Nu Metro Gateway Now Open

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 7, 2025

Nu Metro opened its newest flagship cinema at Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Friday, 3 October.

 

The cinema complex is full of luxury, innovation, and immersive entertainment in the heart of Umhlanga Ridge.

 

The Nu Metro Gateway complex has 9 state-of-the-art cinemas, including the country’s first-ever ScreenX auditorium.  This features a 270-degree panoramic format that surrounds the audience with visuals on three walls.

 

Guests can also experience 4DX, Scene Xtreme, and a dedicated Kidz Cinema. There is also VIP Premiere Cinemas with plush leather recliners, an exclusive lounge area, and a gourmet curated menu with full-service bar.

 

‘’This complex sets the benchmark for what the future of cinema should feel like,’’ said Beverley Govender, Senior Marketing Manager, at Nu Metro.

 

Expect loads of giveaways, loyalty rewards, exclusive competitions, VIP ticket giveaways and surprises in October. For October you can experience ScreenX for only R100 and see F1, How to Train your Dragon and Superman. 

 

Get tickets at the box office or online at numetro.co.za  

Durban FilmMart Champions South African Cinema This Year

 

By Fred Felton | July 12, 2025

The 2025 Durban FilmMart (DFM) edition is reaffirming its position as a leading platform for African and global film collaboration by shining the spotlight on South African cinema through its ‘SA in Focus’ programme.

The South African cinema will take centre stage at this year's Durban FilmMart edition, with industry leaders unpacking the state of the country's current audio visual sector. 

DFM takes place from 18 to 21 July at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel; the programme will bring together industry leaders, guilds and creatives to examine the current state and future of South Africa’s audio-visual sector.

‘’The SA in Focus programme aims to build a strong local foundation that is essential for the broader growth of Africa’s film industry,’’ said DFM Institute Director Magdalene Reddy.

Highlights in the programme include the flagship State of the South African Audio-Visual Industry session, featuring key stakeholders such as the National Film and Video Foundation, SABC, and various provincial commissions. The programme will also explore topics such as artificial intelligence’s creative influence, copyright in the digital age, and strategies for international co-productions.

There will also be panel discussions hosted by major guilds, including the South African Guild of Actors, the Writers’ Guild of South Africa, the Directors Guild of South Africa, and the Editors Guild, will address critical issues such as storytelling, sustainability, and creative ownership.

Other sessions to look out for include The African Aesthetic, Directors as Cultural Architects, and Independent Producers Organisation to Intellectual Property on global market access.

DFM 2025 will focus on collaboration and professional development underscoring its continued role in shaping a thriving and future-ready SA film industry.

Register now for DFM 2025 at: www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

For enquiries: info@durbanfilmmart.com

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

Durban Film Office Opportunity for Film Festivals, Markets and Development Programmes

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 28, 2025

EThekwini Municipality’s Durban Film Office has opened the call for partnership opportunities for organizations and individuals that are interested in contributing to the development and expansion of the city’s film industry.

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is a Department of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Unit and was established in 2003 and is responsible for the promotion and development of the Film and Television Industry in the City of Durban.

‘’The city’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and talented artists make it a prime destination for international filmmakers,’’ noted City Manager Musa Mbhele at a recent film event.

The Municipality is looking for proposals from interested parties to partner on film festivals, film markets and development programmes aimed at strengthening the creative economy.

These partnerships are designed to foster growth in the film industry, promote local talent, and position Durban as a leading destination for global film initiatives. The partnership opportunities are open to event organizers, filmmakers, cultural organizations, and creative industries professionals.

Key Areas for Proposals include:

Film Festivals, Film Markets and Film Development Programmes

Proposals should demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting Durban’s film industry and contributing to its long-term growth and sustainability.

Closing date for all partnership proposals is 10 February 2025.

Application Process

Applications from film industry specific business organisations which are formerly registered as a Non-Profit Company will be considered.

Applications must have a detailed proposal on how the organisation will assist the city in growing the local film industry. A Business plan that illustrates how the initiative will drive the culture of local content appreciation, the plan should clearly outline the target audience.

