Opportunities
7 May 2019
Calling on all emerging African film professionals
THE 40th Durban International Film Festival (Diff), hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts in co-operation with Berlinale Talents, is proud to announce the 12th edition of Talents Durban in partnership with Durban FilmMart (DFM), taking place from July 18 to July 22.
The exciting partnership aims to raise the visibility of Talents Durban projects, create networking opportunities with potential co-producers, and facilitate funding opportunities for promising projects. It is open to African screenwriters and directors, with animation, fiction, documentary or hybrid projects in development. The initiative also includes Talent Press, a co-operation with FIPRESCI and the Goethe-Institut.
TALENT LABS
- Storytelling Lab selects three features and three short films currently in development. The stories are given advanced consultation and mentoring by three script editors, as well as participating in scriptwriting workshops.
- Doc Lab is a hands-on training programme in which three Talents Durban participants who submitted documentary projects are given expert mentorship. The participants then pitch their projects at the Durban FilmMart’s African Pitching Forum.
- Animation Lab is open to screenwriters and animation directors with animation projects. It will focus on character development, visual development, and the business of animation in Africa.
- Talent Press offers mentorship for three emerging African film critics and journalists. Participants will cover the 40th DIFF.
As well as focused mentorships, industry-specific expert master classes, workshops, and a creative platform for self-expression and networking, Talents Durban will also cover participants’ accommodation, airfare, and festival accreditation. Participants will have direct access to Diff screenings, DFM masterclasses, networking sessions, and other activities with experts and industry players from around the world.
APPLICATIONS AND SELECTIONS
Talents Durban will invite 18 Talents, carefully selected by a panel of industry experts. Applicants should complete the application form online, provided they have a recognised portfolio of previous work and a project in progress. Selected projects will be announced on May 16.
For applications visit www.berlinale-talents.de or for more information contact Menzi Mhlongo at 031 260 2506 or talentsdurban@gmail.com — Supplied.
