40th Durban International Film Festival Award Winners 2019

The 40th Durban International Film Festival announced its winners recently at its awards ceremony at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban, South Africa.

Features jury member Ziyanda Macingwane with Back of the Moon Associate Producer, Kutlwano Ditsele; actress Moneoa Moshesh; Director, Angus Gibson; 

Producer, Desiree Markgraff;Lebogang Tsipa as they accept their award for the Best South African Feature Film at the 40th Durban International Film Festival (Image: Supplied) 

A total of 19 awards were given out at the ceremony:

Best Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award at DIFF 2019: For Sama directed Edward Watts and Waad al-Kateab

Artistic Bravery: Letters Of Hope directed by Vusi Africa

Best Cinematography: Divine Love directed by Gabriel Mascaro

Best Editing: Cronofobia directed by Francesco Rizzi

Best Screenplay: Les Misérables directed by Ladj Ly

Best Short Film: Acid directed by Just Philippot

Best African Short Film: Brotherhood directed by Meryam Joobeur. The film also received a cash prize of R20, 000 sponsored by the Gauteng Film Commission.

Best South African Short Film: Miracle directed by Bongi Ndaba. The film received a cash prize of R20,000 from the Gauteng Film Commission.

Best Actor: Bongile Mantsai for Knuckle City directed by Jahmil X T Qubeka

Best Actress: Nisrin Erradi for Adam directed by Maryam Touzani

Best Documentary: For Sama directed Edward Watts and Waad al-Kateab. The film received a cash prize of R25, 000.

Best South African Documentary: Buddha in Africa directed by Nicole Schafer The award is accompanied by a cash prize of R25,000.

Best Direction: Divine Love directed by Gabriel Mascaro

Best South African Feature Film: Back of the Moon directed by Angus Gibson                                                            

Best Feature Film: Les Misérables directed by Ladj Ly. The award is accompanied by a cash prize of R50 000.                                                                                                                                                                                

DIFF Legacy Award: Peter Rorvik                                                                                                                                 

DIFF Legacy Award: Roz Sarkin and Moosa Moosa                                                                                                                                                    DIFF Legacy Award: Julie Frederikse and Madoda Ncayiyana                                                                                      

DIFF is included as a Documentary Feature Qualifying Festival by the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences. This means that both the winners of the Best Documentary For Sama and

Best SA Documentary Buddha in Africa, automatically qualify for consideration for an Oscar nomination.

The features jury were Emrah Kilic (Turkey), Diarah N'Daw-Spech (USA), Laurence Boyce (UK), Diana Keam (South Africa) and Mohammed Siam (Egypt). In the documentary jury were Patricia Van Heerden (SA), Florian Weghorn (Germany), Tracy Clayton (UK/SA), Rehad Desai (SA) and Ziyanda Macingwane (SA). The short film jurors were Jaime E. Manrique (Colombia), Silas Miami, (Kenya), Jacintha De-Nobrega (SA), CJ Obasi (Nigeria) and Mpho Ramathuthu (SA).

All the winners from Durban International Film Festival and ECR goes on Tour

All The Winners From The Durban International Film Festival 2014

The full list of awards is as follows:
BEST FEATURE FILM: Timbuktu by Abderrahmane Sissako

BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM: Salvation Army by Abdellah Taia

BEST DIRECTION: Noaz Deshe for White Shadow

BEST SCREENPLAY: Love is Strange written by Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sofian el Fani - Timbuktu

BEST ACTOR: Ibrahim Ahmed - Timbuktu & Tony Kgoroge - Cold Harbour

BEST ACTRESS: Chi Mhende - Love the One You Love

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD FOR ARTISTIC BRAVERY: Petter Brunner - My Blind Heart

BEST SA DOCUMENTARY: Miners Shot Down by Rehad Desai

Special Mention: Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me by Khalo Matabane

BEST DIRECTION IN A SOUTH AFRICAN DOCUMENTARY: I, Afrikaner by Annalet Steenkamp

Special Mention: Fatherland by Tarryn Crossman

BEST DOCUMENTARY: A World Not Ours by Mahdi Fleifel

BEST SHORT FILM: Out of Place by Ozan Mermer

BEST SOUTH AFRICAN SHORT FILM: Keys, Money, Phone by Roger Young

www.durbanfilmfest.co.za 

The East Coast Radio Breakfast Tour Continues

PMB

Darren and the Kearsney boys.

