AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban to host Open Day on April 6

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban will host another Open Day for prospective students on Saturday, 6 April from 10am to 12noon.

The new campus which opened its doors in February this year, now boasts 63 students in the first year intake and according to the Chairman of AFDA, Garth Holmes, students and academic and administrative staff have settled in superbly to the Durban school.

This Open Day will provide prospective students, parents and guests a greater understanding about the AFDA programme with introductions from the Campus Dean Franco Human and lecturing staff, as well as demonstrations and performances from current first year students. There will also be a screening the AFDA 2013 Oscar Nominated Honours film, Kanyekanye (23 minutes).

The AFDA Durban Campus is situated in Glen Anil, Durban North, and boasts a strong line up of academic staff drawn from the film and live performance industries. Franco Human, an experienced producer and film maker, film-maker Richard Green is Head of the Film School, director, actor and playwright Rajesh Gopie, is Head of the Live Performance School, and scriptwriter and film-maker Janet van Eeden, is production course administrator and script writing lecturer. 

Prospective students can contact Durban-based Marketing Officer, Milena Gevers for more information on milenag@afda.co.zaor call 031 569 2252. For more info about the school go to www.afda.co.za

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David Gouldie's Magic for New Beach Event March 22

City of Durban to host New Beach Dance Extravaganza for BRICS Summit

To celebrate the BRICS summit, the City of Durban will host the New Beach Dance Extravaganza, a free street party at New Beach (the old Dolphinarium site at the bottom of West Street) on Friday, March 22 from 6pm to Midnight.

Staged by one of Durban’s most creative brains, David Gouldie of Urban Edge, the New Beach Dance Extravaganza is styled very much on the lines of last year’s highly successful Jomba City experience at the Skate Park.

This is a family event, which features a main stage with Metro FM Award winners for best group – The Muffins, Afritude, DJ’s and Slam Poets including the inimitable MC Ewok.

To honour the various cultures represented at the BRICS Summit, dancers from the Flatfoot-, Breakthru-, Nateshwa Dance Companies and the Vuka Dancers will perform Brazilian, Russian, Indian, Chinese and South African inspired dances.

Expect to enjoy Tai Chi demonstrations, a drumming circle, live performance art installations, “Art in the Park” arranged by Artspace with live artists exhibiting works as well as graffiti artists being inspired by the five countries represented as they create their work on site.

Durban’s favourite creative market, the I Heart Market will offer creative goods for sale and wholesome fresh food and refreshments.

The event is free to all. Bring picnic blankets or chairs. There is lots of parking at the beachfront and there will be visible security and a strong police presence.

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CHANGE OF DATE - NLDTF Arts and Culture Presentation to the Film Sector at the Centre for Creative Arts, UKZN

Please note change of date for this.​

The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund advertised their call for applications for Arts, Culture and Heritage on 03 February 2013 with the closing date being Friday 12 April 2013.  The Arts, Culture and Heritage division wishes to make equitable distribution across the sectors that fall under their mandate.  Over the years that NLDTF has been in existence, the film sector has been an industry that does not seem to be aware of NLDTF funding.   NLDTF wishes to make a presentation to the sector and make them aware of the trust’s mandate as well as compliance requirements. 

The presentation details will be as follows:

Date: Friday 15 March 2013

Time: 09:00 – 12:00

Venue: Centre for Creative Arts Boardroom, Mazisi Kunene Ave, University of KwaZulu Natal

Contact: 031-2602506

All questions around NLDTF within the sector funding will be handled during the session. 

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AFDA Alumni and Students Shine with 24 Nominations at 2013 SAFTA Awards

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) alumni and students have been nominated for a total of 24 awards in the 2013 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA).

The annual SAFTA awards, which takes place on March 15 and 16, is the premier film and television industry awards under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation. The award's main objectives is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African film and television talent, and encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent in the industry.

“We are hugely proud that 20 of our graduates or alumni have been nominated in various categories, three of our current students have been nominated in the three student categories and one student has been nominated in a professional category.” says a delighted Garth Holmes, Chairman of AFDA.

