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CEO and chairman of the Videovision Entertainment Weeping, which was made on the run from the security
Group police. Another was being acknowledged by his peers in
the industry with the South African Film and Television
NANT SINGH, CEO and chairman of the Awards inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. He
Videovision Entertainment Group, and South further enjoyed taking authentic South African stories
Africa’s pre-eminent film producer, was like Sarafina!, Cry, the Beloved Country and Yesterday
Aborn and raised in apartheid South Africa in to the world. Yesterday was the first South African
Durban. He began his film career at age 18 when he film to receive an Academy Award nomination. In
left his studies at the University of Durban-Westville addition, acquiring the film rights to Nelson Mandela’s
to purchase a 16 mm movie rental store. From there, autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom, and adapting it
he moved into video distribution, forming Videovision for the silver screen as Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom
Entertainment and then progressed into film production and having Madiba’s endorsement of the project was a
in 1984 with Place of Weeping, the first anti-apartheid very exciting project. Singh added that being nominated
film to be made entirely in South Africa. for membership of the International Olympic Committee
was a great honour.
Singh says that his success may be attributed to hard
word, dedication and tenacity. He added, “My passion Singh’s tenacity is apparent in the development of
was the film industry. I set about learning everything that eThekwini Film Studios in Durban. He said, “This is
I could about it. I was motivated to pursue my dream a project that I have pursued with conviction. Whilst
and when I was 22, I made my first overseas trip to a film the transaction was subject to a court challenge,
market where I set about making business contacts.” we remained steadfastly committed and we were
He added that these contacts, some with whom vindicated when we prevailed at Constitutional Court,
he still does business today, gave him an insight into which validated the transaction. It is now a reality and
the industry, and mentored him as he developed I am delighted to be bringing the economic benefits of
his business. He said, “I have built great and lasting the film industry to Durban.”
business relationships because of friendships.” He Singh added that we have a great country with
commented further, “Success cannot be achieved enormous potential and a proud history. We need to
alone. The business of film is a collaborative endeavour, commit ourselves to the development of any industries,
which sees hundreds, sometimes thousands of people including tourism, and use the assets created to further
coming together, totally committed to producing a film. enhance the economy as there is no better country
A large part of my success has been achieved with the in the world to live in. He added that he believes
support of others that were equally committed.” that the SMME sector has a pivotal role to play in

However, he said that establishing a business in the the economy. “It is essential that entrepreneurs are
film and entertainment sector in apartheid South Africa supported with funding from government institutions
was a huge challenge. He encountered racism at every to grow and develop their businesses, which will result
level, particularly because it was an industry that was in the creation of jobs. This model has been successful
reserved for whites only. He said, “Banks would not in growing economies like India and South Korea,
provide me with credit, cinemas would not play my and South Africa can certainly learn from these case
films and services companies would not allow me to studies,” he said.
open an account, necessitating cash payments. Despite He also said that he is a firm believer of the concept
all these challenges, I was able to enter a closed of business with a social conscience. Singh said, “The
industry and make inroads, and build a sustainable spirit of sharing and caring is central to the ethos of our
business.” business’s social investment strategy.”
Unsurprisingly, Singh’s illustrious career has had many In his free time Singh enjoys swimming, photography,
highlights. These include making his first film, Place of books and art, He added, “Movie going is work.”

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