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Sunday, July 29, 2012

All the winners from @DIFFest 2012


Well @DIFFest 2012 just had their Awards Ceremony and here are all the Award Winners.


Award-winners announced at Durban International Film Festival

The 33rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival, with principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund,  this evening (Saturday, July 28) announced its award-winners, prior to the closing film. Winner of the Best Feature Film award, Love (Amour) was applauded by the International Jury as “unmissable”, and the film’s director Michael Haneke, as a “contemporary master with an astute understanding of his cinematic world”. The Best Feature Film award carries a cash prize of R50 000.
The international Jury which comprised Zimbabwean filmmaker and novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, hot South African director Oliver Hermanus, producer and television presenter Kgomotso Matsunyane, and Canadian producer, director Peter Wintonick also awarded the Best First Feature Film prize ( R20 000) to Australian Julia Leigh for Sleeping Beauty (Australia).

Animation Film wins best SA prize
Receiving a cash prize of R30 000, the Best South African Feature Film was awarded to Adventures in Zambezia (South Africa), directed by Wayne Thornley. Of the large number of South African films screened this year, the jury’s unanimous voice lauded this film as one with “strong writing and direction, and beautiful animation infused with the spirit of the continent…” and one that “tells an African story from an African perspective while having clear global appeal”.

The Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award, with a prize of € 2,500, went to Malika Zouhali-Worral and Katherine Fairfax Wright’s film Call Me Kuchu which focuses on attacks on gay  people in Uganda.

The full list of awards is: 
Best Film: Love (Amour) (France, Austria, Germany), directed by Michael Haneke
Best South African Feature Film: Adventures in Zambezia (South Africa), directed by Wayne Thornley
Best First Feature Film: Sleeping Beauty (Australia), directed by Julia Leigh
Best DirectorBenh Zeitlin for Beasts Of The Southern Wild (USA)
Best ActressDeanie Ip in A Simple Life (Tao Jie) (Hong Kong SAR China)
Best ActorJoseph Wairimu in Nairobi Half Life (Kenya, Germany)
Best CinematographyGökhan Tiryaki for Once Upon A Time In Anatolia (Bir Zamanlar Anadolu’da) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey)
Best ScreenplayErcan Kesal, Ercan Ceylan and Nuri Bilge Ceylan for Once Upon A Time In Anatolia (Bir Zamanlar Anadolu’da) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey)
Special Jury Mention Feature Film: Goodbye (Be Omid E Didar) (Iran), directed by Mohammad Rasoulof
Best Documentary: 5 Broken Cameras (Palestinian Territories, France, Israel, The Netherlands), directed by Guy Davidi
Best South African Documentary: The African Cypher (South Africa), directed by Bryan Little
Documentary Special Jury Mention: Calvet (Costa Rica, France, Nicaragua, United Kingdom, United States), directed by Dominic Allan
Best Short FilmThe Bird Spider (La Migala) (Spain), directed by Jaime Dezcallar
Best South African Short FilmDoppelganger (South Africa), directed by Joshua Rous
Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award: Call Me Kuchu (USA), directed by Malika Zouhali-Worral and Katherine Fairfax Wright
DIFF Wavescape Audience Choice Award: The Art of Flight (USA), directed by Curt Morgan


DIFF Documentary Audience Choice Award: Searching for Sugarman (Sweden, United Kingdom), directed by Malik Bendjellou

 

DIFF Feature Film Audience Choice Award: The Lady (France, United Kingdom), directed by Luc Besson

Sunday is the last day of screenings with film screenings at Suncoast Cinema, Ster Kinekor Musgrave, Cinema Nouveau Gateway, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre (Kwa-Mashu), and the Blue Waters Hotel.

The 33rd Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre For Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) with support by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, City of Durban, German Embassy in South Africa, Goethe Institut of South Africa, French Season in South Africa, and a range of other valued partners. 

For more info go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

(Source:  @DIFFest)  

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Friday, July 27, 2012

Who will be the President of The East Coast?