The Alumni nominations include:

Amanda Lane for Best Director of a TV drama series - 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, 

Richard Lukunku for Best Actor in TV drama series for his role as Phaka in Mshika Shika, 

Xolile Tshabalalala for Best Actress in TV drama series for her role Noma in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls.  

Brent Quinn (who is AFDA’s Head of the Film in Johannesburg) for Best Writing team of a TV drama series for Soul City, 

Tom Marais for Best DOP / Cinematographer of a TV drama series for Soul City, 

Quinn Lubbe  and C.A. Van Aswegen for Best Editor of a TV drama series– Hartland, 

Gerrida Venter for Best Production Design of a drama series for 90 Plein Street, 

Marna Heunis for 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls and Larissa Peters for Zone14.

Leroy Gopal for Best Actor in TV comedy Ses’Top La, 

Best Ensemble in TV comedy – Ses ‘Top La – Black Brain Pictures cc (Luke Rous, Tumi Masemola, Owen Swanson and Mandla Ndimande), 

Greg Heimann and Koen Kriel for Best DOP/Cinematographer of TV soap – The Wild, 

Thomas Gumede for Best Actor in a feature film - Otelo Burning, 

Trevor Calverley for Best Cinematographer of a feature film - Material, 

Jackie Lotz for Best Production of a feature film – Zama Zama, and 

Mia Zwiegers for Best Costume Designer in Zama Zama.

AFDAs 3rd and 4th year crew have also been nominated for best student films these include:

Miklas Manneke, (whose film Kanye Kanye is also up for a student Oscar), Jade Galbraith - AFDA Johannesburg for E-lectricity, 

Rudi Steyn, Martina Della Togna, Gianfranco Human (who is Dean of the new AFDA school in Durban), Sarah Muhoho – AFDA Cape Town for Lyfstraf, and 

Etienne Fourie, Robyn Oetle – AFDA Cape Town for Die Windpomp.

“This brings the AFDA student film nomination tally to 19 out of a possible 21 nominations over the past seven years, which AFDA has won five out of a possible seven times.” says Holmes. “We are all delighted that our student Kyle Stevenson (AFDA Cape Town) has been nominated for Best Short Film in the professional category for There Are No Heroes, a remarkable accolade for this young film-maker. We wish them all well and look forward to the Awards.”

For more information about AFDA contact Mandy Day on 021 448 7600 or mandy@afda.co.za or go on www.afda.co.za.

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The World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition

The World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition: Durban Exhibition Centre

South Africa’s most exciting pet event, The World of Dogs & Cats Pet Exhibition makes a welcome return to the Durban Exhibition Centre from 22 to 24 February.

This much-loved family event, which was first held in Durban in 1996 is packed full of interesting exhibitors as well as fun demonstrations and displays all aimed at encouraging responsible pet ownership. Expect to see a variety of dog and cat breeds as well as pets with a difference such as hedgehogs, lizards, fish, snakes, rats, mice, hamsters, frogs, spiders, iguanas rabbits and birds  and all sorts of other interesting furry-, scaly- and feathery- companions.

There are over 60 exhibitors featuring everything needed to ensure the optimum well-being of one’s pet from nutrition and diet, kennels and bedding, accessories such as toys and games to pet fashions, transportation and health products. Experts in all these areas will be on hand to discuss visitors’ needs and offer advice. Dog and Cat Breeders and clubs will also be on hand to provide helpful information on owning a particular breed, and a number of animal rescue organisations will be on hand to offer advice on adoption. 

Two demonstration arenas will feature events showcasing various dog breeds in a Best of Breed competition including youngsters with their puppies as well as obedience, agility, dog jumping and flyball competitions. There is a nail-biting 60-Pole Weaving Challenge for dogs, a delightful dog-carting display, a Police Dog Display, Dancing with Dogs, an SA Guide Dog Display and a Canine Good Citizen display and the popular canine survivor competition.

For cat-lovers, WODAC is once again delighted to be hosting the 2013 WODAC National Cat Show with many different breeds of felines being featured with only one winner the coveted title of National Winner.

