Reunion with Franco

Reunion with Franco

Franco Human, Dean of the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA) Durban,  recently returned from the Reunion Islands after attending the annual Festival International du Film d' Afrique et des Iles (FIFAI) in October as a guest of honour representing  AFDA.

The FIFAI began in 2003 with an aim to promote auteur cinema and showcase film makers from the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Other guests included Joel Zito Araujo, a Brazilian filmmaker and David Constantine, a film director from Mauritius. Mohamed Said Ouma, the artistic director of the festival said “Reunion has a special interest in the South African film industry because it appears to be reaching maturity.” South Africa has created a name for itself at the festival. A South African film won in the first FIFAI and this year a film titled Nelson Mandela, the myth and me by Khalo Matabane  which won the Best SA Documentary Film at the Durban International Film Festival, was selected for this year’s festival. Ouma said “it was an honour to have Franco and Vincent Moloi, the South African director and screenwriter for television and film at the festival”.  

Le Port is one of Durban’s thirteen sister cities. These two cities have been linked by active projects since 2005. “My main objective was to establish relations with film and art schools in Reunion to detect possible connections and perhaps work on an exchange and/or reciprocating programme.” said Franco. “This would be a great start to getting co-productions in place between schools and the industry, as they are a part of France and therefore fall under our co-production treaty with them.  Developing students through a reciprocation programme will lay the foundations needed for co-productions in the future. ”

Amongst people Franco met was the mayor of Le Port Jean–Yves Langenier, who is  suppoprtive of developing the creative industries in his city. Additionally, he met with École Supérieure d'Art de la Réunion (ESA) and The Institute of Indian Ocean Image (ILOI). ESA is the only French speaking higher education art institution in the Indian Ocean region, which also provides a platform for meetings, exchanges, exhibitions, conferences and seminars and is aptly described as a “laboratory of cultures for culture”.  ILOI is a vocational training school in Reunion specialized in the fields of image and new media. It has international networks that include reputable animation schools and universities across France, China, Africa and Europe. “ILOI and ESA are two ongoing relationships I hope to build on next year .” said Franco.  The visit and relationships formed, I am sure will add huge  value going forward to our school and the students and naturally by extension, into the future co-productions with Le Reunion.  Reunion is not far away from Durban and we look forward to the potential that could be realised through developing relationships with them.”  

Franco said that he was pleasantly surprised by the film industry in Reunion. “Of course, it helps that there is one to start with and it seems to be a very expressive industry more than a commercial one.  They create beautiful images judging by the few films I was able to see.”

“Establishing and deepening relationships with other countries may yield beneficial outcomes for Durban, particularly its film industry.” said Franco.

The AFDA Durban Campus, headed by Human, has been open for 2 years and is making a significant mark on the local film industry through developing young film industry entrepeneurs who are now being seconded to work on films during their spare time and vacs.

For more information go to www.afda.co.za.

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AFDA brings top international technology to Durban

AFDA brings top international technology to Durban 

There’s great excitement brewing in Durban’s film and television industry over new developments at AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance in Durban. The school continually strives to keep up to date with the local film industry and at the cutting edge of film-making, and their latest advances are a testament to their efforts.

AFDA Cinematography students now have access to the ARRI Alexa Classic, the film industry’s leading name in digital cameras. ARRI film and digital cameras are used by the top directors and producers in the international industry. The films 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, which won three and seven Academy Awards respectively, were both filmed on this state of the art camera. AFDA Durban students will now be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to also work with the cameras used by these Oscar winners. Many top television series have also been shot on the Alexa, such as Downton Abbey, Vampire Diaries, Game of Thrones and more. “Having the ARRI Alexa available in Durban is a huge boost for the local industry,” says Richard Green, Producer and Head of the Film School at AFDA Durban. “Our Directors of Photography will now have the most up to date and professional cameras available to them. Our students at AFDA will be working with state-of-the-art equipment and will be well trained in the use of the ARRI Alexa when setting off on their careers.” In March 2015, AFDA Durban will be receiving a second ARRI Alexa which will then also be available for outside rental to the Durban film industry at large.

