SWIFT SA

#SWIFTNews: We're excited to announce our upcoming panel discussion at the Durban FilmMart, - 30 Years and Counting: The Evolution of Portrayal of Women on Screen! SWIFT Acting Executive Officer, Lindi Ndebele-Koka and members: Keshni Rajoo, Lala Tuku, and Carlynn De Waal-Smit take the stage in a panel discussion titled: SA in Focus: Sisters Working In Film and Television - 30 Years and Counting. The Evolution of Portrayal of Women on Screen. Event Details: 19 July from 12:30 - 13:30, Venue: Elangeni hotel, in Durban Entrance: DFM delegation pass/ ticket presented at the door. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/dDgMjaPY and join the conversation! #SWIFT #SWIFTNews #DurbanFilmmart #WomenInFilm #InclusivityMatters

#FemaleFilmmakerFriday features Producer and Director Diana Keam, a SWIFT member who is among the talented filmmakers whose documentary will be screened at the 45th Durban International Film Festival. Diana Keam's documentary, 'Don't Be Late for My Funeral,' is an intimate portrayal of her relationship with her employee, a retired domestic worker, Margaret Bogopa Matlala. This documentary highlights the personal story of the complex relationship between a white middle-class woman her employee, the black domestic worker, which touches on issues of inequality, race, and class that still plague South African society. The festival features documentaries from different parts of the world, including South Africa, Bhutan, France, Hungary, Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. The festival programme aims to showcase films that provide a wide perspective of the world while interrogating viewers' preconceptions about places and people. Andrea Voges, the Programme Head, notes that the South African documentaries present a compelling and diverse view that is often challenging, offering a different, nuanced perspective on complex South African situations. The documentaries in this year's line-up explore topics ranging from the formation of Nigeria's #EndSARS movement to the influence of a secretive matriarchal religious order on three generations of women in Lebanon. The documentaries also cover topics such as true crime podcasts, women's football and the unofficial Women's World Cup, among others. Diana Keam's inclusion in this lineup is significant, and her film's screening will be a valuable contribution to the festival. Her documentary adds to the diverse voices and narratives represented in this year's festival programme. Screenings: 20 July 14:30 at the Suncoast 7 23 July 17:30 at the Pavilion 12

#SisterhoodCinema - SAVE THE DATE: Member’s Meet-Up this month focuses on Paving A Unique Lens This month, we're celebrating individuality and unique perspectives! Join us for our monthly SWIFT Industry Meet-Up as we embrace the journey of the independent producer in filmmaking, distribution, and finance. Experience the distinctive voices and creative visions that shape our industry and pave the way for credibility and personal identity. Connect with like-minded individuals and those with different viewpoints, share your knowledge, and learn from others in an inspiring environment. Let's celebrate what makes you... YOU!   Event Details: 📆 Date: July 31st ⏰ Time: 18:00 - 20:00 🎟 Entry: Free 🍩 What to bring: Your favourite finger snacks to share and your plus one! Free entry | RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3Y1uHcC | Please note when you RSVP you automatically have access to the event. Your name will be put on the list | Dress code: wear an element of style that is unique to represent your personal style and flair | Bring your fave finger snacks to share and your plus one. Hashtags to use: #AllAccessAffair #IndustryMixer #sisterhoodcinema

SWIFT Member Mapitso Ralephata's Film, Month End, Screens at Durban International Film Festival! We're thrilled to announce that SWIFT member Mapitso Ralephata's feature film, Month End (Boda Smandana), which she produced, will be screened at the Durban International Film Festival (July 18-28, 2024)! Catch the film on July 20 at Gateway (17:00-18:00) and July 26 at Suncoast (19:00-20:00). Get your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/dGn9gjmA Month End tells the story of a slacker and her friend who are in a race against time to repay a debt to a loan shark before her grandmother returns from church. The loan shark has taken possession of her grandmother's new television set, and the duo must scramble to come up with the money to save the day. This 90-minute comedic narrative explores the circulation of money and social issues in South Africa. Don't miss this feel-good film! Congratulations to Mapitso on this achievement! #SWIFTNews #DurbanInternationalFilmFestival #MonthEnd #BodaSmandana

Today marks a historic moment where together, we strive to break barriers and champion equality in storytelling. The Zimbabwe’s Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA) Icapa Trust, Pan-African Audiovisual and Cinema Observatory (OPAC) and South Africa’s Sisters Working in Film (SWIFT) sign an MOU, paving the way for a transformative collaboration in film and television across Africa. This partnership aims to foster capacity building of African and African-descended women filmmakers through skills development, film promotion and viewing of women friendly films in the region to amplify diverse voices, facilitate joint and individual projects and the establishment of a pioneering International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF). Read full article here: https://bit.ly/3xf6HIp #swiftnews #transformation #internationalnews