Damon Beard with the 6 candidates - Gavin Higgins, Loryn Holmes, Abonga Nkwelo, Ashley Raspal,
Praveshnee Naidoo and Lauren Knock


Six ‘President of the East Coast’ finalists revealed.

What do six go-getters who are passionate about KwaZulu-Natal but come from different backgrounds have in common? They’re looking to become the very first ‘President of the East Coast’. The six candidates were named this morning on the Breakfast Stack and are all hoping they’re walk away with the title and the perks that come along with it.

26 year old Gavin Higgins from Ballito is an all round positive guy, who runs his own advertising business, something that could come in handy while trying to canvas votes. Lauren Knock, who lives on the Bluff, is also hoping her insights from working in marketing will stand her in good stead. She’s a compassionate 32 year old, so committed to making a positive difference to her community that she helps out at soup kitchens.

Praveshnee Naidoo from Queensburgh works in Operations Logistics but is always keen to take on a challenge. She daringly completed the “Flying Fox” zip line in Bloukrans, just to overcome her fear of heights! 33 year old Loryn Holmes from Glenwood works in PR and eventing. She describes herself as a “real Durban girl” and is twitter mad, so will no doubt be tweeting about her campaign.

Abonga Nkwelo is a warm natured guy who lives in Umhlanga, but was born in Umtata. He’s a self employed and a super talented 26 year old – amongst other things he plays both music and rugby. Ashley Raspal is keen to motivate almost anyone he meets, which is rather fitting since he’s a Customer Services trainer. This 32 year old from Phoenix once ate locusts and worms at a market, just to see what they tasted like.

The six candidates have already started their first of their challenges. Today they darted around Durban to ‘Find Funsunzi’. Each of them had to find six items – including beach sand and a beaded necklace - before returning to studio where they were divided into the ‘Drive’ and ‘Breakfast’ teams.

The candidates will be whittled down to the top three by next week Wednesday, when the public vote will begin.

(Source - ECR) 


Directors share their tips from @DIFFest
  • Use Crowd Funding
  • Put a date down and on that date have all the financing in place

Workshops at @DIFFest
  • Saturday July 28 
  • 10h30 Meet the Filmmakers - Blue Waters Hotel
  • 12h30 - NFVF Bursaries - Blue Waters Hotel
  • 14h00 - Unpacking Durban Stories - Blue Waters Hotel
  • 15h00 - 4th Durban Short Film Challenge Showcase and Awards - Blue Waters Hotel
(Source - @DIFFest) 



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Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Blue Monday Platform and Pics from @DIFFest



Well Folks it seems the Catalina Theatre is trying something new for Artists in Durban.

Sing?  Dance?  Act?  Write?  Direct?  Perform?
Then The Blue Monday Platform is for you!  Hosted at the Catalina Theatre on a quarterly basis, this is an event that provides a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents, be it singing, dancing, acting, writing, directing, performing...the list is endless.  You get to perform for FREE infront of directors, producers, choreographers and musicians of the industry that may use the talent they see in future projects.

The Catalina Theatre invites all passionate and driven, young and restless artists to come and showcase their talent.  If interested, book a five minute slot with Mtho on 083 963 0091 or The Catalina Theatre on 031 305-6889.

The Catalina Theatre further invites established directors, producers, musicians and poets to this event in the hopes of providing networking opportunities for aspiring artists in Durban.

The first Blue Monday Platform is happening Monday the 30th July at 6pm at The Catalina Theatre.

See you there!

Catalina Theatre
Tel:  031 3056889
Fax:  031 3056866
www.catalinatheatre.co.za

(Source - Pansa)


Pictures From The Opening of @DIFFest 2012 at Suncoast


                                             Lots of Popcorn


                                  The Bubbly Actress Hlubi Mboya


                              Actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Man On Ground)


                 Festival Director Peter Rorvik opening @DIFFest 2012


   The wonderful Sibongile Khumalo entertaining at the after party

Photography by Fiona Jane Photography

Article by Fred Felton find him on Twitter @fredfelton






Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Tips on How to be a Film Critic by Film Critics heard at @DIFFest


Over the weekend I sat in on a @DIFFest workshop by Film Critics talking about what it takes to
be a Film Critic and a good writer.