Also set to bolster AFDA’s equipment arsenal is an array of top quality, industry standard, lighting gear from Southern Lighting. Southern Lighting has been supplying lighting equipment and expertise to the Film and Television industry for the past 20 years from their branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Lagos, Nigeria. In a new arrangement with AFDA they will now have a local base at AFDA Durban, giving AFDA students and the Durban film industry easy access to a vast supply of world class lighting gear and technical expertise. “AFDA Durban is working to grow the industry with the industry, and in doing so boost our overall film scene in KwaZulu Natal. That is why we have invited the Southern Lighting gear rental company to join us in Durban”, says Franco Human, Campus Dean and COO of AFDA Durban.

Contact AFDA Durban on 031 569 2252 or log on to www.afda.co.za for more information. You can also follow AFDA and AFDA Durban on Facebook or Twitter, @AFDADURBAN and @AFDA_FilmSchool.

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Idris Elba Visits AFDA - Durban

Idris Elba Visits AFDA - Durban

With roots in Sierra Leone, it is no surprise that the internationally acclaimed actor, producer and DJ Idris Elba feels right at home when he is on South African soil. The most recently chosen brand ambassador for Oude Meester Brandy is in the country for a few days to attend exclusive events in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Elba's commitment to his craft and his passion for connecting with others, sees him lead the  ‘Mastery in the Making’’ campaign for the Oude Meester brand along with local actor and stand up comedian Siyabonga Radebe.

Elba and Radebe are on tour to showcase and celebrate the talent, skill and pioneering spirit of South Africa’s aspiring creative entrepreneurs.

The two paid a visit to AFDA (the SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban Campus for a short Q & A session with the students last week.

Elba shared his career story and experience with the 100 odd attentive students. He explained that at 19  he joined a community college to study basic Performing Arts for 2 years and with no technical know-how he had to learn to fend for himself in a tough industry. “My friends teased me for doing ballet and wearing tights but I can tell you that those 2 years prepped me for where I am today. (It taught me that) I could fall on my knees, I could fall on my face many times and still get back and try again."

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Janet’s shot at her big time!

Janet's shot at her big time!

In the beginning was the Word. Without it, there is nothing! These are words to live by for the award winning short filmmaker, screenwriter and AFDA Durban scriptwriting lecturer, Janet van Eeden. She recently returned from the UK where she attended and participated at the London Screenwriters Festival (LSF) 2014 that was held October. Last year she was invited to the LSF to the Meet the Experts panel for which she pitched her feature film A Shot at the Big Time. The short promo for the feature secured a number of nominations and won at eThekwini Film Awards 2013 for Best Cinematography. The short film was chosen to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2014 which took place in May and support and mentorship was offered to Janet during this process by Anant and Sanjeev Singh.

This year, Janet went to the LSF to represent AFDA along with other international film schools, and to pitch her new feature project The Hyena in Petticoats. “At the London Screenwriters’ Festival, writers have just a few minutes at the Pitch Fest to convince high-ranking producers to take on their project.” explained Janet.  It is no easy task but for the South African writer, it was enough to leave tears trickling down one of the producer’s faces after pitching her new project. “It’s a very topical subject and it has resonance around this world right now more than any other film I’ve pitched before. Within one minute of me pitching to her she was in tears. She couldn’t stop crying. When our five minutes were up she told me to wait after the whole session was over and to talk to her more” Janet explained.

The AFDA Durban lecturer was selected to participate in a number of sessions that included the Legal Clinic at which she had a one-on-one discussion with the Legal Expert, Julian Wilkins, regarding copyright issues which many filmmakers fall victim to. This particular issue involved someone assuming credit for a project which was all Janet’s work.

Regarding the position of writers, “there tends to be a lack of recognition of screenwriters within the film industry”, Janet elaborated. “Directors are given full credit for making a film and the screenwriters are often not even mentioned. I think this is remiss and those directors and producers who give credit to the writers usually have an incredible film as a result”.

The biggest challenge facing South African filmmakers is funding. To produce Shot, Janet opted for crowd - funding which is a relatively new concept in the country. “Making my short film A Shot at the Big Time with crowd-funding finally made people realise that I was serious about becoming a filmmaker. Before then I’d been told by many men who were older than me at the time that “a woman your age” should not be interested in making films” she said.