Welcoming Elihle Dubazana, a driven and ambitious third-year student at AFDA, pursuing a B.A in Motion Pictures with a major in Producing and Production Design. With a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in the film industry, Elihle has already gained valuable experience in various production roles. Notably, Elihle has interned as an Assistant Continuity Director on The Wife Season 2 (Stained Glass Productions), a Production Intern on Adulting (Tshedza Pictures) and Uzalo (Stained Glass Production). Currently, she serves as the Executive Assistant to Phumi Morare, further developing her skills and knowledge in the industry. Her experience has not only refined her skills but also fuelled her interest in Producing and Directing. As a proud member of the SWIFT student community, Elihle is dedicated to advancing her skills and making a meaningful impact in the film and television industry. Her unwavering tenacity, determination, and perseverance make her an asset to any team or project. We look forward to seeing Elihle's continued growth and success in the film industry!

SWIFT Programme Manager, Zanele Mthembu, to feature at Durban FilmMart 2024! The 15th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) is set to take place from July 19-22, 2024, in Durban, South Africa. This year’s theme, “African Visions Unleashed: From Disruption to Accountability,” promises to spark critical conversations and collaborative efforts towards a more inclusive and socially responsible film industry. Zanele Mthembu, representing SWIFT, will join industry experts Debra Zimmerman (Women Making Movies), Whitney Spencer (Sisters in Cinema), and Thishiwe Ziqubu (Ngonyama Kapital Productions) on the “Breaking Barriers” panel. Together, they’ll tackle gender equality and justice in the film industry, exploring strategies for inclusive representation and equitable opportunities. Join us on July 22nd at 10:45 AM at the Elangeni Hotel for this vital discussion! #DurbanFilmMart #SWIFTNews #DFM2024

SWIFT Member Jacintha de Nobrega Selected for Durban FilmMart Institute's Prestigious Pitch and Finance Forum The Durban FilmMart Institute has announced its official projects for the 2024 Pitch and Finance Forum, and SWIFT member Jacintha de Nobrega's documentary feature, "In Pursuit of Ghosts," has been selected as one of the 30 compelling projects. Directed by Jethro Clifton Westraad, "In Pursuit of Ghosts" sheds light on Norway's partnership with South Africa in hunting giant sea mammals, exploring the country's abandoned whaling station that left scars on Durban. The film uses the ghost of a whale to provide a thought-provoking representation of the lingering repercussions of the whaling industry and its impact on the landscape and communities of Durban. The Durban FilmMart, Africa's leading co-production and finance market, will take place from July 19 to 22, 2024. The Pitch and Finance Forum provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers to connect with global industry professionals, secure funding, and bring their projects to life. We congratulate Jacintha de Nobrega on this achievement and wish her team the best of luck in bringing this important story to life. Trailer: https://lnkd.in/dxdTcppJ #DurbanFilmMart #SWIFTMember #InPursuitOfGhosts #FilmMart2024 #WomenInFilm

#FemaleFilmmakerFriday features Chief Financial Officer of film and television productions at Film Bucks, Faldelah Abrahams-Issel Faldelah's expertise lies in overseeing budgets and cash flow forecasting, ensuring compliant setup of shows through the implementation of systems and procedures within the accounting department, processing payroll, and overseeing post-production. "I am also a key shareholder and CFO of Advantage Entertainment who has serviced both International and produced Local Productions such as Afterlife of the Party - NETFLIX, Revelation Road – PINNACLE PEAK, Uitvlugt, La Boheme, to name a few of the most recent projects," says Faldelah. What's remarkable about Faldelah's work is her dedication to training and developing the next generation of filmmakers. "Training and development are high on my priority list, and over the years. I have trained and upskilled many accounting trainees in payroll, general accounting practices, and compliant accounting procedures," she shares. "My long-term goal and vision is to roll out training workshops and programs to ensure that the experience I have gained will be passed on to the next generation," she finally adds. Currently, her primary focus is collaborating with partners who share her ethos and values to roll out on-set training in real-time. Through her work, she's creating a blueprint for a better world and society, promoting diversity, and inspiring change. Faldelah Abrahams-Issel, the CFO of Film Bucks, has worked on several recent productions that align with her passion for meaningful storytelling. In 2022, she worked on the film "Revelation Road," a drama that explores themes of redemption and forgiveness. She also worked on "Afterlife of the Party," a comedy that celebrates the power of female friendship and resilience. Another notable production is "Redeeming Love," a period drama that tackles complex themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Through her work on these films and others, Abrahams-Issel has demonstrated a commitment to collaborating with filmmakers who share her values and vision for inspiring positive change through the art of storytelling. She firmly believes that the freedom of expression and one's unique voice can create pockets of inspiration that encourage people, globally, to break free from cultural and economic restrictions and embrace diversity instead. "I firmly believe this can be achieved through exposure to films and storytelling which are both meaningful and visually stimulating. This will ensure that we get through to our viewers, opening the door to a blueprint for a better world and society," the accountant states. [Rest of the post on our Facebook page]

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