Here are some of the tips they shared:


  • If you see a film and you say 'I hate it!' or 'I love it!' you are criticising the film.
  • The Film Critic is a Bridge between the Filmmakers and the audience.
  • Read as much as you can
  • Read other film critics
  • Read your own reviews 
  • Do they make sense?
  • Watch the movies that were made 30 years before you were born
  • Watch it with the audience
  • Get the spelling of the Cast and Crew correct, especially the Director.
  • Pay attention to every detail
  • Show your piece to someone for advice if it is good or not.
  • Check if the Film is having it's World Premiere, find out before you state that.
  • Check the dates are correct
  • Have fact checkers if you can or do it yourself
  • Read widely
  • If you are starting out try writing a blog at first of film reviews
  • Print out what you have written and read it sometimes you can pick up errors that way
  • Try to think in sentences
  • Look at something interesting in the film, look for a specific angle, talk about that
  • If you feel it's a good film, ask why, substantiate it
  • Look at your gut emotional response to a film
  • What is the film's director trying to say?  Why is he doing this and not that?
  • Does the movie need to be made?
  • Was the movie made with passion by the Director?
The panel was facilitated by Nashen Moodley (Aus / SA) and included among others 
David Stratton (Aus) ,  Telesphore Mba Bizo (Cameroon) , Theresa Smith (Independent Newspapers SA) and Peter Machen (SA) 

Article written by Fred Felton find him on Twitter - @fredfelton 

Are you a Film Critic or Writer?  What tips do you have?  Leave a comment and let us know.




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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tips for Film Producers by Film Producers heard at @DIFFest



                                                  The Producers of Blitz Patrollie


This week I was privileged to hear some wonderful advice by the
Producers of the new Film Blitz Patrollie.  They shared some valuable advice
on what it takes to be a film producer.

Here is what they had to say:

  • They learnt by doing
  • Production is Project Management
  • It's a process, all the items need to be done
  • You need legal contracts
  • Look at your Film as a Business
  • Look at Product Placements and Sponsorships
  • There's a lot of legal work
  • Find a good Entertainment Lawyer
  • It's a lot of hard work
  • Sales agents are always looking for more blood and gore
  • What's your selling point?
  • Have a edge
  • Trust your gut
  • You need to differentiate yourself
  • Bring something else to the table
  • At development stage know who your audience is, target your audience
  • Who you going to sell to?
  • Do people want to rent it or buy it on DVD? 
  • The movie cost them around R8 million that is what the average SA movie costs to make
You can catch their movie at the @DIFFest 27 July 20h15 Suncoast, 28 July 13h00 Ekhaya
or 28 July 16h30 at Suncoast.  

Along with the Producers the NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) provided 
these tips:
  • The NFVF is a resource for producers 
  • Contact them for any queries
  • You can also contact them for any legal queries you have for contracts for your films
Contact Details For The NFVF
Communications and Public Affairs Manager:  Naomi Mokhele
Website:  www.nfvf.co.za
email:  naomim@nfvf.co.za

Workshops coming up at @DIFFest

  • Wed July 25 Blue Waters 9am - Writing for Film in Indigenous Languages 
  • Wed July 25 Blue Waters 2pm - S.A.G.E. Deep Cuts: the art of editing
  • Thu July 26 Blue Waters 9am - Writing for Film in Indigenous Languages
  • Thu July 26 Blue Waters 12h30 - Writers Guild: Scripting for Documentary
  • Fri July 27 Blue Waters 9am - Writing for Film in Indigenous Languages
  • Fri July 27 Blue Waters 1pm - Writers Guild: The Hero Journey for Fiction Narrative
  • Sat July 28 Blue Waters 10h30 - Meet the Filmmakers
  • Sat July 28 Blue Waters 12h30 - NFVF Bursaries, chances for training and development
  • Sat July 28 Blue Waters 2pm - Unpacking Durban Stories, film development
  • Sat July 28 Blue Waters 3pm - 4th Durban Short film challenge showcase + awards



Article and Photo by Fred Felton 



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Sunday, July 22, 2012

Film Review - Sleeper's Wake seen at @DIFFest



John (Lionel Newton) and Jackie (Jay Anstey) in a tense scene.