Proposals should outline the organisation’s expertise in running and hosting film festivals/markets and film industry development programmes. A proven marketing and distribution track record of the applicant.

A detailed Project Implementation Plan including proposed screening programme needs to be included.

The proposal should include a detailed Audience Development budget that shows funds already raised for the project.

The applicant should also provide a detailed financial implication for a 36-month period relating to film programmes aimed at transformation, industry and audience development.

Proof of copyright ownership should also be included.

Tiers

Tier 1: This is for established international festivals and events (international – refers to festivals that attract audience from several continents) that have been operating for more than 10 years and can show they attract funding from multiple sources. This tier qualifies for funding of R300 000 – R1.5 Million.  

Tier 2: Intermediate Local Film Festivals and events that have been operating for more than 5 years and less than 10 years. This tier will only qualify for up to R300 000.

Tier 3: Emerging regional Film Festival and events that have been operating for fewer than 5 years. This tier will only qualify for up to R200 000.

Tier 4: Emerging Film Festivals and event that have been operating for fewer than 2 years. This tier will only qualify for no more than R100 000.

All applications must be delivered to the Economic Development Unit Offices: 11^th Floor, Rennie House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban, 4001 between 9am and 3pm. Only physical applications will be accepted.

Terms and Conditions apply.

For more information visit: https://film.durban.gov.za/news/EThekwini+Municipality%E2%80%99s+Durban+Film+Office+Invites+Partnership+Proposals+for+Film+Festivals%2C+Markets%2C+and+Development+Programmes?fbclid=IwY2xjawHzNPZleHRu%E2%80%A6

DFO-Supported Film Prospers

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 10, 2024

The film ‘’God’s Work’’ produced in Durban demonstrated the powerful value chain and enabling role that is provided by the Durban FilmMart (DFM) for African filmmakers.

God’s Work, which is currently in post-production, examines the lives of 4 homeless men in Durban.

The film is directed by Michael James, produced by Sithabile Mkhize, with Executive Producer Toni Monty of A.M. Afrika Film.

God’s Work was pitched to financiers at the DFM in 2022, securing funding from local entities, including the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Durban Film Office, and the PESP Fund.

Production began in May 2024, with completion aimed for November 2024. This will allow it time to be submitted for festivals in 2025.

Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, said the film exemplifies the market model of DFM, where pitching and connecting with industry stakeholders catalyses a film’s value chain.

The DFM once again played host to over 1 400 film industry professionals this year once again demonstrating its power in providing connections and enabling filmmakers from across the African continent. 

Deadpool & Wolverine Breaks Box Office Records in Africa

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 5, 2024.

This highly anticipated Super Hero team-up from Marvel Studios has earned the biggest opening weekend of 2024 in South, West and East Africa.

The film has become the largest R-Rated Global Opening Ever.

Deadpool & Wolverine lit up the Box Office, going all the way to the number one opening weekend of 2024. Since its release on 24 July 2024 fans have flocked in their numbers to go and see Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

The film had a weekend gross of over R14.8 million.

The film also had a huge opening on other parts of the African continent, securing the biggest opening weekend of 2024 at the West African Box Office, with N165,7 million. In East Africa, with an opening tally of Kes 8.2 million. Deadpool & Wolverine has also become the biggest opening weekend of 2024, as well as the biggest post-pandemic opening to date.

Deadpool & Wolverine has also shattered records around the world opening to an estimated $444.1 million globally, including $211 million domestically (US).

Shawn Levy directs ‘’Deadpool & Wolverine’’ and the film features a cast full of surprise characters that pop up from time to time.

Images courtesy Disney. 

DFM Packed Full of Events for Filmmakers

 

By Fred Felton | 20 Jul. 2024

This year the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) presents the 15^th edition of Durban FilmMart (DFM), and the theme for this year is ‘’African Visions Unleased: From Disruption to Accountablility.’’

Headline speakers at DFM. | Photo: DFM. 

