No more excuses for Durban film makers as new facility opens
KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission unveiles a state of the art facility
THE KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC) officially unveiled a state of the art facility which boasts editing suites, recording studios, a meeting room, cinema and training room for up-and-coming film makers on Monday.
The unveiling of the facility, which is located in Musgrave centre, coincided with a two-day film Industry Indaba aimed at finding solutions to the challenges facing the industry.
Addressing those present, Carol Coetzee, CEO KZN Film Commission said a number of new strategies were being proposed and policies being reviewed at a national and provincial level, which coincided with the timing of the Indaba for active engagement. “We are grateful for the support provided by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), in particular MEC Sihle Zikalala as we continue to transform the industry and position the province as the best global film destination,” she said.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Welcome Msomi, who is the chairman of the commission, said the new facility made up the film cluster and was meant to grow and transform the industry. “It is through growth that we will realize true transformation. This facility will make our province the destination of choice,” he said.
Film maker, Siphamandla Ngcobo said those in the industry could no longer complain about not having the best facilities in the country. “I am happy that they have managed to bring all of these components one needs to make a great film under one roof. It will help the up-and-coming film makers produce more great films because now we have the resources right here in Durban. I just hope that this project works out well and it doesn’t become another failed project by the government,” he said.
Meanwhile, locally produced comedy flick Keeping Up With the Kandasamys has raked in more than R4-million at the box office in less than two weeks after its release. According to its producers, more than 76000 people have flocked to cinemas to watch it. Director Jayan Moodley said the success of Keeping Up With the Kandasamys would hopefully open more doors for cast members and the team.
“This success means that we are building an industry in KwaZulu-Natal. It also means that the success paves the way for other filmmakers to follow their passion and make it happen,” said Moodley.
The KZN Film Commission was established in accordance with a provincial Act passed in 2010 with a mandate to facilitate the development of a sustainable film industry whilst promoting the region as a choice destination for film production. The commission has been in operation for three years and believes that constant engagement with local film makers is crucial to ensure that we remain relevant, effective and efficient.