Was privileged to see this film at it's World Premiere at @DIFFest.
This film is packed full of a all-star cast.  Featuring some of South Africa's finest acting
talent including Lionel Newton, Jay Anstey and Deon Lotz.
In this movie based on the novel by Alistair Morgan, we meet John a man recovering
in hospital after a horror car crash.  Needing time to recover after losing his family in the
accident he takes refuge in a cabin in the woods in a small village.

Expertly Directed by Barry Berk, one really gets to experience the tension and
psychology of a man at breaking point.  While trying to recover John comes into
contact with the attractive young Jackie.  She just happens to be the daughter of
his new neighbour Roelf who is on holiday with his kids.

Some of the shoot was done in Port Edward.  The scenery is quite beautiful and
breathtaking at times.  There is a strange tension in a place that is normally seen to
be relaxing and a place to go on a holiday.

Look out for some wonderful music by Daniel Caleb and Jamie Matthes.

If you want to learn about acting take a look at the performances by Lionel Newton
and Deon Lotz.  Quite Brilliant at times.  Wonderful direction, editing and sound.

Rating 9/10

Look out for this movie.

Nice to see this movie also has it's own Facebook Page

Find them on Facebook -  Sleeper's Wake



Review  by Fred Felton

Image from @DIFFest







Saturday, July 21, 2012

Film Review of Elelwani The Opening Film at @DIFFest








This Thursday I attended the World Premiere of the South African Film 
Elelwani at the Supernova at Suncoast.  It is always wonderful to watch a film
when there is a packed house in.

The Director Ntshavni wa Luruli was in attendance and he told us all
that this has been a long journey for him. It took over 10 years to make this film.

This is the first Venda production in cinema history.  Shot in some wonderful
locations in Limpopo, it tells the tale of a young woman (Florence Masebe) who
lives in the world of today.  However she gets drawn back into the rituals
and culture of the Venda people by her Parents.

Beautifully shot by Cinematographer Lance Gewer one gets a different
viewpoint of the cultures and traditions of the Venda people.

There is some wonderful music in this movie and the soundtrack is brilliant.
It really does add another dimension.  You almost find yourself in a surreal
landscape.  Almost as if David Lynch went to Africa.

Rating 9/10

Next Screenings of this Film at @DIFFest
6pm Ekhaya 21 July
10am Suncoast 23 July
7pm Musgrave 29 July

Review by - Fred Felton


There are many more movies coming up so go down to Suncoast or
Musgrave or Cinema Nouveau and check out the various options for you
at this Film Festival.

For those of you that are interested in Acting, Directing, Producing, Editing
and more in Film go down to the Blue Waters Hotel and attend the various
free workshops on offer.

Here are just a few we can suggest:

  • Sunday July 22 - 11h15 - NFVF Scriptwriters Training
  • Sunday July 22 - 2pm - Africa in Focus - Training opportunties for African filmmakers
  • Sunday July 22 - 15h30 - How to attract Press and Publicity, learn about film reviewing
  • Monday July 23 - 11h15 - How to navigate international markets and festivals
  • Monday July 23 - 2pm - Broadcasters discuss their commissioning briefs and request for proposals
(Source - @DIFFest)  












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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Opening of @DiFFest tonight


Tonight DIFF (The Durban International Film Festival) opens and for the next couple of
weeks there will be movies, filmstars, workshops and a great deal of networking going on.

