Durban International Film Festival 2016 - Call For Entries

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) invites filmmakers from around the world to submit their Short-Documentary or Feature Films to screen in the festival from 16 – 26 June 2016.  (Please note the new dates for the Festival).

The festival is organized with key partnerships from Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, KZN Film Commission, NFVF and other valued partners.

DIFF exhibits many films from around South Africa, Africa and from around the World.

The festival also includes a local and international awards section.

Only films completed in 2014, 2015 and 2016 will be considered. There is no charge for entry.

How to Enter

Submissions will be accepted via an online screener. All submissions must be entered via the DIFF visitor page: http://vp.eventival.eu/cca/diff2016

In order to submit a film an account needs to be created if this has not already been done in previous years. The deadline for all entries including delivery of screeners is 29 February 2016.

In 2016 the festival will feature a focus on the important issues HIV and Aids within film.  DIFF invites filmmakers with films on this subject to submit them for consideration.

The festival will also feature seminars and workshops aimed at local and international filmmakers.

Important Dates

17 – 21 June 2016 9^th Talents Durban in co-operation with Berlinale Talents

17 – 20 June 2016 7^th Durban FilmMart presented in partnership with Durban Film Office

For more info: www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za

For DFM: www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton

Is This The Next Hollywood Star?

Onwards and Upwards

     
                                                                 Chella Ferrow

Interview with Chella Ferrow one of the main actors from African Gothic

This week at the Durban International Film Festival I managed to sit down with this actor and ask her some questions about the movie and about acting.

What was it like working on Franchise TV Series like Ugly Betty and Law & Order?

I take what I can.  It's great for the experience, amazing writing there, great shows.  I'm greatful for every opportunity I get.  It helps to be adaptable and chameleon like.  I love accents and nuances.

Why did you want to become an actress?

I love the magical playing.  There's something sacred about it.  There's always a freedom about it.
I was at a Johannesburg school and I knew I wanted to be an actress.  I did a degree in psychology and
moved to London.  It began there.

Tell us about African Gothic and your character?

I'm drawn to Reza's work.  The magic writing.  The rawness of it all.  She's stuck in a past.
There's a wisdom in her.   She is not just a child trapped in a woman.

What is your acting technique?

I've studied various ones.  You use parts that work for you and you use what works for you.
Listen.  Don't get stuck.  It comes from your body.  Do research and reading.

What do you personally do with a script? 

I read it.
I then let it go.
Then I go back to it.
I walk around with it.
I talk.
I stew and things come to me.
I ask the director.
It needs to be physical for me.
Where does her voice sit with me.
In the chest?
In the throat?

Film or Theatre?

I love them both.
The expression in them is different.
Theatre is the sacred genre.
Film I love.
I want to do more of it.

What's next for you?

Auditions in LA.
I would love to do more work in South Africa.

Who's your agent?

Innovative Artists - http://www.innovativeartists.com/home.html
Station 3 Management

What's it like for a South African Actress based in the USA? 

Don't try to lose your South Africanness.
Stay creative in your own right.

Tips for people who want to become actors?

Watch a lot of movies.  See lots of theatre.  Keep doing it.  Get into an acting class.
Don't stick with one teacher.  Know yourself.  It's a spirited journey for me.

What do you do to relax?

Read a lot, walk a lot around New York city.
New York is a walking city.

When I interviewed this young lady I got the feeling that there is just something about her.
She is certainly headed in one direction and that is up.

African Gothic is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.
Next Shows:
24 July 15h30 Ekhaya
25 July 6pm Suncoast 

Find out more about African Gothic here - www.africangothic.com
Find them on Twitter - @AfricanGothic
Tweet them what you think about the movie using the hashtag #Diff2013   

Article and Photo by +Fred Felton 
(Twitter @fredfelton)  

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