DFM takes place in Durban, South Africa from 19 – 22 July 2024. This year South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy and the Durban FilmMart 2024 edition embraces three decades of transformation and legacy. The DFM has been instrumental in shaping the discussions about the South African film industry, and it has fostered a symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and the industry over its 15-year existence.

The DFM 2024 programme promotes 30 years of democracy and it will feature a series of ‘’SA in Focus’’ sessions as well as the DFM Access Programme, exploring the film industry development in SA, aspirations and challenges.

‘’Celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa at DFM means reflecting on the multiplicity of opportunities our democracy has created for local filmmakers. As we look back on the progress made – from creativity and resilience to strategic thinking – our democracy has not only provided access to platforms but has also opened doors to diverse storytelling, enabling filmmakers to tackle bold and disruptive narratives,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.

Some of the highlights of DFM so far have included a NFVF Masterclass: Marketing Your Project with Nicola Ofoego.

In this Masterclass Nicola Ofoego showed the audience how to market a film and included some key marketing basics for filmmakers.

‘’Who is the audience of your film or series?’’ asked Nicola Ofoego. 

In a packed Netflix workshop Neil Brandt led a panel of Dorothy Ghettuba from Netflix and filmmakers Jayan Moodley and Katleho Ramaphakela.

Dorothy Ghettuba advised that at present Netflix is looking at Non-fiction works, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Crime Thrillers and even Mystery.

‘’You are going to get a film on Netflix by making your own films,’’ advised Neil Brandt.

On Day 2 of DFM key highlights included a Producer’s Lounge hosted by Dragon Productions where producers networked over a cup of coffee.

Later in the day Katie Irwin shared tips on sales and distribution for filmmakers.

Actors listened intently to a masterclass on the business of acting with Steven Adams. He shared tips and advice for thespians.

‘’Treat yourself like a business,’’ said Steven Adams.

The Actors in the audience were also encouraged to have a business plan.

‘’Connect with Producers you want to work with,’’ advised Adams.

There are still many more useful events to look forward to on Sunday and Monday.

On Sunday look out for Speed Meetings where you can meet the French Film Professionals and later in the day look forward to a workshop with the Industrial Development Corporation.

For Monday you can look forward to a Netflix Masterclass with Chris Mack and later on look forward to opportunities for the audio visual industry courtesy of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.

To register for DFM visit https://durbanfilmart.co.za/

For more information visit: info@durbanfilmmart.com

Registration Open for Durban FilmMart 2024

 

By Fred Felton | June 12, 2024.

Next month the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) will have the 15^th edition of Durban FilmMart (DFM), titled ‘’African Visions Unleashed: From Disruption to Accountability’’, scheduled for 19 – 22 July 2024. This year the theme looks at the transformative power of film in reflecting societal issues and fighting for change, urging the industry towards better social responsibility and accountability.

This era has been marked by significant upheaval and re-evaluation of structures and norms, DFM 2024 is aiming to take a long hard look at the film industry, providing a platform for critical engagement on topical issues such as social responsibility, protection of IP, rights for artists and filmmakers, issues around labour, equality in the workplace, conduct codes, and the impact of climate change on productions. The focus will be on highlighting the potential of cinema as a tool for transformation.

‘’Film is more than an art form or a business; it is a powerful mirror for society, offering reflections that can lead to real change,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.

This year DFM will feature a wide-ranging programme designed to foster high-quality collaborations and provide valuable insights into the filmmaking process. Key components of the programme include fiction, documentary and animation projects being developed, showcased in the Pitch and Finance Forum. There will also be keynote talks, masterclasses, panel discussions and think tanks.

DFM 2024 aims to build on the legacy of last year’s theme, ‘’African Constellations’’, and continues to celebrate the expansiveness of the African film industry, while also pushing for a future where the film industry is as responsible as it is creative. The DFM programme will reflect DFMI’s core values of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility, with sessions aimed at addressing key industry challenges and opportunities.

DFM offers attendees the chance to be part of this conversation and to network with fellow professionals in a dynamic and engaging environment.

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality. 

For more info and to register visit: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

Call for Animation Projects in Development

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 18, 2023

Animation projects can now apply to pitch at the 15^th annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum which takes place in Durban from 19 to 22 July. This is thanks to the Durban FilmMart Instititute (DFMI) opening the call for projects.

