The South African animation industry well represented at Annecy festival MIFA 2018
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, is part of the South African delegation at the Annecy festival MIFA taking place between the 11th and 16th of June 2018.
The festival is the leading animation festival in the world with 115 000 submissions, 10 000 accredited delegates, 230 films selected and over 500 film screenings from 89 countries. Along with the NFVF, the South African animation industry will also be represented by the industry organisation, Animation South Africa, and other organisations namely DTI, KZN Film Commission, Wesgro and the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC).
The NFVF, through the markets and festival travel grant, has funded fourteen (14) filmmakers to be part of the delegation. These filmmakers will participate in the official festival programme either by pitching their projects, screening or participating in the South African Territory Focus.
The NFVF in partnership with KZN FC have facilitated a South African Territory Focus session where four South Africa projects will be pitched. The four selected projects are:
- Siko directed by, Craig Parker and Jacques Bock
- Rapulani and Ranpunzel directed by, Yolanda Mogatusi
- Ukuru produced by, Isaac Mogajane and animated by Terrence Malukele and Simanga Sibaya
- Time Sliders directed by, Clare Louis
The objective of the session is to not only highlight the South African animation industry as one with potential and immense talent but to also provide the filmmakers with opportunities to attract potential funders and collaborators for their projects.
These filmmakers will also participate in a pitching readiness workshop where they will be assisted with pitching and presentation skills by seasoned independent children’s media consultant, Justine Bannister. The session is not just aimed at pitching readiness, but also as a skills transfer for these young animators.
A noteworthy achievement for NFVF funded film, Belly Flop, directed by Kelly Dillon, is her inclusion in the closing night ceremony screenings.
“The South African animation industry is growing steadily, the importance of the format internationally necessitates a dedicated focus on it locally. The NFVF is committed to reducing the barriers to entry in this specialised industry, to ensure that is accessible and transformed. I hope the trip to Annecy is fruitful for all the delegates”, said Acting NFVF CEO, Mr. Shadrack Bokaba