Richards Bay

Comedy Evening with Darren Maule at the Waterfront 

Next Stops

28 July - Monday - Eshowe

29 July - Tuesday - Florida Road

Article by +Fred Felton 

Highlights from Workshops at The Durban International Film Festival 2014

Notes From Filmmakers Workshops At DIFF 2014

One of the many workshops at DIFF 2014

They had many workshops at the Festival and at Durban Film Mart (DFM) these were some of the highlights:

DFM Masterclass

• 'We are the stories we tell.' 
• 'What makes stories compelling?'
• 'Good stories deal with consequences.' 
• 'A hollywood film made in another country will be of lesser quality.' 
• 'The key element in a film is emotion.' 
• 'Emotion is closely related to conflict.' 
• 'A story begins when there is some elements of conflict.' 
• 'Something unusual must happen.' 
• 'Arthouse cinema does not mean boring.' 
• 'As a writer you can play around with options.' 
• 'You can get more mileage out of suspense as opposed to surprise.' 
• 'How much info are you going to give the audience?' 
• 'Find a sales agent before you go to a film festival, then when you get to the film festival you have a strategy. 

Co-Production - Germany

• If you have a German crew member you have a better chance to get German Co-Production Funding!
• Co-Production is a marriage.
• At a film festival you should network and build relationships and contacts.

Feedback from Provinces - Useful Links

• KZN Film Commission - http://www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.za
• Gauteng Film Commission - http://www.gautengfilm.org.za/
• WESGRO - http://wesgro.co.za/

Notes on Submitting Applications for Funding

• With how much care do you submit your proposal?
• The project description and the treatment are very important when you apply for funding.
• Try send in a trailer if you can.
• If people read your script can they imagine a film or see it as a film?

Useful places to look for funding for your movie or documentary

• IDC - http://www.idc.co.za/our-strategic-business-units/media-and-motion-pictures
• NFVF - http://nfvf.co.za/home/
• IDFA - www.idfa.nl/industry 
• World Cinema Fund - www.berlinale.de 
• Hubert Bals Fund - filmfestivalrotterdam.com/hubertbalsfund

Article and Image by +Fred Felton 

Free workshops for writers, producers and directors at Durban International Film Festival

Free Workshops For Writers, Producers and Directors At Durban International Film Festival

There are loads of free workshops for cast and crew and also free movies for you to see at The Elangeni Hotel, The Hub of the Durban International Film Festival 2014.

Here are some of the weekend highlights:

Saturday 19 July 2014

• African Initiatives - Suite 5 - 9am - Update from various organisations on film initiatives set to contribute to growth and development of African film.
• Tele-Dialogue - Suite 3 - 9am - An initiative created to outline and develop the television industry in KZN and Africa.
• The Films That Made Me - Suite 2 - 9h30 - Rear Window
• NFVF Engagement with the industry - Suite 5 - 10am - Hear about developments from the National Film and Video Foundation.
• The changing landscape of distribution in Africa - Suite 5 - 2pm - Opportunities for distribution in Africa.
• Writer's Tools: From Concept to Pitch - Suite 3 - 2pm - Join Janet van Eeden for an entry-level workshop looking at formats and conventions as well as pitching scripts. 
• Co-Production Lessons - Suite 5 - 3pm - Case studies from African producers in relation to co-production in and out of Africa.
• African Initiatives - Suite 5 - 4pm - Various organisations show film initiatives set to contribute to growth and development of African film.

Sunday 20 July

• Co-production Forum with Italy - Suite 5 - 2pm
• NFVF In Conversation - Suite 5 - 10am - Opportunities for locations and service industry.
• Updates from Provinces - Suite 5 - 2pm - Panel discussion from provincial state agencies involved in the development of film in SA.
• NFVF New Programmes - Suite 3 - 2pm - Upcoming programmes aimed at SA Filmmakers.
• Window to the World with Global Markets and Festivals - Suite 5 - 4pm - Opportunities for showcasing films at other film festivals.
• SAGE Industry Discussion - Suite 3 - 4pm - Discussion between SA editors around post production.

