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. 

All you need to know for the Durban International Film Festival 2014

Coming up in July is the Durban International Film Festival 2014

The organiser's have selected some wonderful films, from the sublime to the ridiculous, from serious to not so serious.  Off the wall to off the lip. On the far side and even on the wild side.

Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to:

20 000 Days On Earth

Fatherland

Freedom Mixtape

Life Itself

i, Afrikaner

Microtopia

Orbis

Painting Cape Town

Shield and Spear

A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake

Black Coal, Thin Ice

Blood Ties

Cairo Drive

Nuoc

Nymphomaniac

The Lunch Box

The Two Of Us

The Congress

White Shadow

In Order Of Disappearance

Hard To Get

The Immigrant

Amazonia

Expedition To The End Of The World

Do The Right Thing

Raging Bull

Rear Window

Alaska Sessions

Dungeons

McConkey

Now Now

The Salt Trail

http://www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

#DIFF2014


This edition by +Fred Felton
(Images Provided by DIFF)

Review of the Dolby Atmos System at Ster-Kinekor Gateway

Ster-Kinekor invited me to test out their brand new Dolby Atmos sound system which has been installed in their Gateway Cinema complex. 

This is the only cinema in South Africa that has this sound system.

I tested it out while watching the movie 300: Rise of an Empire in 3D.

(Picture courtesy Ster-Kinekor)

This is an action-packed adventure film with an immersive cinematic experience as the Greeks and Spartans do battle with the Persians. 300: Rise of an Empire is a powerful film that certainly does justice to its release in 3D and audiences will leave the theatre feeling as if they too had been part of the war.

The crystal-clear images coupled with the Dolby Atmos sound system create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie and part of the non-stop action of the warring Greeks taking on the might of the Persian army.

The film is based on Frank Miller's latest graphic novel, Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster 300(released in 2006). This new chapter of the epic saga is a companion piece to the first film and takes the action to a fresh battlefield – on the sea, as Greek general, Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton), attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

300: Rise of an Empire  pits Themistokles against the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), his vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

View the trailer here:

(Video courtesy - Warner Bros.) 

As for the Dolby Atmos sound system.  Well this is something else.  In case you are not familiar with it, this system features a redesign in cinema sound.  What they have done is now put speakers on the ceiling.  I kid you not.  On the ceiling. 

When you add the 3D element of this film it really is like you are in Greece, in that battle and when you add that crystal clear Dolby Atmos sound immersion you are entering a new world in cinema.  Some directors see this system as a new character in the movie, other directors see it as a new tool that they can use to further enhance the movie for the audience.  Either way Dolby has changed the playing field for the good. 

So just what is Dolby® Atmos™?

(Picture courtesy Dolby)

As an advanced cinema audio platform, Dolby Atmos reinvents cinema sound by giving each speaker its own unique feed, enabling many new front, surround and ceiling-mounted height channels for the precise panning of select sounds. The result is a fully immersive experience, putting the audience right at the centre of the action.

"The interest we're seeing in Dolby Atmos in EMEA shows that the industry sees real value in offering immersive cinema audio. With more cinemas becoming equipped across the wider region, cinema audiences are set to experience first-hand the entertainment experience envisioned by both internationally-renowned and home-grown talent," said Andreas Spechtler, EMEA Regional Vice President, Dolby Europe. "The diversity of titles on offer also shows us that the creative community is already unlocking the versatility of the Dolby Atmos platform and we can't wait to see how directors and their sound teams make upcoming titles more thrilling, emotive and heartfelt in 2013."

Dolby Atmos introduces a hybrid approach to mixing that enables sound designers and re-recording mixers to direct sounds as dynamic objects that envelop the listener in a lifelike sound field. The system utilises adaptive rendering techniques to maintain precise artistic integrity to the film-maker's original vision across a wide range of cinema shapes, sizes and loudspeaker configurations. It is an end-to-end solution that takes into account the entire content pipeline and brings together mixers, studios, distributors, and exhibitors to create dramatic improvements in the audio experience.

To learn more about Dolby Atmos, visit dolby.com/Atmos.

To share an educational video on Dolby Atmos, visit https://vimeo.com/40699179.

For more info about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com

For more information on Ster-Kinekor visit www.sterkinekor.com.

Book online or call Ticketline on 082 16789, or you can book at the box office. 

Download the Ster-Kinekor App on your Nokia, Samsung Android, iPhone or Blackberry.

Follow @SKTheatres on Twitter or Facebook at Ster-Kinekor Theatres.

Thank you to Ster-Kinekor for the experience.  Try it out for yourself.

