The project is an initiative by the art-house in partnership with Spectrum and ShortandSweet, to support and encourage local filmmakers to create and submit original content in the form of a short film, no longer than 10 minutes in duration.
Cinema Nouveau has called for young filmmakers to enter their short stories with the promise that the entries that make it through the initial selection process will be featured on the big screen as the ‘supporting act’ to the main feature at the Cinema Nouveau theatres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
Sunu Gonera is a filmmaker who made his mark after he made a short film titled Riding with Sugar, in 2005, and it screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.
Speaking at the launch, Gonera said when he started in the film industry, everyone told him he had to have more experience to make it in the film industry.
“It was short film that opened the doors for me by giving me the opportunity to discover Hollywood and to work with people like Bernie Mac,” he said.
Well-known South African actor and producer, Thapelo Mokoena said this project would give a platform to young talent – filmmakers and actors.
“Many filmmakers can make short films but there aren’t many platforms on which to show them,” he said. “This project is a recognisable platform that will motivate filmmakers to create their own scripts and produce their own work.”
Doug Place, marketing executive of Ster-Kinekor Theatres said, “We are constantly amazed by the raw and undiscovered talent that abounds in the South African film industry. We are confident that this project will provide us with an opportunity to expose original content, in the form of the short film, to a wider cinema audience.”
Filmmakers need to complete an entry form (available at Cinema Nouveau theatres and via the website) and submit this, together with their short film via Dropbox to shortfilmproject@sterkinekor.com
Details: Cinema Nouveau website – www.cinemanouveau.co.za.