This goes to show that if one has a vision and is driven by passion, boundaries are limitless. With over 18 years of experience in the industry and still going strong, telling stories on film and changing people’s lives one film at a time is what keeps Van Eeden inspired. South African filmmakers have the expertise to match anything produced internationally in all areas. Janet stresses that our audience needs to be encouraged to value local productions before watching Hollywood’s outpouring. Also there need to be ways to fund filmmakers in a more equitable manner.

There was never a moment to be idle for this talented writer at the LSF. After all she was surrounded by the likes of Ted Tally, the screenwriter of Silence of the Lambs, William Nicholson, the screenwriter of Shadowlands and Gladiator and David Reynolds, one of the writers of Finding Nemo. She recalls her best moment being a full hour spent with Paul Bassett-Davies, who has co-written many British Comedies such as Have I Got News For You, Spitting Images and many more. She described it as both useful and inspirational. “After talking through the concept of my new project, I realised the best way forward to writing the script in the most engaging way possible, thanks to his suggestions”, she said.

Janet shares her experience of working with world class talent with her students at AFDA. As part of their sessions, students have had the opportunity to skype with Lucy Hay, a writer, script editor, blogger and trained teacher who helps writers as well as Chris Jones who is a filmmaker and author of the iconic Guerrilla’s Guide to Filmmaking and the organisers of the London Film Festival. 

International festivals such as the London Screenwriters Festival grant talented people like Janet an opportunity to meet and establish relationships with like-minded individuals from different walks of life. They also present a rich foundation to gain invaluable experience coupled with a pool of networking prospects. It truly is a meeting of true minds.

For more info about the LSF go to www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com and for more info about AFDA go to www.afda.co.za.

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AFDA to Host Holiday Workshop

AFDA TO HOST WORKSHOP IN JULY

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban will host a Holiday Workshop on Thursday, July 3 from 08:30 to 16:30 at the campus in Glen Anil. This is an oportunity for young people thinking about their careers to experience what a day would be like in the film, television and entertainment industry. The workshop is open to Grade 11 and 12’s or those who have recently matriculated.

The prospective students will get a sneak preview of how to acquire skills that are necessary to create great entertainment products in performance, film and television. This will be done through various masterclasses where participants will be given the opportunity to experience how to conceptualise a scene from a movie or TV show and then go about actually shooting a scene.

The AFDA Campus boasts an experienced line up of academic staff drawn from the film and live performance industries who will host the workshop.

Participants need to book their place and this works on a first come first serve basis. There is a nominal fee of R60 for the day which includes a light lunch. 

AFDA will also host an Interview Day the day before the workshop on Wednesday, July 2. This is an opportunity for prospective students to meet one on one with AFDA staff to discuss any queries they may have in detail, as well as get more information on the Undergraduate degree in Motion Picture Medium or Live Performance.

Prospective students can contact Milena or Purity at the Durban campus for more information and to make a booking. (puritys@afda.co.za / 031 569 2252). For more info about the school go to AFDA Durban on Facebook, @AFDADurban on Twitter or visit www.afda.co.za .

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AFDA Durban appoints Laszlo Bene As Head of Television School

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) has appointed versatile producer Laszlo Bene as the Head of the Television School at the Durban Campus.

Laszlo Bene, a producer and director has worked on a number of national and international productions. Having received his education and work experience in the trenches of the Hollywood film community, Laszlo has produced over a dozen motion pictures. In 2006, Bene swapped Hollywood for Johannesburg where he entered the realms of television. He has worked on a number of productions, including the popular children’s series, Takalani Sesame and created/produced a number of projects, such as the Afrikaans family game show, "Dis Rugby!” which was based on one of South Africa’s favourite past-times, rugby, the show was kykNET's biggest hit in 2007. While working in the industry, Laszlo has been also involved in academics.

Since 2010 Laszlo has been working at AFDA as a guest lecturer, teaching production related subjects at the Johannesburg and Cape Town campuses. Recently Laszlo has moved from producing to directing when he started working on Nigeria's top television show, Gulder Ultimate Search. Taking the show to new nights and even higher ratings, Laszlo has directed season 9 and 10 of this epic series. "I am excited to head up the television school in AFDA Durban. I believe this newest AFDA campus has the potential to not only produce future television professionals in the KZN area but through this has a chance to grow the local industry as well. I am looking forward to following the AFDA tradition of nurturing highly creative and talented individuals who upon graduation will become the future of South Africa's and KZN's television industry” says Bene.