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Yiull Damaso has an Art Exhibit for You and A Call For Filmmakers

Art Exhibit

Yiull Damaso Artist Studio Presents

My Humanity - Mandi Friedman's First Ceramic Exhibit

23 Feb Opening - 3pm - 6pm

56 Buckingham Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Call 083-234-0870


Call For Filmmakers

7th Talents Durban at the Durban International Film Festival 

18-22 July 2014

The 35th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from Berlinale Talents, is proud to announce the opening of applications for 7th Talents Durban taking place 18-22 July. Applicants can apply online at www.durbanfilmfest.co.za before the closing date of 31 March 2014.

This year’s Talents Durban’ theme Continent of Contrast/ de Contrastes is an ode to the godfather of African cinema, Djibril Diop Mambéty’s, first film Contras'city (City of Contrast). Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the film, the 7th Talents Durban looks to bring film makers from across the continent draw inspiration from Africa’s long tradition of story-telling. Breaking away from the stereotypical and homogenous narrative Africa, this year’s edition of Talents Durban aims to highlight the truth that this continent is home to a myriad of cultures, colours, stories. The 7th Talents Durban looks to not only highlight the stories of Africa, but create a culture of Africans telling their own stories.

Now in its 7th edition, Talent’s Durban looks to continue its proud history of acting as a launching pad for filmmakers from Africa. Understanding the unique needs and challenges facing film makers on the continent, Talent’s Durban looks to provide film makers with the tools to enable their careers to thrive in the international film industry.

 The programme provides the selected participants with a unique opportunity to meet with international industry professionals, experts and mentors in various aspects of the filmmaking business through participation in a 5-day programme of master classes, workshops and industry networking events. Running in parallel to the 35th Durban International Festival programme, this year’s Talent Campus Durban will offer three hands-on training programmes: Doc Station which will focus on documentary-making, Talent Press which is dedicated to film criticism and Script Station which will supports story development. Doc Station will offer three selected Talents the opportunity to refine and polish documentary projects for pitching at the 5th Durban FilmMart’s DOC Circle. Meanwhile, Talent Press will mentor four African journalists in the art of film criticism with access to all the screenings of the 35th Durban International Film Festival, creating reviews that will be published on numerous platforms. Script Station will offer the opportunity to writers to develop their stories while pitching their ideas to a panel of industry experts. Talents will also have access to the networking events available during the film festival.

Applications for the 7th Talents Durban are completed through an online application process. Applicants must meet the criteria found on website. The application deadline is 31 March 2014. Applications and materials which arrive after 31 March will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Successful applicants will be informed via email and the website by 21 April 2014.

Application forms and full regulations available at www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

Talent’s Durban is presented in partnership with Berlinale Talents, with support from the German Embassy of South Africa, the Goethe-Institute of South Africa, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Through the international programme, with a networks that extends to Talents International events in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Guadalajara, Sarajevo and Tokyo, as well as Durban, participants are initiated into a global community of filmmakers and connected via a wide social network platform operated through the Berlinale.

Theatre News, Calls for Filmmakers, Auditions and Music around Durban

Criss Cross Christmas

The Zone, Suncoast Casino:7 – 24 December

This festive season join the energetic trio performing in an original, delightful merry tale, Criss Cross Christmas at The Zone, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World from 7 – 24 December. 

Renowned actress, Clare Mortimer has penned this charming play especially for the young ones which promises to be full of laughter, song, and dance and enthusiastic children even get to be a part of the play with audience participation. Joining Mortimer on stage for this comic Christmas story is much loved children’s theatre actors Bryan Hiles (Peter Pan, Cinderella, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin) as Holly.

Date                7 – 24 December

Time               Daily at 11am

Venue             The Zone, Suncoast

Price               R60

Booking          Computicket, at the door or contact Ailsa on 083 250 2690

Concerts SA presents

Herbie Tsoaeli Quartet: African Time Tour

Sat 30 Nov:  KZNSA Gallery, Glenwood
Sun 1 Dec:  Rainbow, Pinetown

Internationally-acclaimed bassist and SAMA award-winning jazz luminary, Herbie Tsoaeli, will embark on a nationwide tour, starting in Johannesburg this weekend. This tour forms part of the Concerts SA programme, a joint South African/Norwegian live music initiative under the auspices of the SAMRO Foundation.
 

