What does it take to be a film director? Hear from Andrew Mudge director of The Forgotten Kingdom

Last week at the Durban International Film Festival I sat down with Film Director
Andrew Mudge.  I asked him some questions on Film Direction.

Director Andrew Mudge and some of the cast from 'The Forgotten Kingdom.'

Why this project?

Well Lesotho is a beautiful country.  It has a mythical quality about it.  I was so lucky with this cast.
You know Nozipho (Dineo) is beautiful and people are drawn to her.

What do you think about Director's now using things like Vine to market their movies by making viral trailers this way?

I think it is different.  If they using that for the marketing of the movie then I want to use that.  However for me a movie will always be a big movie that you go see in a dark cinema.  I love that experience.

What tips do you have for people who want to become Film Directors one day?

Make something original and cheap.  Be fiercely original, there is an over saturation of media out there, there is so much on YouTube.  You need to have a voice.

What is your next project?

I hope to have a US project ready for 2014.  I would love to come back to SA and work on a project in SA.

How did you find the young man Lebohang Ntsane?

We had castings for a lot of youngsters.  Most boys had a sense of self-consciousness about them.
I could see Lebohang had natural talent.  He could be part of a scene.

For more info on The Forgotten Kingdom
check out their website:  http://forgottenkingdomthemovie.com/
Tweet me what you think of the movie - @TFKMovie

Interview and Photo by  +Fred Felton
Did you see the movie?  Send me your comments @fredfelton

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How an iPhone Memo lead to a film soundtrack

When you attend the Durban International Film Festival you get to hear some
very interesting stories.

If you are lucky enough to attend a film where the filmmaker is in attendance you get to
ask them interesting questions.

You learn some wonderful things.

This week I attended the screening of 'Layla Fourie'  and the director Pia Marais
told us that she discovered the music for the film by meeting with musician
Bachar Khalif`e.  She noticed that he had some music on his iPhone under the memo section.
She listened to it and decided right there and then that was the main theme music for the film.

So it just goes to show you.  You never know when someone might want to listen to your music
and who knows it might just lead to your music featuring on a movie soundtrack.

Layla Fourie is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.
Next show is on 27 July at 16h30 at Musgrave

Tweet me what you think of the movie and that music @fredfelton and use the hashtag #Diff2013

Article by +Fred Felton

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• Film Review - Wrong

Film Review - Wrong

Wrong is just so Wrong but in a good way.

Film - Wrong
Director - Quentin Dupieux
Cast - Jack Plotnick, Eric Judor, Alexis Dziena, William Fichtner, Steve Litttle

                                               Image courtesy @DIFFest

When you watch this movie you realize that this movie is like a cross between
Fargo and Twin Peaks.

The writing is fresh and original.  There are so many creative idea's.
I love filmmakers that take risks and there are so many inventive moves by
director Dupieux.

The movie is all about Dolph Springer (Jack Plotnick) and how his dog goes missing.
In his search for his dog he bumps into some really interesting characters.
Look out for Master Chang (William Fichtner).

Look out for some of the most inventive dialogue you will hear in a long time.
If you love surreal movies this one is for you.

The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance last year.

Rating:  I cannot give this movie a rating as this movie is clearly from another planet.

Wrong was playing at the Durban International Film Festival.

Did you see it?  What did you think of it?  Tweet me your review @fredfelton   

Review by +Fred Felton

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Film Review 'Layla Fourie'

Now and again you get a little gem that pops up.
This week I attended the premiere of 'Layla Fourie' at the Durban International
Film Festival and I have to say that this is one of those gems.

   Image courtesy - +DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

From the moment it begins you hear some amazing music.  The score is simply superb.
Featuring music by Bachar Khalif`e.

Layla Fourie is all about a young single mother who becomes a polygraphist.  A job itself
that involves lies, lots of them.  She has to go to a casino and interview potential staff
for various positions.  This part is well played by Rayna Campbell.  She has a great way
of saying something without saying something.

Along the way she meets Eugene Pienaar (August Diehl) and their paths cross  many times.

