How The Durban Film Office is Empowering Women

This month is Women’s month and we celebrate all of the wonderful women in the community.

It’s almost time for the Durban FilmMart.  The Durban FilmMart has been a programme of the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry unit, the Durban Film Office in partnership with the Durban International Film Festival since 2009.

The Durban Film Office has played a key role in advancing women in the film industry. This includes appointing Toni Monty as the Head of the Durban Film Office and Durban FilmMart. They have also made sure there are many more women bringing Durban FilmMart to the film industry in Durban and Umhlanga.

One example is the inspiring woman and Durban resident Jacintha de Nobrega. She was recently appointed as the Deputy Chair of the Inaugural Board of the Durban FilmMart Institute.  

She represents SWIFT (Sisters Working in Film and Television) an NPO that advocates and lobbies for women’s equality in the television and film industry. 

Jacintha de Nobrega is the Deputy Chair of the inaugural Board of the Durban FilmMart Institute. | Image: Supplied

We managed to interview her ahead of Durban FilmMart:

What can people expect from Durban FilmMart this year?

This year's theme for the Durban FilmMart, presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute, is Brave New Cinema, as leading and emerging African film professionals gather in an online space, to benchmark themselves, learn from peers, pitch their ideas and projects and network, and collectively demonstrate their courage to tell their own stories. 

The DFM features a series of webinars with presentation conversations, panel discussions, case studies and pitching with many opportunities for networking and engaging. 

How is eThekwini Municipality helping Durban FilmMart out this year?

The 2020 Durban FilmMart is being managed by the Durban Film Office (DFO) on behalf of the Durban FilmMart Institute; The DFO is the film industry arm of the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development unit.

What do you do to personally uplift the film community in Durban?

I have been a film and television producer in Durban for the past 5 years and my focus has always been to empower and create opportunities for Durban based film professionals. My productions have always included skills transfer and mentorship and it's been rewarding to see these young people go on to have a career and grow in the industry.

Who are your role models?

Women who are breaking the ceiling in their respective industries, we have a unique ability to have compassion and tolerance and this is needed in business. Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand is someone I have much respect for today as she has proven that women are good leaders.

What advice do you have for young female filmmakers?

Study your craft and those of your colleagues and then find a mentor. Believe in yourself and trust your intuition, it's one of the most powerful qualities women possess.

What is it like to sit on the board of the Durban FilmMart Institute?

It is indeed a privilege and honour for me to serve on the inaugural Board of the Durban FilmMart Institute. The autonomy that has been afforded will lend itself to the unleashing of even more creativity and opportunities for African filmmakers and for the city of Durban to claim its rightful place as a leader in the industry and elevate it internationally as well. I am looking forward to working in earnest with my colleagues to achieve this objective during my term.

How has COVID-19 impacted on your life and the film industry in Durban?

Covid-19 has literally put a stop to my business but not my life. Filming is way too uncertain right now and the risks and financial implications are too high. Life has to go on and this time has been well spent working on developing projects and realigning my business.

How can men help to stop gender-based violence in South Africa?

In calling for consciousness I urge men to take stock of their actions in every way possible. By speaking up when they see any kind of sexual harassment and by teaching young boys to respect women. It starts at home and parents have the power to reframe how young boys treat women.

It’s Women’s Month this month. What words of wisdom do you have for Durban women?

This Women’s month comes at a crisis point for women in South Africa with the sharp escalation in gender-based violence. I urge women to support and build one another. Alone we are strong but together we are stronger. Be strong and be fierce! 

Inspiring words from this female filmmaker based in Durban.

 

The Durban FilmMart recently announced that it will be established as an independent institute functioning as a Non-Profit Organisation ahead of its 11^th edition in 2020.

 

“This had always been part of the business plan of Durban FilmMart since its establishment in 2009,” explains Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office and the DFM. “With the continued growth and expansion of the initiative, as well as the continuous increase in numbers of delegates, and submissions of projects in development, which have this year, surpassed any other in our 11-year history, the current structure has been outgrown, and sustainable long term strategies now need to be implemented.”

 

“Going forward the Durban Film Office will continue to support the DFM, and the Institute structure will allow possibilities for new partnerships and fundraising, that will ensure the growth and continued stability of the annual initiative,” says Monty.

 

The Durban Film Office and Durban FilmMart work to empower women and another example is by appointing South African arts administrator and project manager, Magdalene Reddy of Creative WorkZone, who has extensive experience in the film festival and market sector. She has been appointed as the project manager who will oversee the setting up of the institute ahead of the 2020 edition.

