Media Release
Dutch Delegation, Focus and Meetings at the DIFF & DFM
The Durban International Film Festival this year hosts a Dutch focus at this year’s edition with five titles being screened, while the Durban FilmMart, welcomes a delegation from the Netherlands to meet South African film-makers to develop new networks in the country, and promote the treaty, which was signed earlier this year, between the two countries.
The Dutch film focus has been curated by Gertan Zuilhof of the Rotterdam Film Festival, in recognition of the Dutch-South African Co-production Treaty. Dutch feature films include the brilliant Schneider vs Bax, a contract-killer film with a difference, Full Contact about a remote drone operator who accidentally bombs a school, 12 Months in One Day which chronicles a bitter-sweet new year’s eve in Amsterdam, Prince, a powerful but nuanced coming-of-age story, and Zurich, which tells the story of Nina, a woman who attempts to lose herself in Europe’s motorways. The Dutch focus is rounded off with three short films that form part of the short film programme.
The delegation hosted by the NFVF, includes Frank Peijnenburg- Head of Screen at The Netherlands Film Fund, Laurette Schilling from Topkapi Films, Wilant Boekelman, from Dutch Muntain Movies, and Pieter van Hustee Film, met with South African producers at a brunch, and also presented a panel at the Durban FilmMart on Dutch co-production, funding and incentives.
The Netherlands Film Fund is the national agency responsible for supporting film production in the Netherlands and activities such as festivals and training. Its focus is to develop and strengthen Dutch cinema and film culture both domestically and internationally. The Film Fund also oversees the activities of the Netherlands Film Commission.
The Netherlands has treaties with Canada, France, Germany, China and South Africa and is now preparing a treaty with Wallonia Brussels Federation of Belgium.
“The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) congratulates Netherlands as the country of focus at this year’s edition of DIFF. “ says Head of Marketing & Communications, Peter Kwele. “In line with this and in recognition of the co-production treaty signed between two countries in December 2015, the NFVF have organised a few events involving Dutch filmmakers and their South African counterparts at the festival. These events are a means celebrate the treaty, MOU signed in May 2016 and encourage co-productions between Dutch and South African filmmakers. “
For the full programmes go to www.durbanfilmmart.co.za and www.durbanfilmfest.co.za
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