The ways in which individuals and groups are portrayed in popular media can have a profound effect on how they are viewed by society at large. Many of those representations are stereotypical, many are inaccurate, and some are even offensive. This call is aimed at people with disabilities to tell their own authentic stories through their own lived experiences to change the narrative and add more positive representation on screen.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), would like to invite people with disabilities, to submit proposals for a short fiction or documentary films for the anthology My Slice of Life, these films will aim to showcase the lived experiences of people with disabilities.
The call seeks to award funding to six stand-alone short fiction and documentary concepts to the value of up to R200 000,00 (Two Hundred Thousand Rand Only) each for the production in keeping with the theme of “My slice of life”. The final film to be produced by each successful applicant will be a duration of 5 – 7 minutes.
Background:
People with disabilities currently account for +/- 7% of the population aged 5 years and older in South Africa. People with disabilities continue to lack access to adequate health and basic education, and are at risk of economic isolation with limited prospects of securing employment. The sector is also particularly vulnerable to the compounded effects of discrimination and abuse.
“Greater support is still needed for accessible training, resources and funding to grow an inclusive industry. Mobile phones enable opportunity, but more assistance is essential for disabled and marginalized filmmakers to sustain livelihoods. I call for specialized funds, mentoring and business aid so more unique voices can shine. By uplifting emerging talent, we make overdue progress. My work proves disability stories matter, so increased backing will unleash their full power.” – Shelley Barry (PhD in Filmmaking, University of Johannesburg Film Lecturer, 2x SAFTA winner) sourced from www.thisability.co.za .
Terms of Reference:
The proposals should be by people with disabilities and should centre stories of disability.
Proposals must have a clear central idea, captivating and compelling story.
The films produced out of this initiative will have to meet the NFVF’s requirements for content that informs, educates, entertains, and offers unique, diverse perspectives.
Selection Criteria for Projects Proposal
Applications can be submitted in written form or can be partially submitted in video format. Submissions need to include:
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- 1-2 page motivation OR 3 minutes max for video explaining the motivation (This should also reflect your lived experience with a disability)
- 1-page story concept OR 3 minutes max video explaining the concept
- CVs of key creative team OR links to previous work
Final Film to be produced will be a duration of: 5 – 7 minutes.
Eligibility
In order for a production company to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirement:
Applicant must be either a South African citizen or be a permanent resident of South Africa.
Who does not qualify?
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- Previous recipients of NFVF slate funding including animation slate, documentary slates, youth and female filmmaker project are NOT eligible for this fund.
- Individuals and/or Production Companies that have 4 (four) active NFVF funded projects across the value chain i.e. development, production, post-production, marketing and distribution, training, and festival funding support.
- Production companies that have current projects active in production funded by the NFVF.
Compulsory Requirements
All applicants must submit the following compulsory documentation:
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- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Clearance Status Pin Document (not older than one year) * (if available). If successful, beneficiary will have to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate before contracting can commence.
- Recently Certified ID copy (dated certification stamp not older than six months)
- Authentic doctor’s letter proving one’s disability.
- Company registration document / Proof of company registration.
Failure to submit the above-mentioned compulsory documentations will render the application incomplete and therefore disqualified.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
The Closing date for applications is 04 December 2023 at 5PM. Any queries maybe directed to Katlego Moseamedi Katlegom@nfvf.co.za or Tsietsi Themane Tsietsit@nfvf.co.za
For any queries regarding technical issues with submissions please contact:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Applications Officer
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
OR
Manti Sekwakwa
Applications Officer
Email: mantis@nfvf.co.za
NFVF Telephone: 011 484 0880
Please note that failure to submit the above-mentioned key and compulsory documentation will render the application incomplete and therefore disqualified.
No late applications will be accepted.
About the NFVF:
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, was mandated to ensure the equitable growth of the South African 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.