Annual film festival launched in Wattville

The initiative was launched by the recently created Ekurhuleni Creatives Council (ECC), which was established to bring new life to the Ekurhuleni film industry and to serve as a platform to address the challenges faced by many amateur filmmakers.

The council has also been tasked with overseeing the production process of films made in the city.

As part of the new council’s mission, the first Ekurhuleni Film Festival was held at the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct, in Wattville, on June 13.

This small film festival was the culmination of three workshops held between June 10 and 12, at various art centres in Ekurhuleni, including the Rhoo Hlatshwayo Art Centre in Daveyton.

“During discussions at the festival, it emerged that performing artists and amateur filmmakers were yearning for more knowledge to be imparted to them by various stakeholders, such as the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF),” said Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson.

“The unanimous chanting of the slogan ‘Each one, teach one’ displayed the artists’ eagerness to learn the tricks of the trade that will enable them to create films that tell authentic Ekurhuleni stories.”

The event was attended by Clr Marakana Dora Mlambo, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for sports, recreation, arts and culture.

“As the City of Ekurhuleni, we pledge to support this vision of developing the film industry, with an aim to empower amateur filmmakers with the necessary skills, so that the sector may ultimately contribute meaningfully towards the country’s GDP,” she said.

The ECC is made up of six members, inclusive of both amateur and well-established filmmakers, each bringing their own expertise in production, directing, acting, writing and administration.

The council is made up of Thabo Mohlala, Manaka Ranaka, Sabelo Makhubo, Thulani Sicongwana, Khanyi Magubane and Sizwe Mzolo.