Female filmmaker project


When
2022
Who
National film and video foundation
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Description of the policy/measure

The female filmmaker project is an initiative that was first introduced by the nfvf in 2014. in line with its objective to develop and promote the south african film and audiovisual industry, the nfvf introduced this initiative to bridge the gap in a male dominated film industry in south africa. the opportunity to work with an experienced female owned company is sensitive with the often exploitative and gender insensitive environment for women that is beset with sexual harassment, unequal pay and long working hours on shoot days that do not cater for the safety and security, remuneration and flexible working conditions for women. the 3-year funding grant takes away the stress and anxiety associated with raising production finance from different sources. the burden to comply with mandatory requirements (including but not limited to financials, tax clearance certificates etc) is often taxing for newly established production companies by recent graduates who are navigating the business environment and the regulatory landscapes. the production of diverse new content attracts distribution deals mainly from the south african broadcasting corporation (sabc), the only public broadcasting service provider in south africa. such a distribution deal for all short films is important to ensure that these films are seen by as many south africans as possible and opens up possibilities for other forms of distribution such as video on demand and niche channels.
2005 Convention Monitoring Framework Goal(s)
Area(s) of Monitoring
Sustainable Development Goal(s)
Cultural Domain(s)

Results achieved

The deliverable of the projects are 26 short films, 24 minutes each with an individual production budget of r500 000. the project was implemented across three financial years from april 2014 ending march 2017. six projects were delivered in the first years followed by 10 short films for each remaining year of the agreement. at the end of the project, first time filmmakers have skills and experience to write, direct and produce short films and a calling card and projects that will go into their film reel. by providing a platform for women to work with each other, young and inexperienced filmmakers work with experienced women in the writing, directing, production and post-production aspects of their films. this opportunity enables women to be heard and to produce films where their voices and narratives are true to their expressions.