The DFMI is now accepting applications for animation projects in development. | Photo: Supplied.

Eight official animation projects in development will be selected by the DFMI. These projects will be allowed to present to a panel of international decision makers consisting of potential co-producers, broadcasters, film funds and distributors at Africa’s film finance and co-production market.

Animators from Africa with projects in development are invited to apply. Projects that are either a series or feature length project can qualify. To qualify for this opportunity at least one of the 3 key creatives (Producer, Writer, Director) should be from Africa or African in the Diaspora (with an African passport).

Those successful project participants will be invited to participate in a comprehensive mentorship programme to get them ready for their live pitch and meetings at DFM 2024. The online mentorship programme will include a series of masterclasses with leading global industry experts over a 2-month period in January and February 2024. One person from the project will be invited to present their project at the 15^th DFM and they will be provided with travel and accommodation to attend the live Pitch and Finance Forum in July 2024 (travel support is only provided for travel within Africa).

‘’We believe that working with local and continental partners offers a holistic support structure to the already important work done in Africa,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.

Projects that are either fiction or documentary animation projects can qualify for the programme. Project applications must be completed in English but the language of the project is up to the imagination of the animator.

At least one representative from the project must be available to participate in the online masterclass and mentorship programme and be present in Durban for the duration of the 15^th Durban FilmMart.

To apply visit the Durban FilmMart Institute website:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

Deadline for applications: Friday, 1 December 2023.

For more information contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com

Call for Projects for DFM 2023

 

By Fred Felton | 27 Jan. 2023

The Durban FilmMart (DFMI) has opened the call for a variety of projects in development for the 14^th annual Durban FilmMart.

Durban FilmMart now accepting projects from filmmakers. | Photo: DFM

The Durban FilmMart is a pan-African finance and co-production market which aims to create partnerships and help with the development and production of African cinema. UNESCO’s 2021 Film Trends in Africa Report recently named DFM as ‘’the continent’s best film market’. The Durban FilmMart will return as an in person event in Durban, South Africa in July 2023.

The following DFM programmes are still open for application:

Pitch and Finance Forum – Deadline 10 February

This is for fiction, documentary and series film projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors, and producers) seeking co-producers, financiers, sales agents, and funders are invited to submit their projects that are in development.

A director and producer must be attached to the project. The DFMI independent adjudication committees will select 10 documentaries and 10 fiction film projects from the submissions. These projects will undergo a 6-8 week packaging and mentorship programme prior to the DFM, followed by a pitching session to a panel of global decision makers at the DFM event with one-on-one meetings afterwards.

For more information and to submit a project visit:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

Talents Durban - Deadline 17 March

The DFMI in cooperation with Berlinale Talents, an initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival, invites participants to apply for the 16^th edition of Talents Durban. Talents Durban is open to African screenwriters and directors with fiction, animation, documentary and hybrid projects in development – this includes all media formats such as film, television series, web series and content for mobile platforms. Those selected by a panel of industry experts will participate in mentorship labs, workshops, discussions, and specialised programmes for specific disciplines including scriptwriting and directing.

The Talents Press section invites emerging film critics and journalists from digital and traditional media to apply for mentorship and hands-on training. Prospective Talents must have a portfolio of their previous work and a current project which is in progress.

For more information and to apply visit:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/talents-durban-application/

Jumpstart – Deadline 31 March

Jumpstart is an incubator programme for scriptwriting presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute in partnership with Produire au Sud, Nantes, CNC and Institute Francais, South Africa. The programme will focus on project packaging for the international market; filmmakers are introduced to key techniques and tools for scriptwriting and storytelling processes.

For more information and to apply visit:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/jumpstart-appliction/

‘’We are committed to providing filmmakers with a platform which gives access and creates opportunity for growth,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, General Manager for the Durban FilmMart Institute.

The Durban FilmMart 2023 is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute with principal funding from eThekwini Municipality and the Durban Film Office.