Herbie Tsoaeli has developed the reputation of being one of the most accomplished, respected and in-demand bass players – both electric and acoustic – in South Africa. His performances are often referred to as “joyful” and Herbie is known to love improvising and free-styling. He allows the energy of his fellow musicians and the mood of the audience to impact on the texture of each performance.

Date                Sat 30 Nov
Time               19h30
Venue             KZNSA Gallery, Glenwood
Price               R60
Booking          Bookings / info:  info@kznsagallery.co.za / Ph: 031 260 3353 

Date                Sun 1 Dec
Time               14h00
Venue             Rainbow, Pinetown
Price               R60  
Booking          Ph: 031 702 9161
Address          23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown 

Durban International Film Festival calls for entries for 2014

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will celebrate its 35th edition from 17 to 27 July 2014 with over 250 screenings of cutting-edge cinema from around the world, and special focus on films from South African and Africa. The largest of Southern Africa’s film festivals, and the most important film festival in Africa, DIFF hosts a film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.

The festival will consider films completed in 2013 and 2014, and there is no charge for entry. All submissions must be entered via the Eventival online system at http://vp.eventival.eu/cca/diff2014. In order to submit a film you will need to create a visitor account if you have not already done so in past years. The deadline for all entries, including delivery of screeners, is 28 March 2014 for short films, documentaries and feature fiction films.

For more information visit: www.durbanfilmfest.co.za or e-mail diff@ukzn.ac.za. Follow the festival on twitter: @DIFFest

The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the City of Durban and other valued funders and partners

Reminder: Playhouse Test Drive Auditions for 2014

The Playhouse Company will hold auditions on 12 and 13 December 2013 for next year's Test Drive programme.

Auditions registration will be open from Monday, 18 November – Friday, 06 December 2013.

To take part in the Test Drive auditions, which will be held at The Playhouse, contact Khulekani Kunene on 031 369 9440 between 09H00 and 16H30 only, before cut-off date Friday, 6 December 2012.

The Playhouse Company’s Test Drive programme is designed to showcase arts practitioners in the fields of indigenous and popular cultural entertainment. Performance genres typically featured in the series include Maskandi, Gospel, Kwaito, Iscathamiya, Ingoma, Afro Reggae, Imfene, Pantsula, and Hip Hop, among others.

The Test Drive series provides CBD workers with regular opportunities to enjoy free lunch time concerts close to their places of work. It also fulfils a valuable role to the performing arts community as it serves as a show case for artists to be scooped by talent scouts on the lookout for quality acts.

NAF 2014 Fringe opens for applications

National Arts Festival 2014 Fringe opens for applications

The National Arts Festival, Grahamstown is now accepting applications for Fringe productions wanting to take part in the 2014 edition of the Festival.

The Festival will take place from 3 to 13 July 2014.


“The 2014 edition of the Festival promises to be a particularly exciting one, with the 40th anniversary of the Festival coinciding with our country marking 20 years of democracy. As always, we’re looking forward to programming a diverse selection of productions, and we’re on hand to help with any queries that artists might have before the closing date,” Fringe Manager Zee Nweba said.

Application for the 2014 Fringe can be submitted, via the Festival’s website – www.nationalartsfestival.co.za from Thursday, 31 October. Interested artists, performers, directors and producers can also request application forms and information booklets from the Fringe Office by email - fringe@nationalartsfestival.co.za, telephone – 046 603 1103, or fax – 086 233 2119. The deadline for registration is Friday 17 January 2014.

(Source - Pansa) 

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South African Movie 'Felix' Making Waves Overseas

The South African Movie ' Felix' is going from strength to strength.

After winning the Audience Award at the Durban International Film Festival
it has been selected for BFI London Film Festival and three others.

“Being selected for Britain’s premier film festival is a huge honour and hopefully we’ll be able to announce a cinema release in London soon.” - Roberta Durrant - (Director of Felix) 

The good news for South Africa is that it will be in 40 South African cinemas
from 13 September 2013.

You can view the trailer here:

“A South African equivalent of Billy Elliott… a lovely, vibrant, feel-good film about a young township boy intent on following his dreams.”

Peter Machen, Durban International Film Festival

For more information, visit http://www.felixthemovie.com

(Source - Felix Publicity)

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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 '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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