IN ORDER to ensure the production of more local films, eThekwini Municipality’s Film Office has announced its 2018/19 call out for submissions for the Development Fund and Micro Budget Programme.

During the Inner and Outer West Regional Business Fair held from 25 to 27 May at the Hammarsdale Junction Mall, youth came out in numbers to attend the Film Master Class where talks about film production were delivered by Durban Motion Pictures founders and local award-winning filmmakers Sthelo and Bonnie Sithebe.

As part of the Fair, Municipal Film Office officials told attendees at the seminar about available funding for local aspiring film makers. Manager Fezile Peko said submissions are open for the Development Fund and the Micro Budget Programme. The programme will provide grant funding for two Durban film projects per annum, to a maximum of R250 000 per project towards the development of the project. “The programme seeks to develop a local model and brand of low budget film-making that is cost-effective, practical and commercially viable. The Micro Budget Film Programme offers R150 000 for production of a feature length film.

The programme specifically targets fiction feature projects. The programme will run for a period of 12 months with an aim of producing four micro budget films,” he said. Deadline for submissions is 29 June 2018. Apply online from www.durbanfilmoffice.com and hand delivered submissions will not be accepted.