The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) continues to fulfil its mandate to develop the local film industry, as they recently handed over equipment to young creatives and filmmakers at the Museum Africa in Newtown.
The GFC is centralised around making Gauteng the world’s filming destination of choice. As the melting point of Africa, Gauteng has spearheaded cultural advancement and diversity and opened many doors for filmmakers. On their Road to the Discover Summit 2022 – another one of their vehicles of empowerment – the GFC Equipment Handover aims to provide further support to emerging businesses within the industry, granting them access to equipment that would otherwise be unattainable to facilitate the growth and sustainability of the local film economy.
The Handover involved innovative equipment and industry necessities distributed to 25 beneficiaries from across five regions. The types of equipment given range from drones to animation packs, to editing suites amongst others.
The GFC’s CEO, Ms Keitumetse Lebaka, said, “The GFC Equipment Handover was a wonderful opportunity to uplift those who need the extra push towards film excellence. Part of our mandate as the GFC is supporting the transformation of the sector into a world-class industry reflective of South Africa in its entirety, and this is one way we have ensured the sustainable growth of film in our country. With the equipment we distributed, we have the power to impact numerous aspects of film production so we can start setting new global standards and position Gauteng and South Africa as the global film hub we know it has the potential to be.”
One of today’s equipment recipients, Lebogang Mogolego from Still Rolling, said “My heart is literally beating because of the start-up equipment I just received. I’m a writer, content producer, YouTuber and aspiring director and this equipment will go a long way in solidifying my career. Thank you so much, GFC for all of this and the recognition you provide women in the creative space.”
The GFC views the equipment handover as just a small step to helping advance our local film industry as their Inaugural Discover Summit will be their main focus on assisting the masses of local filmmakers in South Africa.
The Discover Summit 2022 is a modern, revolutionary three-day event, set to equip local filmmakers, both the current and next generation, with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving industry landscape. Taking place from 18 – 20 October 2022, The Discover Summit will touch on current methods of filmmaking, preparing and guiding local filmmakers on the industry’s evolution, together with steps forward to keep up with and set global standards.