Call for Animation Projects

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 18, 2022

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is looking for animation projects that are in development for the 2023 Pitch and Finance Forum, together with Cape Town International Animation Film Festival (CTIAF) and Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (Tshimologong).

Image: Supplied

The DFMI, which receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality, is hoping to select 10 official animation projects that are in development to present to a panel of global decision makers consisting of possible co-producers, broadcasters, film funds and distributors in the 14^th Durban FilmMart taking place in July 2023.

‘’2022 marked the first time in which DFM formally welcomed animation projects to pitch at the market,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, DFMI General Manager.

The DFM Pitch and Finance Forum consist of public pitching, one on one meetings with key decision makers and 8 weeks of online mentorship before the pitch in Durban. This year 5 of the 10 project teams will have the opportunity to participate in the Road to Annecy at CTIAF in addition to participation in Durban.

‘’This has proven to be one of the most successful and impactful partnerships that offer our talent an opportunity to engage with decision makers,’’ said Lesley Donna William, CEO of Tshimologong.

The Animation Pitch and Finance Forum will form part of the 14^th annual Durban FilmMart event which will take place in July 2023 in Durban, South Africa.

‘’Events like this are integral to getting market ready and I encourage everyone to enter competitions like this to hone their skills,’’ said Dianne Makings, director of CTIAF.

How to enter:

Animated Fiction and Documentary projects in development with at least one African citizen in one of the key creative roles (director, writer or producer) will be considered for the programme. Proof of African birth or citizenship must be provided through a I.D./certified passport or birth certificate. Projects need to have both a producer and director attached. An external panel of industry professionals will select the projects.

For submission criteria visit: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

To apply: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

Deadline: 31^st October 2022 at 23:59 CAT.

For more information: info@durbanfilmmart.com

Highlights from Durban FilmMart 2022

 

By Fred Felton | Jul. 24, 2022

The 13^th Durban FilmMart (DFM) is currently happening from 22^nd to 31^st July 2022 in Durban, South Africa. It is one of Africa’s biggest film events for the industry.

Durban FilmMart 2022 is currently happening in Durban, South Africa. | Photo: DFM

This year the event will be a hybrid event. The DFM will have a three-day event from 22^nd to 24^th July where people can attend in person. The event will also host a virtual programme that people can attend online for the full length of the DFM event.

The DFM receives most of its funding from the City’s Durban Film Office. The DFM 2022 event is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Afreximbank and Wesgro.

The theme for DFM 2022 is ‘Revolution/Evolution – Changing the Narrative’ and it will focus on the ever-shifting evolution within the industry, the game changers working to bring inclusivity and access to all levels of filmmakers, and the new areas driving content creation.

‘’DFM 2022 is taking the next step in delivering an in-depth and dynamic programme to the widest possible film community by hosting both an online and physical event,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, DFM Institute General Manager.

Magdalene Reddy said returning part of the DFM industry programme to the physical space will give filmmakers the opportunity for tangible networking and direct engagements.

The virtual DFM programme includes many projects in development participating in the Pitch and Finance Forum this year. This will provide filmmakers with the necessary platform to engage with national and global broadcasters, financiers, sales agents and producers for the necessary support and partnership to help their projects succeed.

DFM 2022 includes many interesting talks and an industry expo where delegates can view the many opportunities available to those in the film industry.

Tendeka Matatu, Director of Film in Africa for Netflix, one of the speakers at DFM 2022. | Photo: DFM

One of these talks included a conversation with Tendeka Matatu from Netflix where he shared advice on how to work with Netflix and the best way to pitch. 

‘’If you want to pitch it’s about building relationships,’’ advised Tendaka Matatu, Director of Film in Africa, Netflix.

He advised filmmakers to attach a producer that has already worked with Netflix to the project before you begin the process.

A new addition to the online programme will be ‘’New Voices’’ which will focus on filmmakers, collectives and platforms that operate in the margins outside of mainstream industries.

This year will also see the 15^th Talents Durban happen virtually as an important partner programme of the DFM Institute. This training and development platform offers the selected Talent participants a six-week mentorship by experienced film professionals and an opportunity to present their film projects to a global market.

