South African Industry Ponders Its Future as Challenges Mount: ‘We’re Not Cultivating a New Generation’

As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for the history and evolution of international cinema, I find the challenges facing the South African film industry both disheartening and inspiring in equal measure. Having followed the industry’s progress over the past few decades, I can’t help but be moved by the resilience and determination of its stakeholders, despite the numerous obstacles they face.

At the start of the Durban FilmMart in South Africa on Friday, there were passionate debates among South African attendees about the achievements and challenges of their country’s film and television sectors, thirty years after democracy was established.

In her own perspective, Onke Dumeko, the head of operations at South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), believes that this industry has consistently embodied both anger and bravery. The evidence is clear with the existing demand as indicated by data, and the captivating artistry we witness are just a few examples. The potential it holds is also undeniable.

I ponder over the hurdle of fulfilling such vast expectations. The question lingers, how much financial support do we have at our disposal? We’re striving to build an industry from scratch, one that holds immense potential for transforming a nation in need.

As a movie lover, I’ve noticed how South Africa’s largest economy has been dealing with a series of tough challenges recently. Crimes persistently loom large, and unemployment remains stubbornly high. But that’s not all, my fellow cinemagoers; even daily life essentials like electricity have become elusive, as rolling blackouts have become an unwelcome constant for people of all races and economic backgrounds.

Dumeko pointed to budget shortfalls at the NFVF — an institution that is vital to both the growth and transformation of the South African biz — as emblematic of larger structural issues holding the screen industries back.

“She pointed out that when South Africa’s industry is compared to those with similar economic sizes, it stands out due to the absence of deliberate efforts towards its development. This intentionality involves having a clear vision for the future – setting goals for what we aim to achieve in this industry within the next 30 years and understanding how these outcomes will influence the country as a whole.”

Film producers have been criticizing the Dept. of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) for issues with South Africa’s rebate system, which they claim is causing significant damage to their industry. DTIC manages this system but has reportedly been dealing with a substantial backlog of payments. Some producers have had to wait up to two years to receive reimbursement for expenses covered by the cashback scheme.

“Schwinges expressed concern, stating that film commissions and broadcasters face an urgent issue of significant significance: they can’t finance productions right now in South Africa. He questioned, ‘How can we create top-notch content under these circumstances?'”

Films maker Cati Weinek expressed her concern, stating, “The DTIC’s actions have put our industry in financial ruin. As filmmakers, we must take responsibility and call them out on this issue. The rebate system, which we often boast about, is more dysfunctional than functional at this point. It’s disheartening to see new talent emerging in such an unstable environment. What kind of industry are we cultivating if we lack this essential foundation?” (DTIC had not responded to EbMaster‘s request for comment by the time of publishing.)

South African filmmakers express concern as streaming services like Showmax and Netflix, which have become essential, face changes in their business models that might leave local content creators behind.

As a movie buff, I’m thrilled to share my perspective on this shift in the industry. Previously, I found myself limited by the resources at hand. But now, unexpectedly, there are numerous possibilities opening up. The budgets have expanded significantly. It’s a wonderful development, but it comes with its challenges.

As I pondered over the events unfolding on screen, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. We’re all scrambling for our share of the limelight, yet we’re ignoring the fact that the pie we’re fighting for is empty and unfulfilling. In the end, we’re not nurturing the next generation, the fresh voices that are essential to keep our industry thriving. At some point in the future, we’ll come to a sobering realization that we have no one left to carry on our legacy. It’s vital that we begin investing time and resources into developing talent before it’s too late.

Despite facing numerous challenges, South African industry undergoes significant transformation. In stark contrast to three decades ago when democratic elections took place, new opportunities have emerged, particularly for Black filmmakers. Consequently, local content on screens now mirrors the diverse population of the “Rainbow Nation” more accurately than before.

On aFriday in Durban, numerous people paused to ponder their young country’s remarkable voyage – a journey that keeps moving forward despite tremendous challenges.

As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you that it all began with just a tiny spark. We were steeped in biases, beliefs we needed to challenge and dismantle to make room for fresh perspectives and new narratives. And isn’t it incredible how the film industry has transformed significantly as a result?

Over the course of history, the tales that have been passed down have significantly influenced our national identity in South Africa. Despite the challenges, fresh narratives continue to emerge.

2024-07-20 13:17

South African Industry Ponders Its Future as Challenges Mount: ‘We’re Not Cultivating a New Generation’

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