Other highlights include the South African dog-dancing champions - Xandre Dearden with Finn her Border Collie - who will be representing SA at  the International Crufts Dog Show in England in March this year. A Celebrity Challenge which sees local celebs trying their hand at taking dogs around an agility course – to much hilarity and laughter – all for a good cause as all money raised is matched by the organisers and donated to the Wodac sponsored animal charities represented at the show.

The World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition provides an avenue to learn more about different dogs, cats, reptiles and other fascinating creatures and the joys as well as the responsibilities of being a pet-owner.

Tickets prices are R50 for adults and R25 for children under 12, with children under 2 free on the Friday, and over the weekend R60 for adults and R25 for children with under 2's  free. Tickets are available at Computicket and at the door  at the Durban Exhibition Centre. For more information go to www.dogscats.co.za or email dogscats@iafrica.com. Follow on Facebook or Twitter @WODAC.

CODED - A NEW SA FILM BEGINS ITS JOURNEY

This week, Origin, one of Durban’s most popular nite clubs, pumped and oozed as “audio-induced” dancers took to the floor in the promotional film currently being shot in Durban for a new South African sci-fi film, Coded.

Coded is co-directed by award-winning Durban-based film-maker Richard Green and Matt Nefdt. Green well-known for his work on films such as District 9, Spud and more recently with The Long Walk to Freedom is also one of four producers including Gavin Humphrey who wrote the imaginative, other-worldly and techno-trippy script. 

“Coded has three different types of revolution” explains Executive Producer Anthony Stonefield, “A movie storyline describing free citizens revolting against consumerist enslavement, the pioneering usage of wrap-around (3D) audio within a feature film, and, the manner in which the audience will “plug into” the movie—using an internet connection and earphones—and become immersed within its medium.”

“The movie will be brought to audiences where technology first-adopters have already moved: to a private video-on-demand environment on PCs, tablets and smartphones connected to the Internet, in addition to traditional four-wall movie theatres.”

“The story is set in the near future where new subliminal advertising technology has heralded the rise of sinister corporations that carry out mass surveillance on consumers; tracking their every move, collecting, collating and analysing their data. “ explains an upbeat Gavin Humphrey who makes his debut as a scriptwriter on this film. “A subliminal mind-control organisation, is on the forefront of this commercial revolution, using a secretive pattern recognition technology they have created “The Grid”, a network of key social influencers, bloggers, media personalities and event promoters, all tagged with sub-harmonic technology that allows them to be tracked and ultimately controlled. Key to this organisation's master plan is the shifting craze, an underground party scene, where shifters use audio narcotics to achieve altered states. Dayne is a notorious shifter and designer of digital drugs and a key node on the Grid. Plagued by tone deafness and which he feels prevents him from mastering the art of audio design, Dayne isn’t about to be a pawn in anyone’s game.”

“New generations will spend increasing proportions of their lives in ever more immersive, networked and interactive media environments—both seductive and useful.” Says Stonefield. ”This course of human evolution is inevitable.  The critical unknown is to what extent our children will become masters or slaves of such artificial reality.  Whoever controls the Grid controls reality itself.”

“In the real world, this mass social experiment in neurochemistry has already begun.  CODED casts a light on the types of moral and emotional swings and balances that increasingly characterize the live of the internet-worked generation.  It is a reflective movie for a modern generation whose reality is already shattered and up for grabs.”

“Coded is a project we have seen grow from strength to strength over the past few years.” Says Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office. “It is an exciting and innovative new story that is sure to take the SA youth market and the world by storm. I am very proud that this project has been born in Durban by Durban, and cannot wait to experience it on the big screen. This new concept of filmmaking goes hand in hand with the Durban Film Offices objective to establish Durban as a digital innovation hub and will stand testament to the awesome opportunities that new technologies offer to the world of filmmaking. Congratulations to the creative team for their perseverance in bringing this story to life.”

Coded’s promo reel is being shot this week in Durban at two different locations.  Pre-production is scheduled for the second half of 2013 with principal filming taking place around August/September 2013.

