'Weblog by Eddie Mbalo
I am writing this article after observing within our media and among some commentators a tendency for the NFVF to be judged negatively on the basis of films it has not funded and in cases where the NFVF is involved to be ignored or downplayed.
I'd like to personally invite you to experience our new and improved website. We're proud to bring a new more efficient and logical portal to our stakeholders.
The NFVF is said to be the lead institution in the film sector, can you explain why that is so?
In our 2006 annual report, I reported on my five years as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). I used the occasion to thank the inaugural Council that appointed me and the then outgoing Council chaired by Mr Mfundi Vundla.
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Pallo Jordan says, the "term cultural diversity" is a concept that under-girds certain intangible, yet very important human rights. Indeed it is enshrined in our own constitution along with recognition of the right of freedom of expression, the right to artistic creativity, freedom of the media, the right of citizens of this country to use the language of their choice, and the right to participate in the cultural life of the country as they choose."
It is a national moral imperative to create platforms for ordinary South Africans to be able to bear influence in the expression of their own images. In this way, we, as an industry, can contribute to furthering our democratic ideals and creating prosperity.
It is that time of the year when all filmmaking countries ascend to Cannes in France to participate at the annual film festival. South Africa will once again take part in the festival to not only showcase local product but to also strengthen relations with our counterparts.
2005 was a good year for the local film industry and this is demonstrated by the international acclaim received throughout the year. It is pleasing to see that 2006 has also begun on high note. This comes with the announcement of Tsotsi's nomination into the Foreign Language Category of the Oscars, and its recent international awards and a nomination in the Golden Globe Awards.
It is that time of the year when the film and television community of the world comes together at the Cape Town World Cinema Festival (inc. Sithengi Film and Television Market) to share ideas of how we can contribute to our well being as the fraternity, and to the well being of the people of the world by using the media power of our industry.
The Film Indaba 2001 seems only yesterday when our fraternity gathered to map the future of the film industry. It was also a forum where my appointment as Chief Executive Officer was announced.
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