You can follow all the action on Twitter - @DiFFest
You can also follow one of the people behind the scenes Sharlene Versfeld - @sharlvers


Industry Development Initiatives at the Durban International Film Festival 
The 33rd Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder) presents not only a feast of cinema in the form of over 290 screenings around the city, but also a host of new and more established initiatives aimed at stimulating the growth of the African film industry at a variety of levels.
Industry Initiatives
This year will see the 5th installment of Talent Campus Durban, an intensive five-day skills development and networking programme for 50 selected African filmmakers who are in the early stages of their careers. Bringing together filmmakers from 18 African nations, Talents will participate in master classes and workshops with industry professionals who are leaders in their fields, attend screenings, and participate in networking activities. This year will also include two specialist mentoring programmes – Doc Station for documentary filmmakers, and Talent Press for journalists and film reviewers. Six selected Talents will also take part in the three day script development workshop, the Produire au Sud Script Studio, coordinated by Festival 3 Continents – Nantes, as part of the France – South Africa Season 2012 & 2013.
The 3rd edition of Durban FilmMart (DFM), a partnership project between the festival and the Durban Film Office will take place from the 20th-23rd July. This increasingly important global platform for Africans highlights challenges in the fields of finance, marketing, distribution and new digital developments. Based on the Cinemart model at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, the DFM Finance Forum component provides opportunities for filmmakers of 23 pre-selected projects to hold meetings with film financiers and potential production partners. DFM also offers selected documentary projects the chance to participate in structured pitching sessions with international commissioning editors during DOC Circle (in association with IDFA, the International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam). Access to the Finance Forum is for preselected projects only, but accreditation for masterclasses, seminars and networking activities can be attained by registering online atwww.durbanfilmmart.com for a fee.
DIFF 2012 also brings into action an exciting new partnership with the World Documentary Exchange (WDE) whereby IDFA (the globe’s largest and oldest documentary festival and the initiator of WDE), Hot Docs (the largest documentary festival in North America) and Busan Film Festival (the largest film festival in Asia) collaborate in an exchange to widen access to markets for films and filmmakers in the respective countries.
In another developmental strand of the festival, thousands of school learners will be attending screenings and workshops of films in order to enhance their film literacy, and inspire them in the appreciation of cinema and the messages they carry. Participation is now closed for the 2012 School Programme, but schools are invited to email cca@ukzn.ac.za to indicate interest for future programmes.
Open Workshop Programme
There are programmes taking place daily at the Blue Waters Hotel that are free of charge and open to anyone who is interested in issues pertaining to film, both professional and public. Topical industry challenges are addressed in Africa in Focus seminar series and other programmes. Cooperation with a broad spectrum of associates, Documentary Filmmakers Association, Film and Publications Board, S.A.G.E and others, has resulted in a rich programme engaging such topics as acting for screen, digital media, African coproduction opportunities, film funds, transmedia,  training programmes (such as the NFVF’s scriptwriters’ programme, Sediba SPARK), dealing with press and publicity, film commissions, journalism, wildlife filmmaking, indigenous languages and film, editing and film classification, to name just a few. The festival has had an ongoing, 12-year-long, partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), and will this year include three NFVF “In Conversation with….” sessions, among other panels.
Through this broad workshop programme DIFF continues to create opportunities that nurture and inspire local filmmaking constituencies.
Pick up a pocket programme at the the Blue Waters and other film venues for further workshop details, as well as a full screening schedule. The programme is also available online at www.durbanfilmfest.co.za. Participation in workshops is free but requires registration, so make sure you bring your ID book.
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the Durban International Film Festival is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, The French Season in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.

(Source - @DiFFest)  




Clowns Without Borders is looking for a Part-Time Manager

Clowns Without Borders South Africa (CWBSA) is an arts-based humanitarian non profit organisation that provides psychosocial support to children and families affected by crisis (www.cwbsa.org).

CWBSA seeks to appoint a Programme Manager based in Durban, South Africa.

