BIG FISH ADVANCED FILMMAKING COURSE

The Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking will be running their first Cape Town based Advanced Filmmaking Course this year!        

REQUIREMENTS

• You have made at least one well received documentary film
• Inserts may or may not be considered, depending on context
• You will be available for two months in the second half of 2011 to craft a ten to twelve minute documentary film.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

• Email your cv to Big Fish: advancedcourseCPT@bigfish.org.za by 30 July 2011
• List the documentary projects you have worked on and include any general industry recognition you have received in your email

HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS

• If you are selected to attend the master course, you will be asked to research stories based on a few criteria for a brief, which are to be filmed in the Western Cape
• There is a small amount available for research to successful candidates
• You will develop your film idea from your research and pitch the idea to the Big Fish panel
• If given the green light, you will be given a budget and two months to craft your ten minute character driven documentary film
• If you are not given the green light immediately, and it is felt there is great potential in your pitch, you will be asked to resubmit
• Throughout the filmmaking process you will be mentored by award winning and established documentary filmmaker, Liz Fish to ensure quality control, keep budgets on track, help with narrative structure or whatever other assistance candidates feel they need to improve the overall standard of their work.
• You will have access to Big Fish camera and editing facilities over and above the budget

WHAT YOU GET OUT OF THE PROGRAMME

• A ten to twelve minute film to your name
• Extended skills development
• The confidence to continue making your own films
• Big Fish will submit your film to international film festivals
• Become part of the Big Fish winning alumni

If you have any queries, contact Lisa Mini on  021 418 1737     

(www.docfilmsa.com)

A festival to celebrate women

The Durban Playhouse presents the South African Women's Arts Festival to celebrate and recognise women's role in the arts and will offer visual arts, drama, comedy, open-mic poetry sessions, dance, and music.

This 15th edition of Sawaf will take place from 29 July to 14 August. Festival components include Rajesh Gopie's show The Coolie Odyssey at the Playhouse Theatre from 5 to 7 August. Award-winning Durban actress Shika Budhoo's acclaimed one-hander, Shikaland, can be seen at the Loft in the Playhouse Theatre from 5 to 7 August.

This year's gala production will be Dance for a Cure, which will be presented on 5 August at the Playhouse Theatre. Staged around the theme of Winds of Change, the gala event combines stunning fashion design with live music and song. The show will be interpreted by local dancers.

Other Sawaf attractions include comedy on 6 August by a number of local acts. The open-mic session will feature inspiring poets, who will all be showing intense creativity. South Africa's celebrated poet, Lebo Mashile, and seven dancers will present her production on 12 and 13 August at the Playhouse's Drama Theatre.

(http://www.screenafrica.com/)

Africa Day Concert to screen on SABC2

Newtown’s most vibrant party returns to Johannesburg. The Africa Day concert is confirmed take place at Newtown Park on 28 May and will be screened on the same day from 9pm on SABC2.

Billed as a continental celebration of African talent, the Africa Day concert will feature Soweto’s award-winning acapella group The Soil, the soulful Uju, pioneer of the electrifying Durban Sound, Professor, and vibrant newcomer Toya, alongside other renowned African artists.

Now celebrating its 48th anniversary, Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on 25 May 1963. Today, Africa Day serves as a day to celebrate African heritage and showcase the continent’s history and culture through the arts.

The Africa Day concert, which will kick off at 4pm, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Africa’s musical diversity and spirit of unity.

I Want to Sing Gospel TOO!!!!!!!

SABC2 is bringing back its popular reality singing competition, I Want To Sing Gospel, for a second season. I Want To Sing Gospel Too will premiere on Sunday 17 July, at 8pm.

The competition, which is the brainchild of award-winning TV producer Thokozani Nkosi, will see music company executive and talent scout Lindelani Mkhize travelling the country on a nationwide audition tour starting on 31 May, with the aim of selecting 30 talented hopefuls to spend 13 weeks in Johannesburg.
Renowned gospel artist and TV presenter Thabo Mdluli will continue to host the show.

In the series’ first season broadcast in 2008, Durban-born Lungisani Ntuli walked away with R100,000 in cash and a recording contract with Lindelani Mkhize Entertainment.