Visit https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/dfm-event-2022/ to see the various options to participate, and to see the full programme and opportunities available. 

Interview with Ryan Kruger the director of Fried Barry

 

Fried Barry hits cult status.

By Fred Felton

17 Mar. 2021

Fried Barry is the debut feature film by director Ryan Kruger. It follows the story of Barry, an abusive man, drug-addled he goes on yet another bender, gets abducted by aliens and takes a backseat as the extra-terrestrial visitor assumes control of his body and takes it for a joyride through Cape Town.

The film has achieved cult status and has gone on to garner 22 awards around the world. It features an all-star cast including Gary Green, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Chanelle de Jager, Sean Cameron Michael and Brett Williams.

Ryan Kruger, the director of Fried Barry | Image: Supplied

I sat down with Ryan Kruger and asked him some questions about the film and his life:

 

You have shot many music videos. What has this experience taught you?

I think experience is everything in the film industry and actualy being on set is where you going to learn the most. Having done over a 100 music vids it’s a lot of years in experience and with my style of stuff am not always doing performance videos. I’m always doing short narrative films within a music video or something very visual. Which is where I think I got more of my style from, it’s almost like commercials as you only have a certain amount of time to get the idea or story across in a short amount of time.

How did you get the idea for ‘’Fried Barry’’?

Fried Barry was born out of total frustration where I was in my career. I am known in South Africa as a music video director for doing narrative storytelling within music videos and sharp visuals. Although I always came up with my concepts and bands trusted me and let me do anything I wanted, I was still in a box as I had to think about their audience and their music and being able to get it on major music video channels. So I couldn’t really do my style. Originally Fried Barry was just a three minute long experimental film that did really well. We had 59 official selections around the world at festivals and picked up 13 awards. But what came from that was all of these amazing pieces of fan art from all over the globe, which was a surprise because people just seemed to really love the main character. I never planned to make it into a feature film at all. I just looked at it as that short was a success and that’s it. But where I was at the time I was in a bad place. I had an operation on my kidney and got sepsis and nearly died, went through a break up and my cat got cancer and I went into depression. It was all too much for me at the same time. So while I was in this dark hole I just said to myself what is the number one thing I’ve always wanted to do with my life, and it was to make a film. I just got the idea one night and I knew that this was the film to make.

How big was your crew for ‘’Fried Barry’’?

We had a big cast and crew on this film but we used multiple different people for certain crew members as we shot the film over a year and a half but only shot 28 days in total. Some days we had a small crew depending on what we where shooting on that day. Other days for big set ups we had a large number. When we shot the hospital riot scene on that day we had over 90 people on set including cast which was crazy but a lot of fun.

Did you get any big financial backing for this film?

Fried Barry is definitely the first of its kind for SA cinema! It’s a cult-style film with mashing up genres like horror and comedy and the height of indie-dark cinema. In SA we normally make dramas or comedies or films about the history of our country, So its not the type of film that gets made here and the content is really out there and not for the faint hearted so I new nobody would back this type of film, so me and my producer set out to make it ourselves. But things are starting to change in SA cinema which is great. There are so many amazing films coming out. But it’s good to show that this type of film can make money and there is an audience especially overseas. At the end of the day the film business is a business you need to be able to sell your film so you can make another one.  And if we keep making the same type of films here the industry will never change or grow.

What camera models did you use to shoot ‘’Fried Barry’’?

We used a Red Dragon for all of the film and a Phantom camera for high-speed slow motion scenes.

For a first time director what budget-friendly camera would you advise them to use to shoot a film?

I think making content is the most important thing. Getting out there and creating stuff so if you haven’t got budget for a nice camera its ok. You can use a 5d or a black magic and maybe get good lenses which will make all difference.

For a film shoot what is the minimum crew you should have on set?

Well I love indie cinema and I’ve done a lot of stuff super low budget with minimal crew, and there’s so much you can do with less than 5 people. I guess it all depends on what you are making. One of the last experimental films I made was just me my camera guy and my producer and we all helped in different areas and it looks amazing. I think it’s more about getting the right people that know what there doing.