Keep an eye on Layla's son Kane (Rapule Hendricks)  a young talent to watch.

Look out for a nice cameo by master actor Rapulana Seiphemo.

This film is full of lies, half-truths and paranoia.

If you want to learn how to make movies go and watch this film as you will see some nice
scenes where dialogue is not needed.  Watch how director Pia Marais does this.

This film has many co-producers and was produced by 3 countries from Europe , Germany, France, The Netherlands and also by South Africa.  It was shot on location around SA and some scenes were even shot around Durban, South Africa.

Pia told us at the premiere that it is common knowledge that many European countries
work together to make films.  It is just how they do things.

It is well acted, well written, well directed, has great editing and fantastic music.

One can see why it won a special mention at the Berlin Film Festival.

Rating 9/10

'Layla Fourie'  is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.
Next shows
23 July 19h45 Musgrave
27 July 16h30 Musgrave

Review by +Fred Felton
Tweet me what you think of the film @fredfelton and use the hashtag #Diff2013

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Read about the African Metropolis Short Film Project at DIFF

African Metropolis Short Film Project Premieres at DIFF

This year’s Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will host the premiere of the African Metropolis Short Film Project - seven short films from seven African directors shot in seven African cities. There will be Question and Answer sessions with directors and producers after the screenings on 20 and 21 July, as well as a panel discussion on 21 July.

The African Metropolis Short Film Project is an initiative of the Goethe-Institut South Africa and South African executive producer Steven Markovitz, with support from Guaranty Trust Bank and the Hubert Bals Fund of International Film Festival Rotterdam.

“African Metropolis held its first workshop at DIFF last year,” says Markovitz. “The festival is a great incubator for creative ideas, and a great platform for networking and sharing ideas. We are all delighted to be able to present seven finished short films at the same time just one year later.”

The short films are set in Lagos (Director: Folasakin Iwajomo), Abidjan (Philippe Lacôte), Kinshasa (Carole Maloba), Dakar (Marie KA), Johannesburg (Vincent Moloi), Cairo (Ahmed Ghoneimy) and Nairobi (Jim Chuchu). The filmmakers’ work shows the face of a modern and cosmopolitan Africa and challenges longstanding clichés about the continent.

Peter Machen, Manager of DIFF, says: “We are delighted to host the world premiere of the African Metropolis Short Film Project, which explores and promotes young directing talent from different capitals of the continent. This idea fits perfectly with our own goal of highlighting the emerging African film industry.”

Dates & Venues: 

Film screenings, followed by Q&A:

20 July / Musgrave Sterkinekor / 17H00

21 July / Blue Waters Hotel / 16H00

23 July / Ohlange School Hall, Inanda / 16H00

Panel discussion:

21 July / South Deck Room, 11th floor, Blue Waters Hotel / 09H00

Sundowner:

21 July / Tsogo Sun Elangeni Hotel, Pooldeck / 18H00

 (Source - DIFF) 

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• African Gothic to premiere at Durban International Film Festival 2013

Free Mobile Marketing Conference for Durban in August

MMA Conference for Durban

Mobile advertising is increasingly becoming an important component to most marketers especially as smartphone adoption trends are soaring to high proportions. With a range of mobile advertising options, including SMS, WAP, mobile app display ads, search ads, rich media, video and push notifications, the landscape can be a bit complicated. Advertisers are now accruing value and increasingly adding mobile in their marketing budgets. In South Africa, SMS is one of the most popular advertising methods and this is attributed to its low cost and ease of use.

The biggest decisions for marketers now is, whether to build a mobi-site or an app, for advertisers, whether to advertise on mobi-sites, apps, or both. Mobile advertising is constantly proving that marketers are taking an interest in new technology, marketing within apps is as easy as creating an ad campaign targeted to a specific audience.

Following the second successful Mobile Digital Revolution Conference held in Durban in 2012, the MMA (Mobile Marketing Association) have organised yet another techno-packed conference including top practitioners to discuss mobile trends and successfully monetised apps.