Dean of AFDA Durban Campus, Franco Human said “We are excited to have Laszlo head up the Television School here at the Durban Campus, a person of his calibre and experience is very much appreciated and he surely will add to the high level education that we give to our students”.

For more information about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA Durban Campus Launch Assist Programmes for their Students

The AFDA Durban Campus have launched a series of Assist Programmes for their first and second year students in the various schools of Live Performance, Film and Television Production with partners such as iKind Media and the iconic Catalina Theatre.

Students in the School of Live Performance which is headed by AFDA Lecturer Lloyd O’Connor have been working at the Catalina Theatre getting a firsthand experience on how to run a theatre from General Manager of the Catalina Theatre, Francis Bigara. Through her guidance the students have been put through administrative paper work, ticket sales, equipment maintenance, ushering, networking and so much more.  “The aim is to help bridge the gap, step by step over the years, between 'student', 'amateur', 'semi-professional' and 'professional', to equip the students with the current active skills and knowledge required to realistically make a living in their chosen careers” says Donna Steel, a Discipline Champion for First Year Stage Acting.

AFDA students in the School of Film will be working in collaboration with iKind Media, a Durban based Broadcasting and Media Production Agency, on a thriller feature film trailer called ‘Intruders’.  “We have already began constructing the set for the shooting of the next scene within the trailer of the film on campus, students have been able to gain firsthand experience in building a professional set and from next week we will start shooting” says head of the School of Film and Filmmaker, Richard Green. 

The AFDA TV Department is working on a SABC 1 program called Hosanna with AFDA Lecturer and Executive Producer at Dynamic Vision Productions, Ailsa Kaminski. Hosanna reflects the different textures and forms of Christianity in communities around the country. The format includes music, prayer, ministry, personal testimony and insight into the impact of faith on people’s lives. “For the purpose of providing assist training for the first year AFDA students certain elements were designed to be filmed in the AFDA studio, namely interviews, presenter links to camera, inspirational messages by ministers and music items shot on green screen….the students were great, it was a pleasure working with them, wonderful to see their enthusiasm and energy, and their eagerness to learn” says Ailsa Kaminski.

AFDA Durban Campus will be hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 03 May from 09:00 to 13:00, for more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA Dean, Franco Human introduces Four Corners Film

Franco Human, AFDA Durban Campus Dean and Chief Operating Officer introduced the preview screening of South Africa’s latest highly anticipated film, Four Corners at the Spiga D’oro restaurant on Florida Road on Saturday evening.

Based and fully shot in Cape Town, Four Corners (Die Vier Hoeke) tells the story of a young chess prodigy who must defy the odds and stay one move ahead of the gangs—in a game where winning or losing can mean the difference between life and death. The film plays out aspects of the war fought and reported daily on the streets of the Cape Flats, home to the Number Gang factions of the Western Cape.

The film which was directed by Ian Gabriel, and produced by Cindy Gabriel and Genevieve Hofmeyer had the involvement of a number of AFDA alumni including, Karien Murray (Sound Editor, Tattoo Artist and general behind the scenes work), Jaco Loots (Set Director), Bianca Prinsloo (Props Assistant) and current student at AFDA Cape Town Campus, Aldine Bronkhorst (2nd Assistant to the editor).

“A few AFDA Alumni and a student were involved in the production of the film and we are very proud of the sterling work that they have achieved with this film.” said Franco Human at the preview ‘Four Corners is a welcome addition to our South African production slate of films. Its raw essence of township life with a number of stories makes for an engaging watch.  It has been beautifully shot with great styling and phenomenal tattoos! I would encourage as many as possible to go watch the film in cinemas from the 28th March 2014. I would like to congratulate the crew and cast…what a great job’

FOUR CORNERS launches in cinemas nationally on Friday 28 March. The film was South Africa's Official Selection for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards © and International Press Academy 2014 Satellite Award © Nominee for Best International Film.

For more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) hosts Holiday Workshop on March 29

Following numerous requests by prospective students, AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban will host another Holiday Workshop, on March 29 from 08:30 to 16:30. Prospective students who are in Grade 11 or 12 or have already matriculated and are keen to experience a day in the life of a career in entertainment, whether in film, television or acting, are encouraged to attend.

