Page 7 - KZN Film Annual Report 2023/2024

KWAZULU-NATAL FILM COMMISSION
Foreword by the Chairperson
KZN Film Commission
PROF T. NZAMA
Chairperson of the Board
The financial year 2023-24 was a significant moment for the Board as the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission marked its tenth anniversary and final year as a standalone entity. The Board took some time to reflect on its key achievements which were undoubtedly noteworthy. Since its establishment in 2014, the KZN Film Commission has made tremendous strides in creating a local sustainable film industry. The following are some of the key achievements of the entity over the last decade:
• Granted more than R154 million to over 500 KZN filmmakers since its inception in 2014;
• The entity became the first in the country to audio- describe films to assist visually impaired individuals in accessing film content;
• Several partnerships with broadcasters, distributors, and service providers were established to ensure full support for the local industry;
• The entity spearheaded the promotion of isiZulu/cultural and made-for-TV programs;
• The entity awarded bursaries to over 260 students enrolled in film-related courses in local tertiary institutions, spending approximately R16m;
• The entity conducted several short training interventions in partnership with MICETA;
• The entity successfully organised ten (10) Simon Sabela awards ceremonies;
• The entity supported several local filmmakers to attend various markets and festivals worldwide;
During the 2023-24 financial year, the organisation placed its main focus on IsiZulu/Heritage and Made for TV projects. This decision was based on discussions held during the Board Strategic Plan, and the aim was to promote the cultural richness of the province through film. Made-for-TV projects were identified as a niche that local filmmakers
could explore. The Board is proud to report that the entity has taken these projects seriously, and the results are reflected in the Performance Information report.
In the 2023-24 financial year, the KZNFilm prioritised training and skills development programmes to enhance the industry’s skills base. The entity placed a strong emphasis on providing training programs for scarce skills such as animation and drone technology. As a result, there has been significant progress in increasing the skill base, leading to more productions being shot in KZN. To supplement the local skills base, the entity has also introduced hands-on programs for post-graduate students called the Film and Industry Transformation Initiative (FITI) and also provides bursaries to students studying film-related courses at the local tertiary institutions.
As I mentioned in my introduction, this is the last Annual Report for the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission. The Commission has now merged with Tourism to establish a new entity called KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the Board Members who have served this entity with dedication and the highest level of commitment. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who showed their unwavering support to this entity. Furthermore, I want to recognise the KZNFilm Management and staff for their commitment to ensure that this entity succeed, and the EDTEA MEC and Department staff for the support and guidance that they continuously provided to the Board.
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PROF T. NZAMA
Chairperson of the Board Date: 30 July 2024
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ANNUAL REPORT 2023/2024