Case study presentations on actual mobile applications will include local and international brands such as MTN, PriceCheck (Recently won the Blackberry Achievement Awards App of the Year), TomTom, Spar, Nedbank, Morrisons, Vodacom and many others.

The topics of these presentations will include Mobile User Experience, Indoor Maps, Navigation and Live Traffic, Mobile Customer Service, Mobile Marketing Applications amongst others.

The MMA conference will be held at The Gateway Hotel, in Durban on Wednesday, 14 August 2013, Corner Boulevard and Twighlight Drive Gateway. The conference is an initiative of the MMA in association with mapIT, AAT, Boost Communications, Thoughtworks and Omniscience and will kick off at 15:00 until 17:30, and guests will then enjoy a networking drink and snacks. Members and non-members are welcome, and admission is free

The panel of dynamic guest speakers includes:

• Raymond Buckle, MMA Chairman & CEO, SilverstoneCIS
• Alan Haarhoff, AAT (Always Active Technologies)
• James Erasmus, Boost Communications
• Rob Enslin, ThoughtWorks
• Andre de Wet, PriceCheck
• Byron Moorgas, mapIT (A division of TomTom Africa)
• Tobie Van Der Spuy, Omniscience
• Pieter Geldenhuys, MallInfo
• Jon Hoehler, Manager Mobile Technologies, Deloitte Digital

The conference is an initiative of the MMA in association with mapIT, AAT, Boost Communications, Thoughtworks and Omniscience and will kick off at 15:00 until 17:30, and guests will then enjoy a networking drink and snacks. Members and non-members are welcome, and admission is free.

The twitter hashtag is #mmadbn.

To register, visit: http://mmadbn.eventbrite.com/

(Source - MMA)

article by +Fred Felton

News for Artists, Musicians, Auditions and hear about the BASA Awards Finalists

News From Pansa

Jobs

Head of Pro Helvetia Johannesburg

Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, is a foundation under public law, funded by the Federal Government of Switzerland. Pro Helvetia promotes artistic creation in Switzerland as well as networking and cultural exchange abroad. Since 1998 the Foundation has run a liaison office in South Africa. For more information please consult our websites www.prohelvetia.chand www.prohelvetia.org.za

Musicians

Second round: South African International Music Mobility Fund Call For Proposals

The programme is designed to support musicians and music professionals with an established practice in South Africa, but who have carried out little or no work internationally.

The opening date for applications in the second round is 1st July 2013. The deadline for the submission of applications for the second round is 31st July 2013.

Please submit your Application Form including the attachments to Naseema Yusuf (naseema.yusuf@samro.org.za) SAMRO Foundation, 20 De Korte Street, 4th Floor, 2017, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Calling all Artists

Enter R100 000 SPI National Portrait Award

There are only three months left for artists to enter South Africa's first National Portrait Award, sponsored by Sanlam Private Investments (SPI).

The closing date for entries is 19 August 2013.

The competition is open to artists of 21 years and older who work in any media, with the exception of lens-based media. Unlike many portrait competitions around the world that restrict entries to two dimensional tradition media, SPI's competition is open to three dimensional works as well.

All the details here:  http://www.sanlam.co.za/wps/wcm/connect/corporates/Sanlam/Corporates/Sanlam+Private+Investments/SPI+Portrait+Award/default+content

Art News

The Pixel Market call for entries - 26 July 2013

POWER TO THE PIXEL IS NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES TO THE PIXEL MARKET, 16 & 17 OCTOBER 2013

Win the ARTE 6,000 € International Pixel Pitch Prize plus more amazing prizes up for grabs!

Calling all cross-media professionals – The Pixel Market is now open for applications! The Pixel Market will take place on the 16 & 17 October, at the centre of the annual Cross-Media Forum (15 – 18 October), held in association with the 57th BFI London Film Festival.

30 international projects will be selected, with 8 teams chosen to present their concept to a panel of industry executives at The Pixel Pitch (16 Oct) in an attempt to win the prestigious 6,000€ ARTE International Prize for The Pixel Pitch, and in front of a 400 strong public audience!

