ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 May 2023

The Durban Film Office (DFO) has announced the successful awardees of the seventh cycle of the Micro Budget and Development Film Funds.

Five chosen production companies were presented with cheques amounting to R250,000 each during the handover ceremony at The Barnyard Theatre Suncoast, yesterday, 19 May.

This initiative aims to invigorate the growth of Durban's film industry and provide vital support to emerging local filmmakers, fostering a platform for their talent to flourish.

The Micro Budget Film Fund, which focuses on fiction feature projects, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the production of full-length films. In this cycle, the funding was granted to outstanding projects that exemplify Durban's creative potential.

BTS Films (Pty) Ltd secured funding for their film 'The Life Between Us', while Lwazi Duma Entertainment received support for 'Thulebone'. Umqhele Films (Pty) Ltd was awarded funding for their project 'Amalootist' (Youth in the midst of War), and A M Afrika Consulting (Pty) Ltd for their film project 'God's Work'. Additionally, Zulu Nature earned funding for their captivating film project 'Mahlathini the Exploited Artist'.

In addition to the Micro Budget Film Fund, the Development Fund aims to empower intermediate and experienced producers based in Durban to develop feature fiction or documentary projects for both the local and international markets.

The Deputy Chair of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Philisiwe Ndlovu was the keynote speaker at the event.

Councillor Ndlovu said: “We aspire to have more programmes in the future, as well as additional production hubs and film studios, in order to retain skills and talent in eThekwini. These production hubs and studios will attract further investment in the City's film and television production sector, bolstering skills, creativity, and employment opportunities within the local film industry.”

She added: “Moreover, they will attract successful content creators such as those of Uzalo, Imbewu, Umkhokha, and Durban GEN to establish their base in eThekwini Municipality," Ndlovu emphasised.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary since inception, the Durban Film Office has played a pivotal role in positioning Durban as a globally competitive film City. It has effectively contributed to boosting tourism, creating job opportunities, and developing the local film industry. The office's three development fund programmes, launched in 2014, cater to filmmakers at different stages of their careers and have achieved remarkable success.

Recent successes include ‘Izizwe’ and ‘The odds spirit’ by Godfrey Dlamini, which have been showing on TV. 

ENDS

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s