DFO championing local filmmakers

Five Production companies were presented with cheques of R250 000 each during a handover ceremony at the Barnyard Theatre Suncoast on 19 May by the Durban Film Office (DFO). This initiative aims to invigorate the growth of Durban’s film industry and provide vital support to emerging local filmmakers by fostering a platform for their talent to flourish. 
The Micro Budget Film Fund, which focuses on fiction feature projects, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the production of fulllength films. In this cycle, the funding was granted to outstanding projects that exemplify Durban’s creative potential. 
BTS Films (Pty) Ltd secured funding for their film project ‘The Life Between Us’, while Lwazi Duma Entertainment received support for ‘Thulebone’. Umqhele Films (Pty) Ltd was awarded funding for their project ‘Amalootist’ (Youth in the midst of war), and A M Afrika Consulting (Pty) Ltd for their film project ‘God’s Work’. Additionally, Zulu Nature earned funding for their captivating film project ‘Mahlathini the Exploited Artist’. 
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the DFO has played a pivotal role in positioning Durban as a globally competitive film city. It has effectively contributed to boosting tourism, creating job opportunities, and developing the local film industry through the office’s three development fund programmes.