Review by +Fred Felton 

Student Makeup Artist, Hairstylists and Fashion Stylists Needed For Film

Student Makeup Artist/Hairstylists and Fashion Stylists Needed for Independent Film Production- Durban

Looking for student/interns in the field of makeup artistry, hairstyling and fashion to join our film crew during pre-production and shooting of a full feature horror film to be released in October 2014.

Responsibilities Include:

·        Pre-Production – Work as a team to create looks for each character and their appearances throughout the film. (Hair, makeup and wardrobe)

·        Production – Recreate predetermined looks on set ensuring attention to detail on each look. Assist with touch ups and wardrobe changes.  Assist with setting up and organisation of tools/equipment and outfits before, during and after each shoot.

Requirements:

·         Study or experience in one or all of the fields mentioned

·         Own kit and tools (expensive consumables will be provided for or reimbursed)

·         Own transport or access to reliable transport

·         Available on weekends and some weekdays/nights  for shoots

Please note that this is not a paid for production and you will only be reimbursed for any expenses incurred pertaining to the film production however the decision to reimburse for services will be relooked during and after the production in accordance with budget allowances.

This is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in their field in a film making environment. Any practical hours required for your qualification will be signed for as well as a letter drafted on request for CV’s or references. Your name will also be added to the film credits.

If you are interested please contact Ashleigh Vorster on 072 1841 621 or ak.vorster@hotmail.com before 25 January 2014

(Source - Hakar.G Films Productions) 

How To Become A Film Critic

Sometimes you happen to have some luck.  During the Durban International Film Festival 2013 I happened to sit in on a session with well known South African Film Critic Leon van Nierop.

He had some free time and decided to share his knowledge with the small group of writers who wanted to know all about being a film critic.

These were some of the tips he shared with us:

• Always remember the Director is trying to share something with you
• Don't tell the story, only write about 2 or 3 lines about it.
• A review should open the film up for debate and analysis.
• I never read reviews because it influences you.
• Never go into a cinema with preconceived ideas.
• The style of the film is so important
• A good film critic cannot be bought
• Be honest
• A good camera interprets
• You are working with peoples lives
• Your review must be eloquent and entertaining
• A review must be accessible
• Ask your audience 'What do you think?'  
• Make up your own mind about the film.
• What was the film trying to say?
• Does the director give you insight into the character's soul?
• Is the camera a character?
• Ask 'Why has a camera been placed there?' 
• Look at the music, how is it used?
• Look at the lighting, how is it used?
• Do they all work if so why?
• Do they all fail if so why?
• Watch lots of movies.
• Does the film communicate with me?
• Does it motivate me?  
• Does it entertain me?
• Know about the history of a film eg Superman
• Know the history of a genre
• Talk about the film afterwards with your friends

For those of you that were there it was a wonderful session.

What tips do you have to share on being a film critic? 

Article by +Fred Felton 

Related articles

• A conversation with Brazilian film critic Franthiesco Ballerini (part one)
• I love film writing.
• Film Criticism

Are you team #kurt&courtney or team #sid&nancy ? tweet your vote to @UpstairsDurban #movienights

News from Spiga

Movie Night | Wed  7 Aug | Doors open 18h00 | Movie starts 20h00 | Free Entry

Even if hard partying and pharmaceuticals aren’t your cup of tea, it’s impossible to deny how intriguing rock n’ roll couples are.

This Wednesday #movienight at The Upstairs will be about the very famous,tumultuous and destructive love affairs of some of rock's most well known couples. 

Choose to watch Kurt & Courtney (by British documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield) or Who Killed Nancy- a documentary on Sid Vicious & Nancy Spungen (by rock author and punk expert Alan Parker).

Visit the Upstairs #movienights event page to vote or tweet your choice to @UpstairsDurban #kurt&courtney or #sid&nancy  

Red Lips & Studs Womans Day Shindig | Thurs 8 Aug | Party starts from 19h00 | Free Entry if you wear red lips/studs

Celebrating Woman's Day with a more edgy vibe this Thursday - The Upstairs salutes all you Durban beauties, by throwing a party which will be hosted by local blogger Jenna Kelly, from girlwithabum.com . It's called Red Lips & Studs, check it out here. If you wear red lippy or studs, entrance is mahala! There will be give-aways from Courtney Shaw Skincare & Body Therapy, a professional make-up artist will be onsite from 7 - 9 to assist with some lip-love, a Bianca Kim Clothing pop-up shop for some late-night shopping, Buy 1 Get 1 Free Tanqueray Cocktails between 8 & 10, music by Renaude5…….. PLUS you get to sleep in the next day because it's public holiday!!!! 

