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How to unlock up to $2 billion of annual box office revenues in Africa:

Media Release

How to unlock up to $2 billion of annual box office revenues in Africa:

New study examines growth potential of the continent’s film industries

 

African cinema doesn’t have an African industry at all and that’s where our problem arises.

-Jihan El-Tahri

 

If Africa were to follow China’s example and broadly invest in cinema infrastructure, it could achieve annual box office revenues of $1.5 to $2 billion; with Nigeria and South Africa accounting for as much as $500 million. This is one of the main findings of the 2018 Framing the Shot: Key Trends In African Film report, which was conducted by Founder of 234 Media, Dayo Ogunyemi, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut and with support from the German Federal Foreign Office. Launched at the Durban International Film Festival 2018, the study aims to fill the substantial gap in information and analysis about the fast-changing film industry in sub-Saharan Africa.

Framing the Shot particularly recommends improving access to finance, incubating film-specific business skills and capacity and developing effective distribution. Says the report’s author, Dayo Ogunyemi: “For too long, Africa’s film industry has been the subject of many anecdotes and much supposition; the absence of credible, comprehensive data has led to wasted resources and lost opportunities which the continent can scarcely afford […] If African countries do not plan, invest and collaborate today, the trade deficit around content consumption will widen and the opportunity to shape the tastes and preferences of future generations of Africans will be lost.”

 

The Framing the Shot report catalogues and analyses the major opportunities and challenges that Africa’s film industries face through four substantive parts:

 

·         A survey of African film makers and general analysis of the African film landscape

·         Country studies of Africa’s two largest film industries: Nigeria and South Africa

·         Case studies of 3 African films from development through completion; a comparison of the commercial performance of an African and a European film; as well as lessons drawn from the diaspora — specifically in the context of African-American film.

·         Conclusions on African film in the global industry context and recommendations on priority steps to address the main opportunities and challenges identified

 

Says Noemie Njangiru, Culture and Development Coordinator at the Goethe-Institut: “There are two reasons behind our investment in reliable information about the continent’s film industries: Firstly, the sector has a huge potential to contribute to economic growth and create employment opportunities. Secondly, we believe that strong film industries and better conditions for pan-African collaborations can contribute to undoing stereotypes, particularly in the context of the Western gaze on ‘Africa’.”

 

Taking a closer look at the South African film industry, the report suggests extending the current “generous incentive system that is primarily centered on production […] to the post-completion value-chain — sales, marketing and distribution.” The study continues: “For filmmakers and audiences that continue to endure the historical disadvantages meted out under apartheid, more must be done. Cinema infrastructure must be extended to underserved townships in order to unlock latent spending power on film. One of the most promising ways in which South Africa can do this is to support entrepreneurs and SMEs to close the gaps in distribution capacity and the deficits in exhibition infrastructure in townships and rural areas.”

 

·         Browse the full report online onhttps://www.flipsnack.com/goethejoburg/framing-the-shot-key-trends-in-african-film.html

·         Download PDF report and visual reference onhttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/ns2qgwa8di18iix/AACNsvs3u3gz0rawNnObjYIva?dl=0   

·         Talk about this on social media via #FramingTheShot

 

Meet Dayo Ogunyemi at DIFF and DFM:

 

 

·         Distribution: Debunking the Myths - Understanding the Exploitation Value Chain

Sunday 22 July / 14:00 - 15:00 / Suite 5

 

 

Cover photo from the film I Am Not a Witch. Directed by Rungano Nyoni. Courtesy of Quiddity Films / Clandestine Films / Soda Pictures

 

Contact:

Benjamin Keuffel

Public Relations Officer, Goethe-Institut South Africa

E: Benjamin.Keuffel@goethe.de  

T: +27 (0)11 442 3232

M: +27 (0)82 769 3254

 

 

About Dayo Ogunyemi:

Dayo Ogunyemi is a creative entrepreneur and founder of 234 Media, a firm that develops enterprises and makes principal investments in the media, entertainment and technology sectors.

As part of a 234 Media investment, Dayo built and operated East Africa’s then largest cinema chain and an affiliated film distribution company through which he acquired and released art and independent films including Djo Munga’s Viva Riva, Michel Hazanavicius’s The Artist and Kevin McDonald’s Bob Marley biopic.

