The 10th Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) was held from August 2 to 10. It allowed for learners from local schools to gain knowledge in the filming industry.
The MIFF was held throughout the Gert Sibande District with Secunda hosting a day of two screening schedules at the Johannes Stegmann Theatre and Ster-Kinekor in the Secunda Mall.
The festival aims to show learners how to create content and films.
“The workshops were scattered around the province with Secunda focusing on location and how to find the perfect space to shoot your film,” said Zola Gqawa from Govan Mbeki Municipality’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
The MIFF was spread over nine days with each day focusing on different aspects of filmmaking, including its location, lighting, camera work, behind-the-scenes make-up and wardrobe, sound and much more.
“There has been a huge interest in the turnout from local schools. We have identified opportunities and awareness and want more people to come and engage with us,” said Thuli Zulu, MIFF Gert Sibande coordinator.
Zulu said 20 filmmakers have been chosen and primed to pitch their documentary ideas about local stories in front of Pitch The Doc (USA) and other local and international stakeholders in Nelspruit.
“The winner will get support with resources for their stories to be screened overseas, expanding their reach,” said Zulu.
Producer and writer Billi-Jean Parker carried out her workshop for the National Film and Video Foundation SA.
Local businesses and NPOs donated refreshments and snacks for the learners.
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