The audition details are as follows:

Registration Details:
·         To qualify for the audition, contestants must SMS their Name, Surname and ID number to 34709.
·         The contestants will then receive a reference number to confirm their registration.
·         At the auditions, contestants will be required to show their reference number together with their green bar-coded Identity Book.
·         The gates will open from 7am till late.
·         For more info, please call:               083 913 4709        

Audition Details

Port Elizabeth
Venue: Feather Market Centre
Date: Tuesday, 31May

Cape Town
Venue: Good Hope Centre
Date: Tuesday, 7 June

Witbank/Emalahleni
Venue: City Hall Civic Centre
Date: Friday, 10 June

Johannesburg
Venue: Bassline, Newtown
Date: Monday, 13 June

Durban
Venue: BAT Centre
Date: Friday 17 June

N.B. Contestants who come to the auditions on the above specified dates need to make themselves available for call-backs the following day. The winner of this year's competition will walk away with a cash prize of R150,000 and a recording contract from Lindelani Mkhize Entertainment

Teargas Nominated For BET Award

South African hip hop crew Teargas has been nominated for a Black Entertainment Television Award (BET award).

The three-man band, which is based in Johannesburg, is competing in the Best International Act: Africa category.

Other African acts in the category include 2Face Idibia, D' Banj, D-Black, Fally Ipupa and Angelique Kidjo.

Formed in 2005, Teargas features Ntokozo "KO" Mdluli, Ezee "Ma-E" Hanabe and Bantu "Ntukza" Hanabe. Over the years, they have released numerous hits and performed all over the country.

2011 BET winners will be announced in Los Angeles on 26 June.

(MIO)

The 17th Annual MTN SAMA Winners are...

1. Best African Traditional Gospel Album: Sechaba – Thank You
2. Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Ological Studies – OS Freedom
3. Best Maskandi Album: Bhekumuzi Luthuli – Imali Yabelungu
4. Best Sokkie Dans Album: Kurt Darren – Die Beste Medisyne
5. Best Pop Album English: Jax Panik – I am Jax Panik
6. Best Urban Dance Album: DJ Kent – I can’t survive
7. Best Urban Pop Album: Kwela Tebza – Gauteng Made In South Africa / Mzansi
8. Best Pop Album Afrikaans: Juanita du Plessis – Engel Van My Heart
9. Best Pop Album African: Theo Kgosinkwe – Grateful
10. Best Rock Album English: Prime Circle – Jekyll & Hyde
11. Best Kwaito Album: Professor – University of Kalawa Jazmee
12. Best Rap Album: Amu – The Principal
13. MTN Best Selling Mobile Music Download: DJ Cleo & DJ Mzi
14. Music Video of the Year: The Parlotones – The Stars Fall Down
15. Best Selling Album: Locnville - Sun in my Pocket
16. Newcomer of the year: Locnville – Sun in my Pocket
17. Duo / Group of the Year: Liquideep – Fabrics of the Heart
18. International Achievement Award: Die Antwoord
19. Lifetime Achievement Award: Sipho Gumede and Lance James
20. Female Artist of the Year: Thandiswa Mazwai – The Forgotten Free (Live in concert)
21. Male Artist of the Year: Professor – University of Kalawa Jazmee
22. MTN Record of the Year: Professor - Imoto
23. Album of the Year: Liquideep – Fabrics of the Heart

17th Annual MTN SAMA winners - Friday Gala Awards Evening!

 Award 1: Best Traditional Jazz Album - Tutu Puoane - Mama Africa

Award 2: Best Instrumental Album - Wouter Kellerman - Two Voices

Award 3: Best Popular Classical Album - Peter Martens & Luis Magalhaes - Beethoven Cello Sonatas

Award 4: Best Jazz/Instrumental/Popular Classic DVD - SterlingEQ - Live in concert at the Artscape Opera House, Cape Town

Award 5: Best R&B/Neo-Soul Album - Leanne - The Journey

Award 6: Best Urban Gospel Album - Patrick Duncan - Worship in Colour

Award 7: Best Urban DVD - Thandiswa - Dance of the Forgotten Free

Award 8: Best Reggae Album - Jah Seed - No Retrest No Surrender

Award 9: Best Producer - Leanne - The Journey

Award 10: Best Engineer - Freshlyground - Radio Africa

Award 11: Best Album Packaging - Versus the Wolf - Uncovering Faces

Award 12: Remix of the Year - Stimela - Turn on the Sun

Award 13: Best Adult Contemporary Album - Steve Hofmeyr - Duisend en Een

Award 14: Best Rock Album: Afrikaans - Van Coke Kartel - Skop, Skiet en Donner

Award 15: Best Country Music Album - Manie Jackson - Manie Jackson

Award 16: Best Afrikaans Gospel Music Album - Willie Joubert - Ek Wil Jubel

Award 17: Best Afrikaans Traditional Music Album - Mooiplaas Boere Orkes - Boere -  Lekkerkry

Award 18: Best Afrikaans DVD - Romanz - Treffers Live

Award 19: Best Alternative Music Album: Afrikaans - Bittereinder - n' Ware Verhaal

