Invitation to submit proposals for the Female Filmmaker Project

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 KZN Film Commission (KZNFC), the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and North West Culture Art and Traditional Affairs (CATA), is pleased to announce that the call to submit proposals for the Female Filmmaker Project is now open. The filmmakers will be guided by the team at Zinc Pictures, facilitators of the NFVF project.

BACKGROUND          

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

We are looking for 15 aspirant female filmmakers who will be guided in the development of their stories into a 24-minute script. The best 10 of those will go on to be trained to direct production of their stories into a 24-minute film. Successful candidates must be able to set aside time over a 9-month period in order to fully partake in the programme.

OBJECTIVES

  • To identify new voices, new talent and a new wave of female filmmakers especially amongst the youth and the emerging talent, and to grow this pool.
  • To nurture, support and promote female 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, with the aim of the films being completed by February 2020. During this process each writer and/or director will be provided with the necessary tools to first develop and write their story, and if successful to then break down scripts for the camera as well as detailed strategies for extracting the best performances from actors.

The successful projects and teams will be provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film and assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film.

THEME

DISRUPTION aka #ThisIsNotArtHouse looks at an interruption to the norm. The theme talks about subverting stereotypes using or breaking genre. It is using the conventions of telling a story and how it could be done in a non-traditional way. Tell us a story about a character or event or theme that is a disruptor in your life, an interruption to the norm whether good or bad.

We are bringing together a series of short films that explore the notion of ‘DISRUPTION’. We are interested in stories that upend traditional methods of storytelling, whether through a subject, character, or methods of delivery. Use genre traditions to show us something new, or break them completely. Show us the flipside, in 24-minutes. These stories will reflect originality or freshness. They will use tropes from comedy or suspense, thriller or romance to turn a subject matter on its head, while exploring the absurd state of the world as it stands currently. 

The NFVF in association with Zinc Pictures has chosen this as the theme for the films to be produced. The films will be packaged and screened for television audiences, as well as entered into international film festivals.

Applicants are asked to submit scripts pertaining to the theme. At a time in history when everything seems to be up in the air, show us how DISRUPTION can explore this state of being.

ELIGIBILITY

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

  1. Have worked in the industry for at least two years.
  2. Be a historically disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
  3. 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.

NB: This program is aimed at female filmmakers only with some experience in the industry. Only fictional narratives will be accepted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible candidates for the project must:

  • 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 “Disruption”.
  • Preference will be given to marginalized indigenous language proposals.
  • 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
  • Be willing to meet the demands of the film industry and be present for every training and workshop.
  • Demonstrate a 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.
  • 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.

NB: Writers will be expected to pitch at the production stage to assess capability to direct a film. Only the 10 best candidates will then be selected to direct.

 

APPLICATIONS

All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in for consideration:

  1. Narrative treatment and/or first draft script for a 24-minute film including treatment, character bible, detailed synopsis.
  2. A cover letter containing the following:

              i.         Who you are and why you are passionate about filmmaking

              ii.         Provide 3 images, one taken by yourself, and provide a short reflection on the imagery (no more than 100 words).

  1. The CV and must contain contactable industry references.
  2. Showreel/portfolio of work
  3. Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
  4. Certified copy of ID document (no older than 3 months).

All entries to be sent to womensproject@zincpictures.com

Please make sure that all required documents are attached as any missing documents will lead to automatic disqualification. CLOSING DATE: 10th March 2019

 

 

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