This is part-time senior management position within the organisation.

Salary commensurate with experience

Starting date: September 2012

To apply, submit a CV and a motivational letter with 3 references for contact by 20 July 2012 to info@cwbsa.org


Auditions for a new Mbongeni Ngema Musical 

Audition dates:
20 and 21 July 2012 - Mbabane Theatre, Swaziland

23, 24 and 25 July 2012 - The Playhouse, Durban


(Source - Pansa)  


And finally 

Another trailer to whet your appetite for DIFF see you there



Comic Con 


(Source - @DiFFest)  









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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

What will you be doing for #MandelaDay ?




East Coast Radio jocks get behind Mandela Day.

Caring for abandoned babies, spending quality time with the elderly and making sandwiches for the underprivileged are just some of the ways the East Coast Radio’s on-air personalities will be spending their 67 minutes on Wednesday.

Many of the station’s presenters will be honouring Madiba by reaching out to those around them this Mandela Day. Breakfast Stack DJ Darren Maule will be working with TAFTA at a frail care centre. He says, “People tend to forget about elderly and the frail so I thought I’d go spread some cheer. They can’t make their way to my comedy shows, so I am taking my comedy to them. Everybody needs a good laugh.” Other Breakfast Stack team members – Samson Oduntan, Wez Cruickshanks and George Thorne - will be making sandwiches and handing them out to those in need.

The Workzone’s Makhosi Khoza will be inspiring Abet learners at Westville North Library. He says, “Empowerment is very close to my heart and I truly believe self-empowerment is the cornerstone of all personal development, so I'm doing my bit to applaud those who have embarked on this journey of learning.”

Abi Ray, meanwhile, will be volunteering her affections at ‘The Baby House’ - an organisation that takes in abandoned babies. She says, “It's close to my heart because of the sheer number of children who are in the system just waiting for someone to love them.” Weekend DJ, Nelisa Kala says she’ll be spending some of her time volunteering at TAFTA’s second hand shop – Granny’s Attic. Zaba Simbine from the Drive with Damon will be working with CheeseKids on Mandela Day. Ramona Kasavan will spend her time at Durban and Coastal Mental Health and be aiding in their awareness campaign.

East Coast Radio’s personalities hope that the people of KwaZulu-Natal will also get behind Mandela Day with some small act of kindness.

(Source:  East Coast Radio) 


What will you be doing for Mandela Day for 67 Minutes?  



DIFF is coming 



That's right folks the Durban International Film Festival is almost here.
You can follow them on Twitter here - @DiFFest


(Source  - DIFF)















Friday, July 13, 2012

The 33rd Durban International Film Festival



The 33rd Durban International Film Festival Shines a Light on Ecological Issues

The environment around us has never been so under threat by the impact of human exploitative activity on its own habitat. From climate change to the destruction of precious flora and fauna, the Eco Lens at Durban International Film Festival 2012 (supported by principal funder, the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund) brings environmental issues under the microscope.
 The Eco Lens comprises both factual documentary accounts and fictional stories dedicated to drawing our attention to some of the valuable cogs in the delicate machine that is this blue and green planet.

Consumption patterns, our eating habits and the impact of corporatized food production come under scrutiny in particular: Bitter Seeds (winner of the Green Screen Prize at IDFA) looks at the issue of multinational GM corporations and their impact on the small farmers. LoveMEATender is a brutal but illuminating and thorough look at the unsustainability of the meat industry, and Semisweet: Life in Chocolate delves into all the facets of the production of the world’s favourite confectionery, including its dark involvement in child slavery. Four Horsemen interlinks the faltering financial system, violence and conflict, poverty, and depletion of the eath’s natural resources. In the feature film Now, Forager, love and a nostalgia for more traditional modes of food production are rendered in earthy tones. Last Winter laments the loss of small scale farming as the agricultural world becomes increasingly industrialized.