Award 20: Best Kiddies Album: Afrikaans - Alta Joubert and Minkie Burger - Lollos 2 - Bons Dat Dit Gons

Award 21: Best Adult Contemporary Album: English - Freshlyground - Radio Africa

Award 22: Best Alternative Music Album: English - Yoav - A Foolproof Escape Plan

Award 23: Best Contemporary Christian Music Album - CRC Radiation - With All My Heart

Award 24: Best Global Chart DVD - The Parlotones - Live Design

Award 25: Best Kiddies Album: English - African Treehouse - African Numbers

Award 26: Best Global Dance Album - Goldfish - Get Busy Living

Award 27: Best Multi-Artist Live DVD - Huisgenoot Skouspel 2010 - Huisgenoot Skouspel 2010

Award 28: Best-selling True-Tone - DJ Mzi and DJ Cleo - Nababantwana

Award 29: Best-selling DVD - The Parlotones - Live Design

Award 30: Best South Sotho Music Album (SeSotho) - Morusu - Morusu Vol. 2

Award 31: Best Tsongo Music (XiTsonga) Album - Thomas Chauke - Shimatsatsa No. 30

Award 32: Best Venda Music (TshiVenda) Album - Zozo Sangere Super Beat - Tshelede

Award 33: Best Alternative Music Album: African - Nomsa Mazwai - Nomisupa

Award 34: Best Mbaqanga Album - Soul Brothers - Thul' Ubheke

Award 35: Best Adult Contemporary Album: African - Stimela - A Lifetime

Award 36: Best African Contemporary Gospel Album - Mthunzi Namba - Mercy Live in Durban

Award 37: Best Traditional African Acapella Gospel Album - Amadodana Ase Wesile - Ke Dumetse Ho Morena

Award 38: Best Traditional/African Adult Contemporary African DVD - Stimela - Live in Concert: 30 Years

IPO invites all producers to attend AGM

Aspiring, emerging and established producers who are not members of the Independent Producers’ Organisation (IPO) are cordially invited to attend the IPO Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 26 May at The Bioscope in Johannesburg. The AGM will be followed by a party at Pata Pata on Arts on Main.

There will also be an IPO party at the offices of Film Afrika in Gardens, Cape Town, followed by a networking session.

The IPO is South Africa’s largest organisation of film and television industry producers and is committed to building and developing a mature and sustainable TV and film industry. It has decided to include non-IPO members at this year’s AGM to “shake up some new energy to get our industry talking to each other to collectively shift the atmosphere of doom right out of our producer community after a pretty tough year”.

At the AGM young people will get to meet experienced producers and pick their brains, while experienced producers can seek out and meet new talent.

The AGM starts at 14h30. Please contact administrator@ipo.org.za to confirm attendance on or before Tuesday, 24 May or call               083 600 9554         083 600 9554.

(http://www.screenafrica.com/)

National call to aspiring playwrights

The State Theatre is calling out for aspiring/inspired writers to submit their scripts of new and original plays.

Along with their scripts, aspiring playwrights are required to submit their presentation in a form of: a synopsis, character breakdown and conceptual treatment of the world of their play. Selected writers will be given an opportunity to develop their scripts with the assistance of Dramaturges as well an opportunity to stage their works between the years, 2012 and 2014.

Application forms be accessed from the SA State Theatre’s website (http://www.statetheatre.co.za/) or collected from The State Theatre, 320 Pretorius Street, Pretoria.

Submission deadline for the scripts is 29 July, 2011.

Completed forms accompanied by writer’s CV’s including contact details should be sent to the attention of Ms Cindy Khumalo either by e-mail: cindy@statetheatre.co.za, post: 320, Pretorius Street, Pretoria, or hand deliver to the same address.

“All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind,” Kahlil Gibran.

For more information contact Tsepo wa Mamatu on: tsepo.mamatu@wits.ac.za

Tshwane gets community TV!!!

As from 1 June this year South Africa’s capital city, Tshwane, will have its own community TV station. A terrestrial platform, Tshwane Television (TTV) is in the same frequency band as SABC1, 2 and 3, covering 85% of the Tshwane region. The station plans to go omni-directional in the future so that its footprint will cover a lot more areas outside the city.

TTV is currently on air broadcasting a preview and teasers of what’s to come following the launch. It is positioned as a new urban and contemporary platform aimed at providing high quality programming that’s entertaining, informative and educational. The station is also committed to programmes of local relevance, talent and events coverage based on a pluralist approach enabling broad programme coverage.