Application deadline FRIDAY 26 JULY, 18.00 BST

Visit: http://www.powertothepixel.com/events-and-training/pttp-events/london-forum-2013/pixel-market-1617-october

Auditions

Auditions for the South African Mzansi Ballet’s 2014 Graduate Programme

THE ULTIMATE GAP YEAR FOR DANCERS!

Auditions for the South African Mzansi Ballet’s 2014 Graduate Programme will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 10h00 at the SAMB studios, Joburg Theatre, Hoofd Street, Braamfontein.

Applicants may register their intention to audition by calling Edgar Moagi on (011) 877 – 6898 and are asked to provide a one-page curriculum vitae on the day of the audition. For any other queries please call (011) 877 – 6898.

(Source - Pansa) 

Finalists announced for 16th Annual BASA Awards

Finalists of the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, Announced

A superb cross-section of business and arts partnerships have taken the spotlight with the announcement of the finalists in the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American. 

This year’s finalists offer a fascinating snapshot of the varied ways businesses of different sizes can work with art projects that cover everything from visual arts to music, film, dance, architecture and much more.

From the small PENMAC Audio Visual, which is nominated for a Small Business Award, to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, whose work with the Three2Six School for Refugee Children has seen it nominated for an Increasing Access to the Arts Award, the spectrum of business and arts partnerships celebrated by this year’s nominations is impressive.

A leading contender is Rand Merchant Bank, which this year has earned nominations in the Long Term Partnership Award category for the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company’s Instrumental Training and Development project, as well as two nods in the Youth Development Award category, for the Durban Music School and the Dance XChange Project.

Another multiple nominated finalist is PPC Ltd, which earned three nominations – Innovation Award, Long Term Sponsorship Award and Youth Development Award, the latter two for the PPC Young Concert Sculptors Award and the first for Re-imagine Concrete: Suzaan Heyns Spring/Summer 2012. 

National radio station, Ukhozi FM, got two nods (Innovation Award and Media Sponsorship Award) for Unyaka Wesethembiso Season 2.

Diverse businesses nominated for projects in various categories include Bidvest Group Limited, Adidas, Estee Lauder Companies, the MTN Group and Arcelor Mittal.

“What we are clearly seeing with the nominations for several big and medium sized enterprises is the ROI that partnering with an arts project can bring,” comments Michelle Constant, CEO of Business and Arts South Africa.

“This is a strong signal to South African business that working with an arts project is far more than a feel good exercise but brings shared value.”

The organisers of the only awards celebrating business and arts partnerships in South Africa report seeing a noticeable increase in entries in 2013. Just under 170 arts and business projects entered this year, an increase on the 2012 figure.

Chairman of the judging panel, Dr Andrew Human, notes the evolution in the range and quality of entries this year.

“There is definitely far more recognition of the mutual benefit and value that arts can lend to business, as opposed to seeing a partnership with the arts as a charitable sponsorship. BASA is also looking at the strategic value that the arts can play in business – and that is reflected in the kind of entries we are starting to get.

“I was surprised by the scope of work,” comments judging panel newcomer Fikile Moeti aka FIX. “It makes you realise how much is happening, how much people are doing and how much originality is being applied. Art is not only sitting in galleries. It’s everywhere – in the CBD and out on the streets.”

A total of 12 categories were open for entry in the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards. The Art Champion and Chairman’s Premier Award will also be presented at a gala ceremony in Johannesburg on 26th August.

The judges for the 2013 BASA Awards are CEO of The Loerie Awards Dr Andrew Human (chairman); media consultant and editor of Destiny Man Kojo Baffoe; Sunday Independent arts critic Mary Corrigall and CEO of the Mastrantonio Group Giovanni Mariano. Three new judges who joined this year’s panel are television host and arts advocate Dali Tambo. 5fm DJ Fikile Moeti and Experiential Marketing Director at Ogilvy and Mather  Thresho Selesho.