 

“Ms Reddy joins our team with a wealth of experience in governance and management in the Arts,” says Monty. “As a former senior administrator at the Durban International Film Festival, not to mention a string of other major international and national arts projects to her name, we believe that she is best placed to take this process forward with passion and integrity.”

The 11th Durban FilmMart (DFM) Virtual Edition takes place from 4 to 13 September this year.

The Durban Film Office continues to create awareness around gender-based violence. One such way is by featuring prominent filmmakers that deal with gender-based violence at Durban FilmMart. One example is Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahui (Rafiki) who will feature in DFM Conversations at DFM 2020 | Image: Supplied

“Going online has enabled us to extend our reach and include more filmmakers than ever before,” says Mandisa Zitha, Chairperson of the Durban FilmMart Institute Board. “The disruption of our world by the COVID-19 virus has led to innovation, as well as demonstrated the ever-increasing need for the creation of content. The DFM virtual space now offers filmmakers extensive opportunities to network, make connections with other filmmakers and industry professionals with whom they can collaborate, or build relationships and get down to the business of film. This we believe will provide a positive stimulus for the industry’s economy on the continent.” 

Ms Zitha is another shining example of how the Durban Film Office is empowering women to take their rightful place in high profile positions.

To register as a delegate visit: http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/Brave-New-Cinema-2020 

DFM is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute in partnership with the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality and other partners.

For more info on how eThekwini Municipality is helping your city out visit: www.durban.gov.za

Review of the Nando's App

This week I was invited by Nando’s to try out their Nando’s App which now also features a kerbside experience. Now you can order your meal on the app and when you get to your nearest Nando’s look out for the kerbside signs and park in their parking bays. One of the friendly Nando’s staff will then come out with your order and you are good to go.

The Nando's App | Image: Nando's 

When you place your order on the App you also give them your car details so they can look out for you when you arrive for your next Nando’s fix.

The free app is pretty refreshing and does not take up much space on your device.

You can download it from your nearest App store.

The first step is to sign up and you can enter your cellphone number and a juicy password. Then you should be good to go to order your meal.

Nice options in the menu section include gift cards, your nearest store and more.

Easy order interface | Image: Nando's 

All the favourites are there and some great specials. It offers you some great options right down to how many pieces you want your chicken cut into, whether you want it well done and even if you want the skin on.

Tasty options | Image: Nando's 

You can even choose how hot you want your chicken. Tasty options include Tangy Tomato, Lemon & Herb, Mozam Paprika, Mild, Hot and of course Xtra Hot for those that like to live dangerously.

A nice touch is that you can also see the nutritional info for each meal.

The Nando's Menu for reference purposes of course | Image: Nando's 

If you are a fan of Boujee bowls you will be delighted to see that Nando’s now have some tantalising options for you.

If you are wanting something for Family & Friends try the Full chicken with 2 sharing sides which works out great value. You can choose sides that include spicy rice, salads, Nando’s rolls, Chips, Coleslaw and more.

Schedule your delivery time | Image: Nando's 

I like the fact that you can schedule when you want to collect your order so you can organise your lunch or supper early in the day and pick it up on the way home. What a concept!

I also like the fact that you can select which Nando’s store you want to collect at and the App search function works pretty well in picking up your nearest Nando’s.

Once you have ordered you should also get a SMS confirming your order.

Payment options include card or cash which comes in handy.

Another nice touch is that if you want to collect immediately the App will give you an ETA of when your order will be ready.

When I arrived at my nearest Nando’s I didn’t have to wait long at the kerbside parking. A friendly Nando’s staff member wearing PPE, mask and more came out and even sanitized my hands before she gave me my parcel. She even asked me to check that everything was correct in the order which was a nice touch.

Hungry? | Image: Nando's 

So now you have a handy option for weekend meals. You can either use the Kerbside functionality on the Nando’s App or Website or through their call centre.

Simply order, drive to Nando’s and collect…without leaving your car. They bring your order to your car window. No more waiting in long queues.

 The Nando’s Kerbside Experience easy user guide

 All you need to do is:

 

            1. Download the Nando’s app on the Android or iOS app store (it’s FREE)

            OR

            2. Call 087 997 1955 to place your order for Kerbside collection

            3. Give them your car deets (Car make, colour and registration) so they know                     how to find you when you pull up

            4. Drive to Nando’s and follow their Kerbside signs

            5. Park at the Kerbside parking or as close as possible to Nando’s so they                        know where to find you

            6. They will meet you in the parking lot and bring your food to your car window.

In the spirit of social distancing, you don’t even have to leave the safety of your car. All their employees continue to follow the strictest hygiene and social distancing precautions by wearing masks and regularly sanitising their hands.

