Submissions open for NFVF Youth Filmmaker Project in South Africa

The filmmakers will be guided by the team at Sisanda Henna Leadership x Sisanda Henna Films, facilitators of the NFVF project. The Youth Filmmaker Project targets previously disadvantaged youths to be guided in developing, writing and/or directing their own 23-minute debut short films which will become their calling-cards in the international industry. Only the best 10 scripts will be produced by the facilitating company. The program seeks aspirant, talented and hardworking writer-directors to apply. This project is targeted towards aspirant young filmmakers who have a desire to break into the industry and would like to pursue a career in script writing and/or directing.

Scripts will be developed and workshopped over a dedicated development period. During this process each writer and director will be provided with the necessary tools to develop the story and direct their film. The successful projects will be provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film and assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film. Workshop attendance is mandatory as it is key for learning and development.

Themes

• Exploring the theme of “home” in a short film offers a myriad of creative opportunities.
• With “home” being intimately tied to the sense of identity and self definition. What lengths do they go to in order to seek out homes that belong to them? What do they become when they are cracked open at a time of need?

Objectives

• To seek out remarkable storytellers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and develop regionally based filmmaking talent, which will bring new perspectives to the South African and ultimately the African and global audience.
• To nurture, support and promote young writer-directors in South Africa through strategically developed training laboratories, workshops and mentorship.

Eligibility Criteria

• In order to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
  • Between the ages of 18-35.
  • Must be South African/permanent resident
  • Have a strong written concept and directing potential
  • Have not directed a professional film/professional episode of television fiction.
  • Be a historically disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
  • Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of 12 months to complete the programme.
  • Only fictional narratives will be accepted.

Selection Criteria

• Eligible candidates for the project must:
  • Demonstrate a passion for the film industry/filmmaking and the extent of their experience in industry. This includes sending a motivational video.
  • Have a strong written concept for a 23-minute stand alone film with a clearly thought-out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with other projects under the theme of “HOME”.
  • Must understand that aspects of their original story might change for the purposes of producing the script.
  • Be willing to meet the demands of the film industry and be present at every training and workshop.
  • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work as a part of a team in the pursuit of the same objective.
  • Understand the value of, and is able to, work under pressure and tight schedules.

For more information, visit NFVF.