The independent panel of judges evaluated the success of each partnership in achieving its objectives and in bringing genuine value and benefit to both partners. The Awards are audited by Grant Thornton.

For more information call the BASA offices on 011 4472295 or emailinfo@basa.co.za or go to www.basa.co.za. 

Finalists in the 16th Business Day BASA Awards

Innovation Award

          uMngeni Municipality - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

          ArcelorMittal South Africa - Southern Guild Collectable Design Gallery

          PPC Ltd - Re-imagine Concrete: Suzaan Heyns Spring/Summer 2012

          Ukhozi FM - Unyaka Wesethembiso Season 2

First Time Sponsor Award           

          MTN Group  - Four MTN & BTE VO1SS Concert Series

          Citiq Group   - Ithuba Arts Fund

          MultiChoice - National Children’s Theatre  - SSA Senior Executive Challenge

          Bidvest Group Limited - Opening of the new Wits Art Museum

Increasing Access to the Arts Award

          Rainbow Farms  - Listen With Your Eyes – Deaf Theatre Festival

          Johannesburg Stock Exchange - Three2Six School for Refugee Children

          Johannesburg Development Agency - Diepsloot Public Artworks Programme

          Barrow Family Trust - Klein Karoo Klassique                                   

International Sponsorship Award

          Standard Bank of South Africa      - 20th Century Masters: the human figure

          Norges Musikkorpes Forbund (NMF or Norwegian Band Federation) - Field Band                    Foundation

          Total South Africa - Danse l'Afrique Danse 2012

          Air Botswana - Cape Town City Ballet “Ballet Classics"                     

Long Term Partnership Award 

          PPC Ltd - PPC Cement Young Concrete Sculptor Awards

          Rand Merchant Bank - Instrumental Training and Development

          ABSA   - ABSA Intensive Film Training

          ArcelorMittal South Africa - Southern Guild Collectable Design Gallery                    

Media Sponsorship Award

          RSG FM - ATKV-Muziq 

          City Press - National Arts Festival

          Ukhozi FM - Unyaka Wesethembiso Season 2

          Electronic Media Network  - Cape Town Carnival

Small Business Award

          PENMAC Audio Visual - Johannesburg Youth Ballet - Hansel & Gretel

          Alexander Bar & Café - Alexander Upstairs

          Minuteman Press Fourways – Symphony Choir Johannesburg

Single Strategic Project Award

          Cement and Concrete Institute - OH14 A¨le Naude Santos and Antonio de Souza                  Santos Architectural Tour

          Interactive Africa     - Blikkies Dorp Library

          Adidas South Africa - I ART JOBURG

          UJ Arts & Culture       - ACT UJ Arts & Culture 'The Art of the Creative Economy' Conference       

Sponsorship in Kind Award

          Estee Lauder Companies – MAC - South African Mzansi Ballet

          University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture - The Forgotten Angle Theatre                                  Collaborative (FATC)

          Europcar - Clowns Without Borders South Africa

          Cinema Nouveau - Opera Africa Young Artist Programme                     

Youth Development Award 

          Air Products South Africa - SAMB / Air Products Development School - Alexandra

          Sasol Limited - South African National Youth Orchestra

          Rand Merchant Bank  - Durban Music School

          PPC Ltd - PPC Cement Young Concrete Sculptor Awards

          Rand Merchant Bank - Dance XChange Project

Arts & Environment Award, supported by Nedbank

          Three City Events (Pty) Ltd  - (eco)nversations GREEN ART 2012

          uMngeni Municipality - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

          Spier - The Dying Slave (2012) by Marco Cianfanelli

          Plascon - Earth Hour Murals

Mentor of the Year, supported by Etana Insurance

          Niall Kramer - District Six Museum

          Leanne Gitlin - Wits Art Museum

          Hilton Lawler - Assemblage

          Irma Albers - Jungle Theatre Company

(Source - BASA)  

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Art and Theatre News, Events and hear what Blackberry is doing for the Rhino