The Holiday Workshop will provide prospective students with a taste to key information and skills that are important in creating a good entertainment product, whether this is about performance or making films or TV productions.  A series of masterclasses will be given and  participants will be have an opportunity to experience how to conceptualise a scene from a movie or TV show, and then go about shooting it in the afternoon.

The AFDA Campus is situated in Glen Anil, Durban North and boasts a strong line up academic staff drawn from the film and live performance industries who will host the workshop.

The workshop costs R60 per person and includes a light lunch. Space is limited and attendance is on a first come first served basis – so booking is essential. 

Prospective students can contact Milena or Purity at the Durban campus for more information and making a booking. (dbncampus@afda.co.za / 031 569 2252). For more info about the school go to www.afda.co.za

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AFDA Durban Open Day Saturday, 8 March

Prospective film students and their parents are invited to the AFDA Open Day  at the Durban Campus in 2A Highdale Road, Glen Anil on Saturday, 8 March.

The AFDA Durban Campus which recently saw an upgrade to its facilities and technical equipment to the value of R 1, 2 Million, currently offers an Undergraduate BA Degree in Motion Picture Medium or Live Performance with specializations offered under the Film, TV and Performance Schools. The Open Day presentation begins at 10am and will be followed by tours and demonstrations within each of the schools within the campus.

AFDA Durban Campus Dean, Mr Franco Human and AFDA Chairman, Mr Garth Holmes will begin the day with an overview of the degree course followed by Heads of schools and lecturers demonstrating further details of the areas of specialization offered within the degree course.

For students who wish to apply for next year, the campus will also have dedicated online application stations available to apply at for the Undergraduate Degree on the day. Current AFDA Durban Campus students will be on hand to assist in the applications of prospective students. For interviews with any of the AFDA Durban Campus lecturers, Dean or AFDA Chairman Mr Garth Holmes, contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail milenag@afda.co.za or dbncampus@afda.co.za

AFDA Durban Campus Invests in new Facilities and Technical Gear

Investing heavily in the quality of its educational programme and students’ creative output, the AFDA Durban Campus has recently spent over R 1, 2 Million to add to their technical equipment and campus facilities.

All post-production facilities have been furnished with new workstations, the library has couches, and the entire campus sees 150 new chairs and new signage on all venues along with the inclusion of a new 5.1 surround sound studio.   Editing, sound and visual effects studios see a number of new iMac machines installed with the latest industry software.   A new 5.1 Mix Surround Sound Suite has been kitted with the latest sound equipment ranging from perception 220 microphones, cross-faders, 20 channel sound-card to the new Avid Control software as well as a sound-proofed voice-over / Foley recording studio which enables filmmakers to reproduce everyday sound effects and quality voice over dialogue which are added to film, video and other mediums in post-production to enhance audio quality.

The Actor’s Studio has also seen an extension with a new fully equipped stage being installed and is fitted with high powered Par Can LED lights, Axial spot lights, Fresnel lanterns with barn doors and a control desk for all electrical equipment.

The most exciting, high tech equipment has been acquired for the Film School with the cinematography department receiving the latest camera equipment - some of the exciting gadgets include pocket sized Black Magic cinema cameras which record 1080HD ProRes 422 (HQ) direct to fast SD cards for quick editing or colour correcting on a laptop or pc, along with a steadicam and a DJI Phantom helicam with a GoPRo for overhead filming. 

AFDA Durban Campus Dean and Chief Operating Officer, Franco Human said “The new additions to an already successful learning program, are a clear indication that our campus is on a par with our Johannesburg and Cape Town Campuses who are considered to be above international standards when it comes to educational content and the production of film content”.

The AFDA Durban Campus will also be hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 08 March for students interested in enrolling into either their first, second or 3rd year programme. For more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA Durban Campus’ New Faces

New faces join the AFDA Durban Campus this year to bolster the already impressive lecturing line up with a mixture of experience and youth.

Respected and well-known television personality Carmen Langston Mitchell joins the Durban team with a wealth of experience and will be lecturing and mentoring first and second year television students. Langston Mitchell has an impressive career in the media industry, having worked locally and internationally as a producer, director, scriptwriter and presenter for programmes including “Top Billing” on SABC 3, “The Cosmo Show” and “Carte Blanche” on M-Net, “60 minutes”, BBC’s “Changing Rooms”, BBC’s “Newsround” and “BBC World News”. She also worked as a social editor and features writer for Style Magazine and was the celebrity lifestyle columnist for Media 24’s YOU Magazine.