For more info go to

http://codedmovie.tumblr.com/

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Award-winning Doccie - Dear Mandela - Theatrical Release

DEAR MANDELA by Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza – Theatrical premiere

The multi-award-winning South African documentary, Dear Mandela has its theatrical release in Cape Town tonight at the Fugard Theatre before being screened at The Bioscope in Johannesburg over the long weekend from December 14 to 19.

This hard-hitting, remarkably vivid and lucid view of South Africa’s first post apartheid generation as they come of age in a nation of unfulfilled promises and increasing government repression of political activists has scooped several awards since its premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in 2011. IThis film directed by Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza has gone on to win the Grand Jury Prize and Best Documentary at 2012 Brooklyn Film Festival, Best Documentary, Montreal int’l Black Film Festival, Golden Butterfly Award, Movies That Matter Film Festival as well as a nomination for the African Academy Award for Best Documentary.

For more info about the screenings or to book go to www.thebioscope.co.za or call 011-0397306.  For more info about the film go to www.dearmandela.com.

Brand New isiZulu Radio Station Goes Live on Nov 22

VUMA 103 FM: IKHAYA LENTOKOZO – THE HOME OF HAPPINESS!

A brand new, authentically isiZulu, 24 hour commercial music radio station, Vuma 103 FM, featuring both inspirational and gospel music and an incredible host of KZN presenters, will go commercially live on November 22. With a large broadcast footprint extending across Greater Durban, Pietermaritzburg and surrounds, this exciting new entrant onto the KZN radio airwaves is set to surprise, delight, entertain and inspire listeners with its uplifting, unique and celebratory brand of radio. With music, listener-interaction, entertainment, news, weather, traffic and sports, Vuma 103 FM will be a compelling new radio-listening alternative for the proud people of KZN.   

VUMA 103 FM is poised to attract listeners who resonate with its inspirational brand of music and content, lifestyle, family and celebration, companionship and general wholesome values which so many in KZN embrace and live by. Vuma’s authentic isiZulu grounding will enhance its appeal to those who are proud of their isiZulu culture, language, heritage and status. “VUMA’s mandate is unique in KZN,” says Station Manager Phindi Gule. “We will be broadcasting in 90%  authentic isiZulu and 10% English (never Zunglish), as for a long time there has been a strong indication that an isiZulu renaissance is underway in our Province, and so we have chosen to use authentic language geared to engender a sense of pride and identity within our communities.” 

While VUMA 103 FM’s content will consist of 70% music on its airwaves, aimed at really keeping listeners entertained and close to their radios throughout the day, listeners can also expect to be kept updated and informed on hot topics and current talking points. “VUMA is a sophisticated, positive, inspired, adult, contemporary music radio station,” says Chief Operating Officer, Nolan Vernon. “The presenters, some of whom are well-known through the wonderful legacy of KNI radio, and also through other community and commercial radio networks, as well as others whom will come as a delightful surprise to our listeners, have been hand-picked to appeal to a wide range of people within the context of our values and vision. Our presenters themselves are reflective of who we are as a radio station, and what we stand for in terms of our positive values, and strong sense of upliftment, within the realm of KZN.”

The station’s main shareholders are KNI and One Gospel TV Channel, who came together nearly three years ago with a vision for a new, inspired radio brand for KZN. The music lists will be drawn from popular inspirational and Gospel music, both local and international. Week days and Saturdays will be committed to a variety of shows packed with music, interesting information, news, sports, current affairs and interactive talk shows; and Sundays will be devoted to inspirational song and praise. 

‘The birth of Vuma 103 FM is the beginning of a new chapter that is being co-written by KNI and One Gospel” says Reverend Abe Sibiya, Executive Chairperson of Vuma 103 FM and of One Gospel TV, “It is a chapter that we look forward to and embrace with great excitement as we embark on what promises to be a most meaningful journey ahead, both for those within the station, with old friends, listeners and companions from KNI, and also for our new listeners across the Province.”