If that doesn’t work for you but you’ve been missing them, use the Nando’s Drive-Thru and takeaway services. So get in the car (or mask up and take a walk), put foot and get your PERi-PERi on! If you’d like to stay home, you can continue to order your food for delivery using the Nando’s app or use their partners Mr D, and Uber Eats platforms.

Budget Friendly Meals | Image: Nando's 

For those of you wondering how good a Nando’s meal is, well let me put it to you this way. Somebody tried to phone me while I was eating my Nando’s and I didn’t bother to answer. So yeah, it’s that good.

The app is certainly worth the download when next you want to order lunch or supper.

Unless you are chicken?

 

Rating: Highly recommended.

 

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Win a Springboks games hamper

The Springboks brought the Webb Ellis Cup home and toured South Africa after being crowned Rugby World Cup Champions... but who will win the Monopoly Cup in your home? Will you ask the captain of the Springboks Siya Kolisi to help you out? With the exciting Springbok game range, the World Cup spirit can live on...just try not to start a Monopoly family feud!

Which game will you play first?

To WIN these official Springbok games including Springbok Monopoly, Top Trumps & playing cards all you have to do is:

1) Follow us @umhlangalife

2) Follow @epicgamesza

3) Tag your Springbok loving friends and use the #springbokmonopoly

4) Share this post on your story for an additional entry

5) Answer this easy question: Who is the captain of the Springboks?

Email your name, instagram handle, contact details, address and the answer to umhlangalife@gmail.com and put Springboks competition in the subject line.

Competition can end any time before 16th December 2019. Winner will be contacted via Instagram DM or email. Please allow delivery to be 2-4 weeks. Goodluck! #sponsored                        

 Ts and Cs apply.

When last did you explore the Inanda Heritage Route?

This week I was invited by Durban Tourism to take part in the Discover Durban challenge and to explore the Inanda Heritage Route. I joined a group of media, celebrities, influencers and even Sharks Rugby players to explore this route. This being Heritage Month it is the perfect time to explore Durban and all it has to offer.

We set off on a trip which took us to Inanda. This was all part of the Hello Spring campaign which Durban Tourism presented. They took us on a tour of the many interesting nodes in the area.

The Gandhi Sculpture at the Settlement

Our first stop was the Gandhi Settlement. Here you can find out much information about Gandhi and his many quotes are all over the venue. You will also find a statue of the man. The settlement also features a reconstruction of the original house which was burnt down during the 1985 Inanda Riots.

The grave of John L. Dube

Our next stop was the Ohlange Institute which was started by John Langalibalele Dube in 1900. He became the first president of the African National Congress. His grave is on the premises. President Nelson Mandela cast his vote in the first democratic election of 1994 at the Ohlange Institute.

Plenty of fun activities at Inanda Dam

After that we headed off to the breath taking Inanda Dam. It comes up at you from out of nowhere and the views are quite spectacular. It is located on the Mngeni River near Hillcrest, Kwazulu Natal. If you love water sports, camping, kayaking or biking this is the place for you. Photographers will also love the views and Instaworthy spots. It’s only a 30 minute drive from Durban. The Durban Green Corridor runs a trail centre next to the dam. Here you can find break facilities, sanitation as well as secure parking.

Holly Rey

We finished the day at Ezweni Lodge and then had lunch overlooking the Inanda Dam. At lunch we were serenaded by the likes of Holly Rey who performed her hit single ‘Deeper’.

The Inanda Heritage Route has much to offer and this was just some of the highlights. You can also explore Inanda Seminary, The Shembe Church, The Water Fall and Rasta Caves at uMzinyathi Gorge and much more. There is plenty of accommodation including the Bellabheka B&B and Ikhaya lentokozo B&B, Egugwini guest house. If you are looking for a good late night party check out Under The Moon or Maphisa Jazz Lounge. For a good meal try Artizen restaurant or Nonku’s all in one kitchen. If you like to shop try Bridge City or Dube Village Mall.

For more info contact Inanda Tourism: 031-322-2856

To book a Heritage Tour or Adventure Tour call 031-510-7008 or email: ink@inktourism.co.za

You can also contact Durban Tourism: www.visitdurban.travel  or call 031-322-4164 or                email info@visitdurban.travel

Find them on social media @dbntourism

#durbanhasmore

This edition and images by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton