Masterclass equips Eastern Cape filmmakers with industry know-how

Eastern Cape filmmakers are being given a three-day masterclass in what it takes to succeed in the industry.

The workshop in East London, which ends on Thursday, focuses on scriptwriting, producing, directing, sound, lighting and cinematography.

The initiative by the provincial arts and culture department, in collaboration with MultiChoice Talent Factory SA, involves established industry leaders sharing their know-how with budding filmmakers.

About 40 filmmakers from across the province were invited to take part —  some were selected from the provincial arts and culture councils database of people who had previously applied for funding and others were chosen by the provincial film forum.

The classes are led by experienced professionals including Phathutshedzo Makwarela, co-producer of the Emmy-nominated SA telenovela, The River, Sarafina director Darrel  Roodt, Knuckle City producer Layla Swart and Mzansi Magic commissioning editors Sanele Shiba and Wanda Sondiyazi.

Uitenhage filmmaker Hlumela Matika, 33, said she had already picked up valuable tips from the speakers, who had made her dreams feel accessible.

“One of the speakers I have found to be phenomenal is Layla Swart, who spoke to us about what it takes, from the first step, to produce a good film.

“Being a black woman in the industry myself, I appreciate that she  speaks from the perspective of a black woman and it  just makes me feel that it can be done,” Matika said.

Matika, a graduate from Syracuse University in New York, who recently returned to SA, said the workshop was the ideal way to reconnect with the industry in the country.

“It’s very encouraging that a big company like MultiChoice has come all the way down to the Eastern Cape to invest in us.

“It really motivates one to keep working,” she said.

For East London self-taught filmmaker Xabiso Ngabase, 30, of up-and-coming production company Kumkani Pictures, the workshop provided a rare opportunity to tap into the experience of others.

“You know how you sometimes think you are well-versed in something and then you realise you actually know nothing?

“This workshop has been one of those experiences for me, and I truly appreciate how much knowledge I have picked up from people who are established in the industry,” Ngabase said.

“Such programmes serve as guiding tools and [provide the] answers to many questions filmmakers often have about where to go or how to go about establishing and maintaining a successful career in filmmaking.”

Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council CEO Phumeza Skoti said: “We deliberately prioritised the funding applicants because we felt the masterclass would give them a better understanding of running their projects efficiently and effectively when they do receive funding.

“The masterclass has been very informative and inspirational in our journey to develop the film and television industry in the Eastern Cape.”

Skoti has been at the helm of the council’s film office’s efforts to  provide assistance to filmmakers in the province in need of resources.

Eastern Cape sports, recreation, arts and  culture MEC Fezeka  Bayeni said: “Film has a great potential to contribute to the development of the Eastern Cape economy and, as such, we have made it one of the priorities of the department.

“The [province] has a rich heritage, great stories to be told and amazing locations for film.

“This partnership with MultiChoice is therefore a very important platform in helping develop and train filmmakers as part of our effort to grow the film industry in the province.”

MultiChoice Group corporate affairs executive Joe Heshu said the workshop provided the perfect platform to identify and nurture aspiring young filmmakers.