Under 234 Media’s Studio Africa banner, Dayo serves as producer for films by leading and emerging African directors and has participated in the Cannes Producers Network and Cinefondation Atelier programs. Over the past 15 years, Dayo has worked and lived in 4 countries in all three regions of sub- Saharan Africa. He has advised African governments and regional economic communities on policy, legislation and regulations relating to e-commerce, intellectual property, technology and the creative industries. He served as a founding board member of the African Film Academy, organizer of the African Movie Academy Awards, and on the board of the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s Information Society Initiative. Dayo earned an SB from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He is admitted to the New York Bar.

 

About 234 media:

234 Media shapes and creates compelling narratives of Africa and its global diaspora by creating and investing in innovative projects. The firm’s activities spans the breadth of Africa’s creative and technology scenes – tech start-ups, fashion and apparel firms, event producers, content aggregators, film production and distribution companies. It has made media investments in more than five African countries with a focus on the intellectual property value chain for audio-visual content — financing, packaging, producing, distributing, marketing and aggregating film and other content to mass-markets in Africa and the rest of the world.

 

About the Goethe-Institut:

The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. Its mandate is to promote the study of German abroad and to encourage international cultural exchange. Today it is represented in 98 countries and has some 3,300 employees. It contributes widely to the promotion of artists, ideas and works. Supporting the local cultural scenes and strengthening pan-African dialogue through the arts are part of its mission on the African continent, where it operates 19 institutes in Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Cairo, Casablanca, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Kigali, Lagos, Lomé, Luanda, Nairobi, Rabat, Tunis, Windhoek and Yaoundé, as well as 3 liaison offices in Algiers, Kinshasa and Ouagadougou. For more than 20 years, the Goethe-Institut has been working together closely with filmmakers from Germany, South Africa and the African continent in organizing screenings, festivals, workshops and co-productions. The aim is to support film within the creative industries and to undo stereotypes through visual storytelling. The Goethe-Institut does this with training and networking initiatives, as well as through supporting interdisciplinary and pan-African collaborations.

 

 

Contact:

Benjamin Keuffel
Public Relations Officer / Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit

Goethe-Institut South Africa

119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood 2193, Johannesburg

 

E: Benjamin.Keuffel@goethe.de

T: +27 (0)11 442 3232

F: +27 (0)11 442 3738

M: +27 (0)82 769 3254 

Follow us on social media:

www.facebook.com/goethe.joburg

www.twitter.com/goethejoburg 

www.instagram.com/goethejoburg

 

Beautiful Bee, Saxy Sthe and Mysterious Michelle of “3 Tons of Fun” fame for SPAR Women's Challenge June 24

SPAR Women’s Race 10/ 5km Challenge - loads of fun and entertainment

Jonsson Kings Park: Sunday 24 June

 

Three larger than life and utterly gorgeous singers will take to the stage to entertain participants at this year’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge in Durban on Sunday, June 24.

Beautiful Bee, Saxy Sthe and Mysterious Michelle are some of South Africa’s most recognisable and much-loved female singers from “3 Tons of Fun” fame.  These fabulously talented ladies combine vibrant stage presence, glitz, glamour  and full-bodied feminine allure in a unique package that has seen them perform hundreds of shows all over SA and as far afield as France, Vietnam, the Seychelles, Nigeria and Dubai. 

The ladies will be getting the vibe going on stage at the finish line of this year’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge. Participants are encouraged to stay after the race and enjoy entertainment, official prize giving and wait for the lucky draw and the chance to win some amazing prizes.

 

There is still a chance to register for this year’s challenge at race registration on Thursday, 21 June and Friday, 22 June from 10am – 5pm and on Saturday 23 June from 10am – 3pm at Hall 6, Durban Exhibition Centre. For more information go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or on Facebook.

 

Road Closures and Parking for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km  - Sunday June 24

Media Release

 

Road Closures and Parking for the

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km  - Sunday June 24

 

As thousands of people will be descending on the Jonsson Kings Park Stadium precinct for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge on Sunday, June 24, participants and supporters are reminded to plan their route to the race, as there are a number of road closures that will affect access into the area, as well as to be mindful of where to park.

“We would like to encourage participants and supporters to leave home early so that they can arrive well in time to get into their starting positions,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole.