Pansa KZN AGM

The Collective, 48b Florida Road (entrance in Fourth Ave)
Saturday the 27th of July 2013, 1 pm - 3 pm
(join us for the morning Arts Savvy Session on international arts residencies 
and touring from 10am) 

For any questions, please contact Radwinn van Wyk at the 
PANSA office: kzn@pansa.org.za

(Source - Pansa)


Join Cindy Pivacic at this event



Email info@zoeyevents.co.za for all the deets

(Source - Cindy Pivacic)

BlackBerry supports fight against rhino poaching

BlackBerry is aiding the fight to protect Southern Africa’s endangered rhino population through its support of a new Stop Rhino Poaching internship programme.

The internship is an initiative of the international Young Presidents Organization and World Presidents Organization (YPO/WPO) and takes place in South Africa and Botswana from June 26 to August 23. The programme aims to help conservation interns learn the ropes around safeguarding endangered animals threatened by poachers.

Stop Rhino Poaching is an NGO that focuses on raising funds for the fight against rhino poaching and driving awareness about rhino poaching.

BlackBerry is supporting the internship programme in the following way:

·         Donate 5 BlackBerry Z10 smartphones to help the interns stay in touch wherever they are

·         Arrange data and voice connectivity for the interns to use over the next two months

Says Alexandra Zagury, managing director for South and Southern Africa at BlackBerry: “The Department of Environmental Affairs estimate that around 430 rhinos have been poached in South Africa this year alone.  The poaching of rhinos for their horns remains one of South Africa’s most concerning environmental issues.

“BlackBerry is extremely committed to support this cause, hence our engagement in this programme. We believe that the fight against rhino poaching can be won through the efforts of dedicated people and organisations, and we will provide them with help where we can.”

To show your support for South Africa’s endangered rhinos, please visit and like the Stop Rhino Poaching Internship Program on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/StopRhinoPoaching1?ref=stream. Also, please share rhino news on Twitter and encourage friends to donate to Stop Rhino Poaching using @rhinoypointerns.

(Source - Blackberry)


A Self-Start Course for Artists

The Market Theatre Laboratory, in partnership with Think Theatre, is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a short “Self Start” course to help artists build careers and arts-based businesses. Facilitated by four leading arts professionals from Canada and the USA, the course has travelled from Glasgow to Hong Kong, and will finally be coming to Johannesburg from 9-18 August this year.

Applications are now open for both professional and emerging artists and administrators who would like to develop an entrepreneurial edge by participating in these intensive workshops. The prestigious team of facilitators include Professor Liz Bradley (Chair of drama at Tisch School of the Arts, NYU) and Anne Mundell (Associate Professor of Scenic Design at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama.)

Professor Liz Bradley summarises the course content by stating, “As an artist of this time, you will be challenged to create a context in which your work can be experienced.  Understanding and mastering the attributes and skills necessary for effective entrepreneurship in the arts will help you build you career, and create opportunities for your artistic practice to flourish.  This workshop is designed to equip you with the basics of the entrepreneurial process, make you aware of a wide range of practical resources and enhance your creative problem solving skills. “ 

This program outlines a “step by step” framework through which to make artistic creation a reality. Practical exercises include articulating a mission, the options for different producing models, choosing collaborators, developing a strategic plan, basic fund raising, marketing and advice on managing the financial and legal aspects essential for start-up enterprises.

Upon completing the session, emerging artists will have awareness of the personal and practical issues of entrepreneurship in an arts-related venture.   He/she should be able to grasp the planning process required in launching a venture, company start-up and/or production process. The program design includes informal lectures, written practical exercises, class discussions, team projects and a capstone presentation.  Self-employed artists need skill sets that enable them to recognize opportunities, act on them decisively and be able to actualize an arts venture with competence and confidence. 

Interested parties must be available for full-day workshops at the Market Lab in Gauteng from the 9^th to the 18 August 2013 and should contact Clara at the Market Laboratory at clara@marketlab.co.za to receive further information as well as an application form. Applications close on 19 July. 

(Source - Pansa)