The way we interact with some of our more majestic beasts are examined in the moving All the President’s Elephants, where a brave woman befriends and defends a royal herd of elephants in Zimbabwe, and the thrilling Dragon’s Feast 3D takes us underwater with crocodiles, in 3D. The South African feature, Snare, is a gritty exposĂ© in fictional form of the networks behind the rhino poaching epidemic. Some more otherworldly beasts stride across our screens in the gorgeously vivid eco-fable Beasts of the Southern Wild. Set in Namibia, Taste of Rain reminds us of the centrality of love and water in the lives of people, while the decline in the water quality of a precious lake in India evokes a sense of having been forsaken by our holy guardians in the quietly moving Valley of Saints.
For more details regarding the film festival programme, visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.
Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the Durban International Film Festival is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, The French Season in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.

FESTIVAL ENQUIRIES: 
Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506/1816
Fax: +27 (0)31 260 3074
Email: 
cca@ukzn.ac.za
Website: www.durbanfilmfest.co.za. Twitter @DIFFest

(Source:  @DIFFest )  




Want to become ‘President of the East Coast’?

It’s like a dream come true - the opportunity for one regular citizen to become ‘President’ with all the perks and none of the politics. East Coast Radio together with Chevrolet this week launched the very first ‘President of the East Coast’ campaign. The station is looking for one person inKwaZulu-Natal who embodies everything Funsunzi. They win the title for a full year and enjoy all the benefits that come along with it.

So what does walking away with the title mean? The ‘President’ will get a Chevrolet as an official car, VIP access and treatment at tons of major events in KwaZulu-Natal and a range of other perks – including holiday and dinner vouchers at some of the province’s top spots.

It is a truly Funsunzi role, so we’re looking for candidates who love to socialize, love to blog and, most importantly, love KZN. They also need to be between the ages of 25 and 34.

Once the 6 finalists are chosen, they will all be put through the ‘Funsunzi filter’ with exciting challenges all the while testing their knowledge of the province. The top three candidates will then face the public vote. After all the public need a say as to who their ‘President’ is!

If you’re full of charisma and think you have what it takes to win the ultimate public vote then start your campaign now at www.ecr.co.za.

(Source - East Coast Radio ) 


                                                           Seen Around Town



                Jean-Marie Spitaels and Jerome Pillai performing at @mondaystclement

                                                  Photography by @FionaJanePhotos










Tuesday, July 10, 2012

This week warm news, auditions and specials.




Thousands feel the ‘warmth’ of the East Coast

More than 32 000 people have been wrapped in warmth this winter thanks to East Coast Radio’s Winter Warmth campaign with the Hub. The people of KwaZulu-Natal opened their hearts as temperatures plummeted during the six week campaign and together managed to donate around R1.3-million worth of blankets to the less fortunate.
                                                                                           
East Coast Radio’s General Manager Trish Taylor says, “We’d like to thanks East Coasters for thinking about those less fortunate this winter. On their behalf we’ve offered warmth and comfort to tens of thousands of people across KwaZulu-Natal. Because of the generosity of our listeners so many disadvantaged people have been able to go to bed warm and we’re so humbled to have been able to help.”

The Hub’s Val Ives adds, “A blanket can truly warm hearts as well as bodies, and add a little hope to the lives of those who would have had a cold night shivering instead of being wrapped up warm. The Hub would like to thank each and every one who joined us in this truly worthwhile cause. You have all made a difference.”

During the campaign new blankets and cash to buy blankets were donated by generous companies and individuals at Hub stores, online and at East Coast Radio. These blankets have been handed over to old age homes, orphanages, crèches, NGOs and other organisations across the province, providing immediate relief for many.

(Source:  East Coast Radio) 

Audition 

Looking for an Indian Actor Mid 20s - 35 years.
Audition this Wednesday 11th July in Durban.
Shoot date:  Saturday 14th July in Cape Town.
Brief:  Must be able to hold  a few singing notes together.
Please email your contact number and pic to sasha@gobigproductions.net 

Andiamo Studios Special

Peter from Andiamo Studios contacted me to let you know that they are having 
a crazy special over there.  For R300 you can get a voice over recording done for you.
You will see their advert on our magazine and all you have to do is click on the advert
to find out more.