What advice do you have for first time directors looking to make their break in the film industry?

Get out there and make movies! It’s a cliché, but it’s true! Worrying about whether your gear or your movie will be good enough only leads to praxis paralysis. A bad movie is better than no movie. It’s all about creating content to share.

You can watch the trailer here:

Fried Barry is set for international release in May 2021.

25 Golden Globe Nominations for Movies and Series on DStv

 

The Golden Globe Awards are around the corner and there are 25 international series and movies nominated for awards. 

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant star in The Undoing available on Showmax. Image: DStv

The Undoing leads the pack. This mystery psychological thriller picked up 4 nominations. The all-star cast features Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. 

The hosts for the awards will be the talented comic due of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. 

Yolisa Phahle, Multichoice Group CEO of General Entertainment and Connected Video, says; ''The Golden Globes are a benchmark for the industry and we are delighted that our content selection has garnered so many nominations.'' 

Other nominated shows include Lovecraft Country, centered around the 1950s Jim Crow America in which a black man searches for his missing father while having to survive terrifying monsters as well as racial terrors. 

Lovecraft Country is nominated for Best Television Series Drama at this years' awards. The show aired locally on M-Net City (DStv Channel 115) and is available on Showmax. Image: DStv

The 78th annual Golden Globe Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, 28 February and can be viewed on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 03:00am (South African Time).

This edition by Fred Felton | @fredfelton 

Interview with Film Director Angus Gibson

Film Director Angus Gibson was in Durban recently for the Durban International Festival to promote the movie ‘Back of the Moon’. 

Film Director Angus Gibson

He is also one of the people behind hit shows such as ‘Yizo Yizo’ and ‘Isibaya’.

I asked him some questions about filmmaking. This is what he had to say:

What does a director do?

A director interprets a script, overseeing the performances, the camerawork, the sound, the edit of the film – constantly making choices which guide the spirit and the aesthetic of the film. A director is a leader on the film set and a storyteller.

Tell us about 'Back of the Moon'?

Back of the Moon takes place in 1958 in Sophiatown, the night before the residents of one of the streets will be forcibly removed and taken to Meadowlands way out of the city. The central character Max aka Badman is an intellectual and might have been a liberation leader, but instead he has become the leader of a gang and he is disappointed in himself. On this night that he has decided that he will fight an impossible fight against being removed from his house – Eve Msomi, a Miriam Makeba kind of figure that he has loved from afar, lands in his orbit and they spend magical hours together. It is the beginning of a beautiful relationship, but his gang has turned against him.

What advice do you have for young directors?

Be original. Find a way to show your talent – be it in writing, in music videos or short films – even if you do not have access to high end equipment, use your cell phone. Do research in the creation of the characters and the world you are describing. Your

own life experience is a useful resource. Above all you need to hustle and not give up. There are many people wanting to get the opportunity to direct and if you get the opportunity, give it your all.

Advice on how to get distribution deals?

I am no expert in this field but film markets and festivals are good places in which to get deals, before and after production. Again one needs to hustle to get the proposal or the finished film seen by the right people.

Why do you think 'Yizo Yizo' blew up like it did and became so successful?

At the time that it was made there had been no accurate representation of a township culture. In Yizo Yizo urban black South Africans felt that they recognized themselves on screen for the first time. Again it was based on a whole year of research in the township schools. There were characters and situations that people related to and fell in love with.

Advice for Producers pitching shows to TV networks?

At the moment TV networks seem to be in search of a hook right up front that will attract and draw an audience in. You need to be very aware of the audience that you are speaking to. You need to create a set of characters and describe a world that they will

relate to and will sustain strong drama. Again if you have a brave broadcaster, original ideas feel key. At the time that we pitched Isibaya, a rural, traditional world had not been depicted on screen for a long time. It felt fresh and different.

The film 'Back of the Moon' won the Best South African Feature Film award at the 40^th Durban International Film Festival.

Back of the Moon opens at cinemas countrywide on Friday, 6^th September 2019.

Interview by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton