards aspirant young filmmakers who have a desire to break into the industry and would like to pursue screenwriting as a career path. This platform will ensure that each participant has a complete script and film that will form part of their portfolio in the future.

OBJECTIVES

To nurture, support and promote young filmmakers in South Africa through strategically developed training laboratories and workshops.

To seek out remarkable storytellers and develop regionally based filmmaking talent, which will bring new perspectives to our South African and ultimately the African and global audience.

WORKSHOPPING

Scripts will be developed and workshopped over a dedicated development period, followed by practical workshopping with a director and key technical crews.  

These workshops will take place once on a weekly basis to ensure that the aspirant writers are taught the full development process with the final output of a polished script. This will range from learning how to write loglines, synopsis, treatments, character bibles, script formatting, etc.

Workshop attendance is mandatory as it helps with the development of the film and writer alike.

THEME

Love is….

What is love, how do we define it and how does it find expression?

We are looking for creative concepts that explore the embodiment of love in different forms, from the love of self, family, religion, environment, patriotism, romance, social justice, etc. 

Love is a positive force; however, at times, this can be overshadowed by destructiveness.  People learn to express love based on what they experience, there is an ugly side too such as abuse, greed, obsession, etc.

We are looking for creative writers who can interpret the theme of LOVE and what it means to them from a fresh angle in a short film format. The concepts need to be unique and speak to the target audience. Films will be packaged and screened for television audiences as well as entered into local and international film festivals.

 ELIGIBILITY

In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be between the age of 18 to 35 years old.
  • Applicants can be from any province within South Africa but preference will be given to those residing outside the main regions of Gauteng and Western Cape.
  • Youth applicants cannot both write and direct the films.
  • Be a historically disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
  • Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of at least 9-months to complete the programme. There will be no stipend paid out to successful participants
  • Only fictional narratives will be accepted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible candidates for the project must meet the following criteria:

  • Must demonstrate a passion for writing.
  • Must demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including taking feedback, as well as understanding that aspects of their original story might change for the purposes of producing the script
  • Have a strongly written concept for a 24-minute stand-alone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with other projects under the theme of “LOVE”.
  • Preference will be given to marginalized indigenous language proposals.
  • Preference will be given to individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Be willing to meet the demands of the film industry and be present at every training workshop.
  • Demonstrate willingness and ability to work as a part of a team in the pursuit of the same objective.
  • Understand the value of and is able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
  • Optional: Have a portfolio of work to show their capability e.g. a showreel or, in the case of writers – script samples, that demonstrates their creative abilities.

COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS:  

All applicants are required to submit the following documents in order to be considered:

  • A one-page synopsis of their 24-minute film.
  • Motivation letter (Who you are and why you are passionate about filmmaking, how you would benefit from the programme)
  • Detailed CV of the applicant
  • Narrative treatment of the script (if available)
  • Certified copy of ID document (not older than 3 months)
  • Showreel/work portfolio (if available)

 

*NB: All entries to be sent to Asivhanzi Mathaba, youth@asibfilms.com or nfvfyouthproject2019@gmail.com

Contact Zukiswa Boyce for enquiries 064 698 0438 or nfvfyouthproject2019@gmail.com 

Applicants who do not submit the above-listed mandatory documents will be automatically disqualified.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED: 5 July 2019


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