This will suit MC's, Speakers, Actors, Voice Over Artists and anyone who needs
a good voice recording.

Contact details:  email:  peter@andiamorecording.com











Friday, July 6, 2012

Movie Review - The Amazing Spider-Man


Movie Review

Spidey Gets A New Web

Movie - The Amazing Spider-Man
Director - Marc Webb
Cast - Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field

This is a reboot of the franchise featuring fresh faces and a new director.  Starting all over
we see how Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield)  becomes the Spider-Man and how he meets
the Genius Dr Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans)  who has a dark side to him.

Along the way Peter meets Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) and they fall for each other.
We see a high school Peter starting off on his journey.  We join him as he stays with
his Aunt (Sally Field) and Uncle (Matin Sheen).

Peter has to come to terms with all the new challenges of being Spidey.
He also has to come to terms with what it means to become a Hero.

There are some fine performances along the way look out for Denis Leary and
a great cameo by C. Thomas Howell.

This is a Spidey for a new generation.  People who use Mobile Phones and listen
to iPods.  The music soundtrack is wonderful.  Lovely to hear new music.

There is a standing gag that in every Marvel movie you should be able to see
Stan Lee (The Creator of Spider-Man and many other comics.)

See if you can spot where Stan Lee is in this movie.

It really is worth a visit.  The 3-D Bonus gives you some amazing visuals.  

See them for yourself.

Rating 9/10

Find them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/theamazingspiderman

Follow the hashtag - #theamazingspiderman on Twitter for
some amazing social media news, pictures, memes and more about the movie.

Review by @fredfelton

Sources - www.imdb.com

Fred Felton was a guest of Sony at The Amazing Spider-Man Media Launch.









Rising Star Performing Arts Academy in partnership with Bev Cooke-Tonnesen present “Gift of the Gab”, adults improv classes.

In this five-week introductory course, you will learn the basic rules of improvisational acting, whilst developing your vocal and physical expressive skills. Warm-ups and exercises are designed to promote confidence and release inhibition in a safe and supportive manner.  The course is structured in such a way that you will never feel ‘exposed’ or ‘on the spot’. As a group, you will actively learn the building blocks needed to feel free to express yourself creatively and with enjoyment. As well as learning voice, movement and acting techniques, there is a big focus on having fun and letting go. 

Bev’s experience, from running this class in Johannesburg, was that newbies and professionals gelled fine in classes; each learning and developing from each other. Many pro’s enjoyed the opportunity to come to “class”, get pushed and try new things. So, even if you have “been there, done that” you ain’t been here and done this...yet”. Make sure you wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in.

Level One Outcomes:
Participants who successfully complete Gift of the GAB – Level One will understand and be able to demonstrate:
• the basic rules and concepts of Improv, including: accepting; adding; offers; blocking; advancing; extending
• characterisation
• physical expression in relation to location, character and basic mime
• basic story building
• confident vocal expression and good listening 
• creative, less inhibited, spontaneous performance

Classes are open to all, ages 18+.

PANSA MEMBER DISCOUNT: R650 (normal price R750) - 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit required on booking
TUESDAY MORNINGS, 9-11am STARING 31 JULY until 28 AUGUST
OR
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 7-9pm STARTING 1 AUGUST - 29 AUGUST

Venue: Lasting Impressions, 35 Caeffron Avenue, Westville

To book your place reply to marketing@risingstaracademy.co.za with the following:- Name, Contact number, e-mail address and the class you would like to attend. We will send banking details on receipt of your booking.

(Source - Pansa)

Fancy A Light Jog / Run?


@VidaKZN Florida Road will be hosting a morning run 5 /10 km this Saturday at 6h30am.   The run
starts and ends at Vida Florida Road.  All runners get a caffe on Vida at the end.

(Source - Vida e Caffe)