 

The 10km race starts on Sunday, June 24 at 08:00 and the 5km at 09:30 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, outside Jonsson Kings Park Stadium.

 

Road Closures on Sunday, 24 June 2018

From 02:00

 

Snell Parade between Athlone Drive and the main entrance to Suncoast Casino.

Battery Beach Road.

 

Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and Isaiah Ntshangase Road.

 

The South bound lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and KE Masinga Road.

 

Kingsmead Way Eden Gardens Crescent

 

From 04:00

 

KE Masinga Road (the 2 left lanes) between Eden Gardens Crescent and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

 

Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Argyle Road and Smiso Nkwanyana Road Somtseu Road at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

 

From 06:00

 

The West bound lane of Athlone Drive between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

 

The off ramp from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) to Athlone Drive (in both directions)

 

ROAD OPENINGS

 

Roads will be opened as soon as possible after the last competitor has left that portion of the route and the cleaning team has ensured that there is no litter.

Most roads will be reopened by 11:30.

 

ACCESS

 

Access and egress to the Durban Country Club will be from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) Please note that Isaiah Ntshangase Road will be closed at (1) the entrance to Moses Mabhida Stadium and the entrance to Durban Country Club. There will be no through traffic at this intersection.

 

Access to the parking area at Sunkist Beach will be by way of a stop/go system managed by Durban Metro Police.

 

Access to the Parking on Jonsson Kings Park fields KP3,4 and 5 will be via Smiso Nkwanyana Road into Jacko Jackson Drive. Note - once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.

 

Access to the Parking on Jonsson Kings Park fields KP9 will be via Umgeni Road into Isaiah Ntshangase (Walter Gilbert) Road / Virgin Active Parking area. Note - once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.

 

Recommended access to People's Park will be via Somtseu Road (Sasol Service Station near the station) and past Durmail using the back gate.

 

There is still time to register online using a credit card (until June 17) then manual registration takes place on June 21 and 22 from 10am to 5pm and on June 23 at 10am to 3pm at Hall 6 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

 

For more information go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page

Josh's Big Year - Book Launch in Cape Town - May 24.

Media Release

JOSH’S BIG YEAR: A STORY OF HOPE - BOOK LAUNCH

From a broken, suicidal, autistic teenager, who dropped out of school at 15, to a passionate young adventurer, comes a remarkable 300-page self-published coffee table book, Josh’s Big Year which will be launched in Cape Town on 24 May. Josh Crickmay's publishing debut is a celebration of courage and triumph of the human spirit.

 

In 2012 15-year-old South African school pupil Josh Crickmay, unable to cope with the demands of the classroom dropped out of school. What followed was a deep and debilitating depression kindled by the belief that he would never be able to fend for himself. Severely suicidal, Josh landed in hospital and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or High Functioning Autism.

Certain that unless they did something radical, they would lose their only child, Josh’s parents Andrew and Kathy, quit their jobs and embarked on a quest to give Josh a reason to live and to function in life without a formal education. They did this by building on and kindling Josh’s interests in birding, photography and writing.

For an entire year they travelled to every corner of Southern Africa and spent seven weeks in the Amazon and Andes in what is known in birding circles as a “Big Year” which involves identifying as many bird species as possible in a single year, inspired by the movie of the same name.

The entire project represents Josh’s own work from photography to layout and design. His writing is a delight, honest, self-effacing and laugh out loud funny in places but sobering and tear-filled in others.

Ernie and Liesl Els had this to say: “This book has a transformative effect; like turning on a flashlight in a dark room. For readers the book serves as a delight for the senses – visually, thanks to the diverse and brilliant photography, and emotionally, through the way in which the book navigates Josh’s emotional journey”.  This sentiment is shared by founding art director of Getaway magazine James Berrange who said “the effect this book is going to have can hardly be imagined”.

The book took nearly 3 years to write, with the first edition completed when he was 16. The book is hoped to impact and give encouragement to a world where one in 68 people are thought to be on the Autism spectrum. 

Josh’s plan is that Josh’s Big Year will be the first in a series of books as he video blogs his adventures and highlights conservation issues.