“Our strategy is to create a modern brand that people would want to associate with,” says creative director David Phume. “We have also gone to great lengths to produce on-air imaging and branding that is impactful, eye-catching and of high quality. This is the standard we have set as we believe our viewers deserve a good quality television experience.

“The schedule has been designed to keep our viewers entertained and it is in line with our brand placement strategy. To kick off, our normal daily schedule consists of these genres – news, lifestyle, kids, soapies, factual, educational, drama series, documentary, movies and local programming.”

TTV has been in development for a year. Following disruptions caused by trial and error it has since been under the management and support of Zallywood Pty Ltd, which consists of several subsidiaries that are key in broadcast, television and media.

“Our primary mandate is to provide and create opportunities within the greater community of Tshwane through skills development in media and television. The station is in the process of developing workshops and auditions which will take place at the Tshwane events centre,” concludes Phume.

(http://www.screenafrica.com/)

17th ANNUAL SA MUSIC AWARDS

Ok, I’m sure that everybody who cares to know, knows that Saturday evening awards ceremony will be hosted by Bonang ‘B’ Matheba and Phat Joe!

BONANG ‘B’ MATHEBA

Television and radio personality, model, fashion icon and entrepreneur, the amazing Bonang Matheba is no stranger to our screens… She co-hosted the first ever live backstage webcast at SAMA 16 last year, with her infectious smile & electrifying personality……..

Bonang is set to be part of making history with SAMA 17!

PHAT JOE

Phat Joe is one of the most controversial on-air radio personalities in the country and has had numerous newspaper headlines for his outspokenness. 

With fourteen years on air, Phat Joe has an incredible track record.  He was one of the pioneering DJs at Yfm, and his huge presence on air led to the launch of “Phat Joe Live” on e TV and SABC1 after which he moved on to Metro FM and most recently Kaya FM, where he dominated the Gauteng airwaves. 

Phat Joe is candid, witty, entertaining and will no doubt make SAMA 17 a memorable one!!!

....................................................................................................................................................................

NOW, THE INTERESTING PART….CONFIRMED PERFORMERS!!!

The SAMA’s is proud to have multiple stages this year across the weekend.  The Friday and Saturday night awards will have their own stages as well as the Piazza stage which will host live interactive shows.

Some of the confirmed artists are as follows:

Loyiso,

Zakes Bantwini,

Freshly Ground,

DJ Kent,

Tumi & The Volume,

Goldfish

Kinky Robots

and wait for it………….. many, many more… *We know he or she is everywhere*

Generations’ star sacked

Dumisani Mbebe

One of the lead characters of the top SABC soapie, Generations, has been shown the door. According to Sunday world reports, the Dumisani Mbebe has been sacked from the SABC1 soapie after allegations that he was missing shoots because of “personal problems”. Mbebe, who plays the character of the arrogant Dumisani, was fired after being served with verbal warnings. His character will be killed off and he will disappear from our screens later this year. Mbebe already shot his exit scene where he gets fired & he goes missing after being fired.

Still on Generations, Seputla Sebogodi, who has been playing the ruthless businessman Kenneth Mashaba for the past six years; has admitted to leaving the soapie to focus on his gospel music and theatre.

Siyabakhumbula awards to honour South Africa’s fallen heroes

Various South Africans will be honoured at the upcoming Siyabakhumbula Tribute Awards to be held at the Midrand based Gallagher Convention Centre, on June 4. The Siyabakhumbula Tribute Awards are received by family members of the honourees who have contributed in the journalism, arts, sports, education; or any relevant field. Now in their second year of running, the awards were established after Vhutsila Arts Ensemble’s  Mzwakhe Mbuli saw a need to pay homage to those South Africans who have played an important role in creating and building a democratic South Africa.

Among those being honoured are Film and Television personality, Sam Williams; Acclaimed actor of Shaka Zulu fame, Henry “Black Cat” Cele; Alfred Nokwe – Veteran actor and Popular radio and television presenter Cyril “Kansas City” Mchunu. Other honourees include Dr Allan Paton, novelist and author of Cry, The Beloved Country; Moffat Zungu, a photographer whose works shaped the way the world perceived South Africa and Elliot Makhaya – entertainment journalist and editor.

