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SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
ANNOUNCING THE SECOND SOUTHERN AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM TELEVISION MARKET
The second Southern African International Film & Television Market takes
place at the Longkloof Studios in Cape Town from November 3 - 7. The
Objective of the five-day event is to provide a forum at which global
film-makers, co-producers, distributors, programmers, broadcasters and
allied industry professionals can meet and learn more about the Southern
African entertainment industry. The event also establishes a networking
platform to forge new relationships, exchange ideas, exhibit product,
create business ventures and co-production partnerships.
Nearly one thousand delegates from forty countries gathered at the first
Market held in 1996, and the event garnered international applause for its
level of energy and imagination, unveiling an exciting, developing industry
on its way to making an impression in the world film market.
Cape Town is poised to become the "Hollywood of Africa", a prime venue for
international film and television productions, so says Eric Mika, a
European sales director of the influential London-based Variety magazine.
Mika, who recently visited Cape Town to prepare the way for a special
mid-year issue of the magazine focusing on South Africa, said: "We believe
that in the next few years, South Africa will be a prime international
opportunity for investors in the entertainment sector".
Mika further pointed out that, contrary to the popular conception of the
entertainment industry as an essentially "frivolous" sector, it embraced
the computer chip industry, every element of film, television and
performance, and extensive investment activity.
"The reality is that it's an industry predicted to be worth about U$503
billion (about SAR2 250 billion) by the year 2000", Mika said but added,
"South Africa has now become a focus of interest. What we are finding is
that there is a golden opportunity, especially for Cape Town in becoming
the Hollywood of Africa".
Situated at the Southern-most tip of the African continent, Cape Town
boasts a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The
Market Venue (Longkloof Studios) is the newly renovated turn-of-the-century
warehouses in the shadow of majestic Table Mountain, just five minutes walk
from the bustling metropolis city centre, major hotels and fine
international restaurants.
Nature reserves, hiking trails, sun-drenched beaches, breath-taking views
and the world famous Cape wine routes are within easy reach, as are many
historical and cultural landmarks, like Robben Island and the Cape of Good
Hope.
Southern Africa region, which includes South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia,
Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, is rapidly developing as an exciting new
player in the international entertainment arena, offering not only
spectacular locations, but a wealth of stories, talent, facilities, world
class crews and infrastructure.
Supportive of the industry is the South African government which has
indicated an unprecedented commitment to supporting the growth of the film
and television industry and its emerging generation of film-makers and
nurturing South Africa as a cultural haven.
The Market Programme will include:
* Program Market - for domestic, regional and international
broadcast/television programming executives and distributors.
* Co-Production Market - a forum of seminars, meetings and pitching
sessions ("Blind Date") that will bring together international producers
and Southern African projects to establish co-production partnerships.
* African Focus - a showcase of completed product in all format from the
African continent. This important segment of the Market highlights the
unique character of film on this continent.
* British Film School - the 3 day intensive seminar will provide practical
training in development and packaging, production and finance, marketing
and distribution.
* Newcomers Competition - an opportunity for first time Southern African
film-makers to submit their work, in all formats, and categories including
fiction and documentary. A jury of peers will judge the entries for the
Awards Ceremony at the Market's closing function. This event will create
an incentive for regional first time film-makers who historically have not
had the opportunity to have their work recognised or awarded.
* International Director's Week - for the film "worshippers" - will attract
relatively unseen, but high quality work from Directors around the globe,
including Africa. This segment aims to create access to the world of film,
and provide distribution opportunities for the screened titles.
* Animation Segment - The launch of a South African Animation Guild at the
Market, and International Animation Demonstration is currently being
explored. Members of the global animation industry will be targeted to
participate at the event to showcase product and contribute to seminars and
workshops.
Other Knowledge Building / Global Trends will be shared through a series of
seminars, workshops and conferences.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The Market Co-ordinator, Bev Brown,
Tel: +2711 714-3229 / 714-3215;
Fax: +2711 714-6551 / 714-3275.
FOR STAND RESERVATIONS CONTACT Sue Corbett
Tel: +2721 480-3191 Fax: +27-21480-3101,
Or the Market Director, Dezi Rorich, Tel: +2711 442-4790
Fax: +2711 447-2111,
Or the Chief Executive Officer, John Stodel,
Tel: +2711 714-3229 / 714-3215 Fax: +2711 714-3275.
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John Barker, Regional Programme
Coordinator (Broadcasting)
Media Institute of Southern Africa
Private Bag 13386,
9 Mozart Street
Windhoek, NAMIBIA
Tel: +264 61 232975 Fax +264 61 248016
E-mail johnb@ingrid.misa.org.na
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