The book can be purchased online at www.joshcrickmay.com

 

-ends

 

 

 

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - North Coast Regionals - Grantleigh College, Richards Bay

May 19

The final regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge takes place at Grantleigh College in Richard’s Bay this Saturday, May 19.

Hosts and three times winners, Grantleigh College will be keen to hold onto their title. The defending champs have been crowned regional winners in 2011, 2016 and 2017 and are hoping to equal Empangeni High School’s four regional titles, with EHS having dominated the area between 2012 and 2015. 

In the 2017 regional, Felixton College looked impressive, almost toppling Grantleigh in the gold / silver game. 

In total, seven teams will be vying for the title in this highly contested region, in the hope of getting a chance to progress to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 21 and 22 July. 

The tournament takes the form of a round robin with games being 20 minutes one way. The top two scoring teams will then meet in a final match of the day. Schools participating in this last regional of the series are Felixton College, Eshowe High School, John Ross College,  Grantleigh College, St Catherine’s School, Empangeni High School and Mandini Academy.

The winners of this regional will be the last team added to the mix for the Grand Finals that take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof, Durban on July 21 and 22. The other nine teams are Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN); newcomers Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); St Anne’s DSG (PMB Northern Regional); Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional), and Greytown High School (Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Wartburg Kirchdorf School: Saturday 12 May

 

The surprise package of the day, Greytown High School dethroned the defending champs, Wartburg Kirchdorf School playing at home in the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional  of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 12 May. 

 

The hosts, who have won the title five consecutive times, were not given any time to settle in the final, with Gretytown taking control of the game from the get-go, not allowing Wartburg to get into their methodical German stride. 

 

Greytown found two early opportunities in Wartburg’s circle but the ambitious shots didn’t trouble Wartburg’s keeper, Kholeka Mkhize. Mid-way through the first half, Wartburg managed to find a bit of space, with a long pass from near the half way line being miraculously stopped by a stretching Loren Engelbrecht in the Greytown circle. The forward controlled the ball but was met by a determined goalkeeper, Shayna Hattingh who valiantly left her line and didn’t allow Engelbrecht any angles to get a shot off, stifling her attempt. 

 

Slowly Wartburg managed to find a few spaces, earning themselves three short corners and one long corner to Greytown’s single short corner. Both teams defended successfully, not allowing any balls into the back of the net. 


Talented Elona Engelbrecht, cousin to Loren, had a go at the goals, firing in a marvellous attempt that went just right of the post. The first half ended with no other fireworks happening, the scores level on nil nil. 

 

Six minutes into the second half, an indecisive call by the umpire caught Wartburg wrong-footed, thinking they had earned a free hit just outside their circle, but the umpire changed his call. Greytown pounced on the opportunity, as Wartburg proceeded to push their players up, an alert Greytown player quickly took off, passing the ball into the centre of the circle, where Bandile Masikane was lurking, and quickly slapped the ball in to earn her team the all important advantage. 

 

The game ping-ponged between the two goals, with Wartburg trying desperately to level the score line but Greytown holding strong and pushing the game back up to Wartburg’s defence. Feisty Sphisihle Kubheka from Greytown ignited her troops from midfield, whenever she got possession, she created some fabulous plays for her team.

 

Statistically, Wartburg ended the round robin looking the strongest on 13points scoring three wins and one draw, with Greytown and Wembley vying for the spot in the finals. Greytown notched up two wins and two draws whilst Wembley managed two wins to end two points behind Greytown on 8 points. In the first game, Greytown showed a glimpse of what was to come, holding five times champions, Wartburg to a nil nil draw. 

 

For the second year running, young Kevin Engelbrecht, a relative of the Engelbrecht girls, was acknowledged as the Most Promising Umpire for this regional.

 

Coach for Wartburg Kirchdorf School, Lisa Misselhorn said, “We knew Greytown would be strong but our game in the finals was well matched, with our team giving it their all. We are happy for the winning team, and I am very proud of Wartburg.”

 

Sara Wheeler coach for Greytown said “It is an extraordinary feeling for the team. We have always just missed out getting to the finals, and to get our shot this year is an amazing opportunity for us, especially against all these fantastic teams. Big thanks to the organisers.”

 

Greytown has earned the penultimate berth in the Grand Finals that take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof, Durban on July 21 and 22. The other eight teams are Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN); newcomers Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); St Anne’s DSG (PMB Northern Regional); Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional). The tenth and last regional takes place this weekend (May 19) at Grantleigh College in Richard’s Bay.