‘Our vision for Vuma is that it will be a station of joy, strength and comfort for all,” says Siziwe Chili, board member of both Vuma 103 FM, as well as KNI. “The station embodies the vision of a dedicated collective of people who all have a desire to create a cohesive, meaningful community within KZN through a common interest in inspirational messaging and values. We look forward to seeing the positive impact we will have on the lives of so many people.”

VUMA 103 FM has attracted some top presenters who are already well established and well-loved on the air waves.” Senzo Myeni and Siya Malinga are both on board,” says Gule.  “We also want to appeal to the ladies and make sure that women’s issues are addressed and debated, and to this end we also welcome Sister Kay, Leleti Khumalo and Phindile Kweyama. One of our sports presenters is Nomfundo Khaba, who has a fervent taste for boxing and soccer as well as a passionate array of other sports interests too. She certainly breaks the mould!” 

Others in the line up include personal trainer and sports fanatic Mike Nzimande, the cool sophisticated Thabani Mbatha, the colourful and entertaining Felix Hlope with his wise cracks and witty observations, and actor Sthembiso Sibisi who loves both arts and sports. One can also enjoy the suave tones of Dumisane Buthelezi, news and views from Phumlani Nkwanyana, late night chats with Protus Mkhize and  sweet open-hearted conversations with Ndoni Radebe.  Completing the line up is Nhlanhla Makhanya and Thabo Mzimela; with a wealth of experience behind them to make the listeners feel at home. 

Located in the easily-accessible precinct of Umhlanga New Town Centre, just opposite Gateway, VUMA 103 FM’s station boasts beautiful premises with state of the art studios and equipment, and the first and latest broadcasting software of its kind in the country. The professional setup will assist the on-air teams and presenters in delivering slick, engaging and super-sonic music and programmes geared to appeal to listeners across the KZN region. 

The Vuma 103 FM creative team also has a whole range of unexpected and exciting concepts in store for listeners too. “We are keen to break new ground with VUMA and offer an unusual mix of programmes that caters to the diverse taste of our listeners,” explains Gule. “For instance, we will introduce a short morning session with a well-known imbongi to get the day started in a positive and uplifting way.  We also plan to be out and about and visible at key events, whether they are sports or cultural events, family occasions, or celebrations, so that people can meet us and get to know us. We believe in a healthy, grounded life style; with the emphasis on what is wholesome and fresh without us being pushy or high-handed. Vuma will use the airwaves responsibly and gather in the flock of listeners who believe in family values, joyous entertainment and positivity.” 

“Our listeners are people who are always looking for reasons to feel motivated and inspired,” adds Vernon, “people who see themselves as influencers and who are passionate about their lives, who will subscribe to having a personal, meaningful listener-relationship with Vuma 103 FM. We are really a radio station which is “For the people of KZN, By the people of KZN.” 

With a solid foundation of listener-support already in place within KZN, as a result of the inspired broadcasting of KNI Community Radio over the past decade, Vuma 103 FM is in a privileged place. “Most people or organisations, who aspire to build something for a positive purpose, spend their entire existence striving to create a meaningful legacy. In the case of Vuma, we are fortunate to already have our legacy, forged by KNI Radio, and now it is up to Vuma 103 FM to build on that, to honour that, and to take it forwards into a new era of broadcasting!” says Vernon.

Vuma’s geographical reach covers greater Durban, and also extends beyond Pietermaritzburg, encompasses Greytown, Ballito on the North Coast and reaches down to Scottburgh on the South Coast.  

VUMA 103 FM goes commercially live to air on 22 November on the frequency 103 FM. This innovative, fresh, energetic and inspired radio station invites everyone who wants a little light and laughter to enter their lives to tune in, share, and celebrate a new era in radio for KZN.

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Angels' Place - Studios de Cirque - Durban Nov 17

Durban will come alive on November 17 with the amazing performance in the CIty Centre of Angels' Place (Place des Anges) by Studios de Cirque which was last seen in the closing ceremony of the London Olympics.  Starts at 7pm with circus acts by Blue Fire Productions and then at 8pm - Angels' Place. There are ziplines across the city centre from all the high rise buildings around the city hall - and they will be dropping 1,5 tons of feathers over the crowd....should be amazing!