Cameras and Action in Diepsloot
DIEPSLOOT - The creative minds of Diepsloot were blessed on 26 March when the Department of Arts and Culture handed over a fully equipped film studio to the community.
In attendance was the Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile and the General Secretary of the Creative Workers Union Eugene Mthethwa who expressed their confidence in the artistic talents embedded in the Diepsloot community.
Through the working partnership of the film company Top Crew Home Brew Movies, the City of Johannesburg and the Department of Arts and Culture, millions have been used to identify and hone new talent and to facilitate a film training programme in Diepsloot.
The Diepsloot is known as settlement area which suffers from a great deal of poverty and crime but 95 Ward Councillor Rogers Makhubele expressed his excitement about the project and stated that it marked a positive change in the community.
Eugene Mthethwa stated, “A good story can only be good if it is told by us – not outsiders”. He stated that a growing involvement in film will bring a positive and true representation of all demographics in South Africa, and will be distributed to all citizen including broadcasts on Mzansi Magic.
The project is in line with the DAC’s Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy which Mashatile states will unleash the potential of the arts and contribute not only to social cohesion and nation building, but also to economic growth, skills development and job creation.
Mashatile added, “South African Talent, including talent from here in Diepsloot, can match the best in the world.” He concluded by saying the department will strive to unlock the creativity of young people all over the country.