Former AFDA Cape Town Campus student, Ashleigh Hart who obtained an AFDA Bachelor of Arts Honours in Motion Picture Medium joins the Screen Design Department in the school of film as Costume, Make Up and Styling & Production Design Lecturer. Ashleigh recently won Gold at the AFDA 2013 Awards for Costume, Make-up and Styling for the film The Other Woman (an Honours Graduation Film) directed by former AFDA Cape Town Campus student Thea Small as well as Best Postgraduate Film and the Critics Choice Award. During postgraduate year at AFDA she also worked on the feature film Die Windpomp, as well as a Ster-Kinekor Vision Mission commercial.

New Marketing Assistant, Purity Shezi-Magaya joins the Marketing Department headed by Milena Gevers at the AFDA Durban Campus. Having graduated with a National Diploma in Marketing Management, Purity comes with a bag of experience having worked with the Vodacom KZN Regional offices and working with various brands at The Creative Council promotions agency.

Franco Human, Dean of the AFDA Durban Campus commented “We welcome the new staff to the Durban Campus. I am sure that they will add much value to their respective departments. It’s our second year since our opening of this campus and we look forward to adding to the benchmark set by our first intake of students.”

Registration for AFDA Durban is open till Friday, 07 February. For registration details and general information call (031) 569-2252 or e-mail milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA Annual Film Festival November 22, 23 and 24 – Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg

The AFDA Annual Film Festival, which showcases 3rd year, 4th year and master's graduation productions, will take place in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg the last weekend in November.

The festival is also a platform to promote the young professionals who will soon enter into the mainstream film and television industry. Students are required to conceptualize and produce their graduation films that, while of an artistically high standard are also commercially viable. At the festival a panel of industry professionals assesses the films and there are also opportunities for audiences to give feedback. The festival sees many industry professionals; alumni and general public gathering to celebrate the exhibition and promotion of these young film makers and their films at Ster-Kinekor in their commercial cinemas.

Last year student films such as ‘Kanye Kanye’ directed by Miklas Manneke, ‘Jean Pant’ directed by Rowen Smith, ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ directed by Thea Small and ‘The Brave Unseen’ co directed by Duan Myburgh attracted attention from major festivals such as the 34th Durban International Film Festival,  the New York City Picture Start Film Festival and others.

In addition the Cape Town AFDA campus will also showcase the work of the third and fourth Year School of Television students on November 18 at 17:00 for 18:00 till 22:30, food and beverage will be available. Working within the genre of the telenovela, third year students have written, produced and edited two stories. These projects are entirely the students’ own work: from conceptualizing the storyline, creating characters, set building and design, to the final product. Guests will have the opportunity to view a live broadcast of these two offerings on CTV Channel 263 on the DSTV.

Also in Cape Town the fourth years’ work takes on the form of the Documentary.  And once again these stories were conceived, set-up, scripted, shot and edited entirely by the students.  The film makers have approached issues and topics ranging from the despair of drug addiction and the sometimes successful search for hope and regeneration (Turning Point), to accepting the “call” to be a sangoma in the modern day post-Apartheid South Africa, (Isilawu), as well as attempting to address the sticky issue of informal settlements set against the backdrop of the fundamental right to own and protect one’s property (Isiqalo).

“This year’s festival will be just as exciting as in previous years,” says Garth Holmes, AFDA Chairman and co-founder, “Students have really put everything into their projects and I look forward to seeing their work on the big screen in a formal cinema and with a willing audience.”

The Film Festival takes place in Johannesburg at the Rosebank Cinema Nouveau on Friday and Saturday 22 and 23 November, in Cape Town at the V & A Cinema Nouveau on Saturday and Sunday 23 and 24 November and at the AFDA Durban Campus at 2A Highdale Road, Glen Anil in Glenashley on Saturday, 23 November. Tickets are R20 per screening in Cape Town, R25 in Johannesburg and R20 once-off festival entry in Durban.

For more information contact AFDA Johannesburg on (011) 482-8345, AFDA Durban on (031) 569-2252, AFDA Cape Town on (021) 448-7600 or log onto www.afda.co.za. The student films will be available on line on the website after the festival.

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