African filmmakers have until Monday August 17th to apply to be considered for a $10, 000 Africa First Short Film Programme. Now in its second year the initiative offers five emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence a chance to be awarded $10 000 each in financing for pre-production, production and or post-production for their unique African short films.
Last year directors Edouard Bamporiki ( Long Goat, Rwanda), Jenna Bass ( The Tunnel, South Africa), Jan-Hendrik Beetge ( The Abyss Boys, South Africa), Dyana Gaye ( N’Dar, Senegal) and Wanuri Kahiu ( Pumzi, Kenya) scooped the five awards. Cape Town based director and one of the winners of 2008 Africa First Short Film Program, Jenna Bass, had this to say about the programme: “For many African filmmakers, doing this, at least on the level we want and without compromise, doesn’t always seem possible. We live in countries with film industries that, if they even exist, don’t always welcome young talent, or believe in it. The Africa First program believed in me and in what I wanted to do with my life. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. A few people who are excellent at what they do, saying, “Go on. Try out what you’ve always wanted. Tell stories. We’re watching. Now is the time.”
“Yes, I want to make films that are seen and enjoyed by many, many people. I feel closer to doing that now. The path is just that bit clearer. I may have to walk it alone for now, but the way ahead is marked out in lights.” Jenna’s film The Tunnel is set during the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, at the hands of Robert Mugabe’s notorious 5th Brigade. When her father vanishes, young Elizabeth believes he has dug a tunnel to the city. Only by facing reality will she discover the truth behind his disappearance.
Focus Features and Focus Features International together comprise a singular global company, dedicated to producing, acquiring, financing, selling, and distributing original and daring films from emerging and established filmmakers – films that challenge mainstream moviegoers to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world.
Winners of the 2009 Focus Features Africa First Short Film Program will have the unique opportunity to participate in a three-day workshop in New York City hosted by the Focus Features Africa First Advisory Board from November 12th to 16th. During the summit, the filmmakers will receive firsthand exposure to the inner workings of studio development, finance, marketing, and distribution; and participate in one-on-one sessions with the Focus Features Advisory Board members aimed at providing practical assistance to filmmakers as they produce their films. The summit weekend may also include activities such as screenings, networking receptions, a personalized guided tour of New York City, and a trip to a Broadway show.
For more info about the program and how to apply visit www.filminfocus.com/africafirst or contact Yannina Diaz at yannina.diaz@focusfeatures.com.
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