For further details please contact info@theupstairs.co.za

(Source - Spiga Durban) 

Pansa News

Reminder of Invitation to PANSA National AGM

To all members of the performing arts industry and friends.
You are invited to the 2013 National Annual General Meeting to consider the activities of the past year and elect the National Committee for the next year.

Date: Saturday 10 August 2013
Time: 10:00 – 14:00 (9:30 for Tea/Coffee)
Venue: The Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg
RSVP: Nolonwabo Base, nono@pansa.org.za or 021 448 3513

Only paid up members of PANSA, in good standing, are eligible to stand for election on to the Provincial Committee and to vote in the elections. There will be an opportunity to pay membership fees at the AGM.

We look forward to seeing you there

Call for MUSHO 2014 proposals

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!!!!

The Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) in KZN will host the ninth Musho! International Theatre Festival of one and two person theatre, in Durban from January 2014, celebrating the art of the one and two-performer plays.

'Musho’ - isiZulu for an enthusiastic praise response, something similar to 'Bravo!' - embraces many forms of theatre: from mime to physical theatre, drama to comedy-theatre.  It pays tribute to the smaller works featuring one and two performers.  These are intimate productions that showcase the skill of theatre performance and storytelling, as well as covering a wide range of styles, from drama to comedy and physical theatre.

After extensive research, PANSA realized that a festival early in the year staging more intimate theatrical productions is considered a useful and exciting start to the year by performers and audiences alike.  Musho! benefits the performers as staging their shows and collecting reviews early in the year helps them for future seasons of the production through the year.  The audiences love seeing an array of fabulous theatre early in the year when calendars are quiet and when the festive flurry is over.

The festival is organised by PANSA KZN, the Performing Arts Network of South Africa. If you have a play or theatre piece that will be suitable for our festival feel free to send in your proposal to kzn@pansa.org.za
All proposals are read by a selection committee of local theatre professionals, and successful applicants will be contacted in October 2013.


Selection criteria for the festival include:

• The work must have one or two persons only performing
• The work should be an innovative and interesting concept
• The work should have potential appeal for local audiences
• The work should be classifiable as theatre (with a discernable narrative)
• The company or individual should have a good track-record and reputation
• The work should not have played in Durban in the past 12 months
• The work should be 50-70 minutes in length


Participants are paid for their participation in the festival.  The amount paid per performance will be confirmed at a later date, and is subject to the funding that PANSA receives.

Contracts will be drawn up between the artists and the festival once selection and confirmation procedures have been concluded, in October 2013.

Proposal guidelines and compulsory information.

1.     Contact person
2.     Contact address ,telephone,number, email
3.     Name of the show
4.     Genre of the show
5.     Appropriate audience and age group
6.     An exciting description of the show.
7.     Technical requirements for the show
8.     Name of performers and directors of the show
9.     Group background and experience.

Good luck and all the best.

(Source - Pansa) 

Related articles

• Here comes Durban Day
• Interview with Actor Brandon Auret star of Durban Poison

5 Questions with Roberta Durandt Director & Producer of Felix

This week at the Durban International Film Festival I managed to sit down with
Roberta Durbandt the Director and Producer of the new South African film 'Felix.'

                        Roberta Durandt - Image Courtesy @DIFFest

I asked her some questions about the movie and about the film world:

Tell us about Felix?

It is a Billy Elliot type of movie.  It's a feel good family film.  It is also a fable.
It is about Felix's journey and man's journey.

It is set in a private school.  We cover topics such as being bullied, alcohol, jazz music.
Felix starts to learn the sax.  His mother has to come to terms with this as well.

You can also find out more about the movie here:  www.felixthemovie.com

When does the movie open in South African nationally? 

It opens in 35 cinemas from 13 September so look out for it.

What does a director do? 

Know what you are doing.  Know all aspects of the game.  Keep persisting.  Keep going.
Felix took me 5 years.  Keep going.

What's next for Roberta? 

I am busy with a gameshow at the moment titled 'You Deserve it.'
It will launch on etv in september.  This gameshow is something different.
In this gameshow people play for someone else.

                                          Scene from the movie - Courtesy @DIFFest

How did you find the actor who played Felix.

We auditioned 400 young actors. Vulnerability and a good performance made this actor stand out.
You know boys grow so quickly and it was just lovely to see him acting.

Felix is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.
Next show:  27 July 15:15 Sneddon

Tweet @felixmovie - https://twitter.com/felixmovie and tell them what you think of the movie.

Article by +Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

Related articles

• Is This The Next Hollywood Star?
• Interview with Actor Brandon Auret star of Durban Poison
• Film Review - Wrong