The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) hosted a trilogy of workshops on film making at various art centres recently, which culminated in a mini-film festival.
“All hands are on deck to develop the film industry in Ekurhuleni, as industry creatives and the municipality establish a partnership set to cultivate the performing arts,” said Mr Themba Gadebe, the EMM’s spokesperson.
During discussions at the festival, it emerged that performing artists and amateur film makers were being enlightened by stakeholders such as the National Film and Video Foundation.
The workshop had the theme Each One Teach One. Artists were able to display their eagerness at learning about the industry.
“It will enable them to create films that tell authentic Ekurhuleni stories,” said Mr Gadebe.
As an intervention to resuscitate the suffocating Ekurhuleni film industry, the Ekurhuleni Creatives Council (ECC) was established as a platform to address the challenges faced by amateur film makers.
“As Ekurhuleni, we pledge to support this vision of developing the film industry with an aim to empower amateur film makers with the necessary skills so that the sector may ultimately contribute meaningfully towards the country’s GDP,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Clr Dorah Mlambo.
The ECC consists of six members, inclusive of both amateur and well-established film makers, each one bringing their own expertise in production, directing, acting, writing and administration.
They are Thabo Mohlala, Manaka Ranaka, Sabelo Makhubo, Thulani Sicongwana, Khanyi Magubane and Sizwe Mzolo.