The 2011 Siyabakhumbula Awards honourees :

·        Solomon “Sticks” Morewa  - SA soccer administrator

·        Dr. Allan Paton - Novelist, author of Cry, The Beloved Country

·        Henry “Black Cat” Cele - Acclaimed actor, of Shaka Zulu fame

·        Zodwa Mshibe - Journalist

·        Jacob Morake - Former boxing champion

·        Dr David Webster - Anthropologist

·        Cyril “Kansas City” Mchunu - Popular radio and television presenter

·        Paul Ndlovu - Tsonga disco king

·        Matthews “Loop en val” Motshwarateu - Gold medal winning long distance runner

·        Mad Joe Sennakgomo – Tap dancer

·        Sam Williams – Film and television personality

·        Zakes Nkosi – Saxophonist

·        Ndaba Mhlongo – Comedian

·        Elliot Makhaya – Entertainment journalist and editor

·        Scarra Sono – Soccer maestro and father of Jomo Sono

·        Theo Mthembu – Boxing trainer

·        Alfred Nokwe – Veteran actor, father of Tu and Marilyn Nokwe

The Siyabakhumbula Awards are also being used to highlight the challenges faced by South Africa’s physically disabled citizens. Presenters, performers, and honourees will demonstrate the fact that disabled individuals have as much a role to play in South Africa’s society as the able-bodied.

Video production workshop

The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Creative Arts, in association with Audio Visual Division, invites community organisations to apply for a free workshop on Basic Video Production. 

2011 marks the 10th year of this partnership and a number of previous participants have gone on to find work in the film industry. The workshop is run by Audio Visual, Howard College campus and will take place from 26 to 29 July during the 32nd Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).

The workshop is open to entry-level applicants, preferably those who have not been working in the industry but have a strong desire to pursue video production as a career option. The course will involve practical skills on video camera operation, composition, scripting and video editing. Successful participants will be awarded a certificate of attendance at the completion of the workshop.

 It is important that participants be attached to community organisations as this will provide them with an organisational environment where they can make use of and impart their newly-acquired skills.

 Application Process:

Community organisations are invited to nominate up to 2 candidates.

Applicants are required to submit a one-page motivation on why they wish to attend the course and how it will benefit their organisation.

An official endorsement by the director of the organisation must accompany the application and should contain a description of the organisation and its full contact details.

Applications must contain full contact details of the applicant.

Applications may be emailed, faxed, delivered or posted to:              

Centre for Creative Arts – Video Production Workshop Application

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Howard College Campus

Durban 4041

.        Emailed to: diff@ukzn.ac.za

.        Faxed to:               (031) 260 3074        

.         Queries may be addressed to:               (031) 260 1817        

        

Closing date for submissions is 17 June 2011

.         A selection of provisional candidates may be contacted to attend interviews.

.        The final list of successful applicants will be confirmed by the 15 July 2011      

Please note the following:

- The tuition will be in English.

- Participants must attend all the workshop sessions (08h00- 16h00). Lunch will be provided.

- In addition, participants will be obliged to attend 3 film seminars of 2 hours each, involving festival filmmakers. These seminars will be held during the 32nd Durban International Film Festival which runs from 21st July to 31st July 2011.

Source - http://www.screenafrica.com/

Rwandan peace activist at Ezra screening

(One of my articles published on http://www.screenafrica.com/page/news/industry/493458-Rwandan-peace-activist-at-Ezra-screening)

The Wits University based Origins Centre will screen the film ‘Ezra’ on Sunday, 22 May 2011. Ezra is the first film to give an African perspective on the disturbing phenomenon of abducting child soldiers into the continent's recent civil wars. Ezra is structured around the week-long questioning of a 16 year old boy, Ezra, before a version of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, created in Sierra Leone in 2002 in the wake of its decade long civil war. This hearing is then inter-cut with chronological flashbacks to pivotal moments during Ezra's ten years in the rebel faction which made him who he is.  The jigsaw puzzle of what occurred is reconstructed through the testimonies of three witnesses: Ezra, an ex-combatant, his sister Onitcha, and Cynthia, Ezra's fellow ex-soldier. What is supposed to be reconciliation soon becomes a trial, as Onitcha chooses this as the arena to reveal a secret she has kept from her brother. (www.imdb.com) The film has been screened at film festivals around the world and has won a number of awards.

It will be introduced by Theogene Niwenshuti, a Rwandan peace activist, artist and teacher. Niwenshuti has over the past 15 years been involved in campaigns, conferences, workshops and festivals in Africa and Europe, interacting with youth and adults on issues of human rights and conflict resolution. Among his many achievements is a nomination for the Bishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship. Kidnapped by militias in 1994, Niwenshuti has experienced the direct horrors of political and ethnic conflicts in the Great Lakes and East African Regions - events which led him, to dedicate himself to peace activism.          

Doors will open at 18h00 and the screening will take place at 18h30.
Entry fee is R50 for the general public and R40 for Wits University staff and students.
To RSVP, e-mail ask@origins.org.za or call 011 717 4700
Please note that booking essential.