The Story ⚡
Nearly R2.2 Million has been donated by the Canada Media Fund and the National Film & Video Foundation to foster a Canada-South African Television Co-Production.
Tell Me More
Through a collaborative incentive, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and South Africa’s National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) have jointly allocated over CAD $171,000 (approximately ZAR 2,243,000) to support the development of three English-language television projects.
Among these projects are two drama series and one documentary mini-series.
The CMF’s share in this commitment amounts to approximately CAD 76,000, while the NFVF has contributed CAD 95,000 (equivalent to ZAR 993,000 and ZAR 1,250,000, respectively).
The initiative seeks to promote and financially support the creation of television content that brings mutual benefits and holds cultural significance for both participating countries.
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances, and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms.
The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voices, and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors.
Key Background
The NFVF, or National Film and Video Foundation, operates as an agency under the Department of Arts and Culture, dedicated to fostering the balanced development of South Africa’s film and video industry.
The primary functions of the NFVF encompass providing financial support for the development, production, marketing, and distribution of films, as well as offering assistance in the training and development of filmmakers. Additionally, the NFVF undertakes commissioned research and generates industry statistics, offering valuable insights into the South African film landscape for both the public and stakeholders.
The key objectives of the NFVF include increasing the production of South African films, particularly by Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDIs), broadening audience access to these films, enhancing training opportunities in areas with scarce skills, promoting the South African film industry both domestically and internationally, and fostering social cohesion by facilitating the expression of the nation’s stories through film.
Tangent
South Africa’s film, gaming, and animation industries have seen significant growth, buoyed by its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making it a preferred global destination for filming. The sector has experienced a surge in film releases, with 155 films in 2021 compared to 96 in 2020, contributing to rising box office revenues. Global players such as Disney, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Netflix have shown keen interest, underscoring the industry’s attractiveness. However, challenges include resource-intensive production, funding hurdles for independent developers, bureaucratic permit processes, and the impact of energy supply challenges on viewership and revenues.
Despite these hurdles, South Africa’s film industry offers a compelling value proposition, providing access to a growing market with increasing consumer demand and serving as a strategic gateway to the broader African continent. Government commitment, financial incentives, and supportive policies create an environment conducive to foreign investors.
Smoothed licensing processes, expedited funding applications, and efficient disbursements from government bodies could further enhance the industry’s appeal to global players seeking untapped potential and new horizons.
In Summary
In anticipation of positive outcomes from the ongoing funding initiative, stakeholders within South Africa’s film sector express hopeful expectations for increased support, foreseeing potential avenues for growth and innovation.