 

For more info visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

 

Scores at end of round robin:

Wartburg 13, Greytown 10, Wembley 8, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg 4, Domino Servite 1

 

Final results:

1 Greytown High School, 2 Wartburg Kirchdorf School, 3 Wembley College, 4 Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, 5 Domino Servite

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - DBN South

Durban South Regional

3 Schools Trust: Sunday 25 March

 

Eight schools will be converging on the 3 Schools Trust astroturf to participate in the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 25 March.

Host school is one time winners, Kuswag Hoërskool. Kuswag took the honours in the inaugural tournament in 2011 and are eager to topple defending champions, Amanzimtoti High School. In their first outing to the Grand Finals, Kuswag finished ninth overall in the KZN SPAR tournament.

Toti have represented this region in the last three consecutive years, advancing through to the Grand Finals where they finished tenth overall in all three appearances. This year, the defending champs start an exciting new chapter and will be taking to the pitch under the guidance of new coach, Cris Clarke. 

In last year’s regionals, it was anyone’s trophy with an epic Amanzimtoti three-way duel developing between Amanzimtoti, Kingsway and Kuswag, with Toti knocking one goal against Kuswag to claim 2017 victory. In the build up to this year’s tournament, Kingsway and Kuswag have stretched their legs at the Scottburgh Festival held two weekends ago. Kuswag drew in all three of their games, and Kingsway faired marginally better with two nil nil draws and one victory against Scottburgh.

Taking to the field for this regional; Pool A consists of host, Kuswag; together with Amanzimtoti; Grosvenor and Rossburgh. In Pool B are Werda; Kingsway; Queensburgh and New Forest. The games are 23 minutes long with a one minute change over at half time. Once the pool games are concluded, the tournament advances to a cross pool play off with the two semi-finals taking place. Once the semis are done and dusted the third and fourth positions will be played for with the main game taking place mid-afternoon.

The Durban South Regional is certainly one of the most festive tournaments in the KZN area with all teams showing off not only their hockey skills but dance skills too, taking to the pitch for a dance-off in flash mob style in previous years.  

Encouraging everyone to bring their A game to the regional, on the day, the tournament also awards the Most Promising Umpire. Scouts for Varsity College also travel around to all ten regionals tournaments and at the Grand Finals award hockey bursaries. Last year, the Durban South player Phiwo Myeza, 2017 Captain for Amanzimtoti High School was one of the lucky recipients of this bursary.

The winner of the Durban South Regional will be the fifth team to secure their spot at the Grand Finals taking place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof at the end of July. Teams that have already secured their place are Ferrum Hoërskool from the Northern KZN Regional, newcomer Epworth School from PMB Central Regional, St Anne’s Diocesan from PMB Northern Regional and the winning team from the Durban Central Regional which takes place this weekend (Saturday 17 March). 

For more info visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - PMB Central Regional Results

Pietermaritzburg Central Regional

Pietermaritzburg Girls High School: Saturday 10 March

 

The second tournament of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge welcomes a new regional winner after Epworth School dethroned the defending champions in the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional that took place at Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School on Saturday 10 March.

Epworth School took on defending champs, St John’s DSG in the first pool game of the day and in the final. At the end of both whistles, the scoreline was unchanged with neither team managing to net a goal. In both, St John’s held slightly more possession, firing off a handful of unsuccessful chances not finding the back of the net.

In the main game, the hanging result went to a penalty shoot out with three players from each team lining up in an attempt to seal the win for their team. St John’s DSG bravely stepped up first, with Christin Stubbs’ attack shaving the outside of the post. Epworth’s Tayla-Jade Weiss stepped up to the plate, charging forward and edging the ball into the goals. In a replay of their first attempt, St John’s second shot taken by Laiken Peters sadly also shaved the outside of the upright. Epworth’s Emma-Jane Smythe advanced determinedly, drawing the St John’s keeper Courtney Dyssell right, and successfully rolling the ball under Dyssell’s defensive dive. 

In the final round of the 8 second penalties, both attempts didn’t find the back of the box. The final score was 2-0 in Epworth’s favour.

Coach for Epworth, Kegan Walters said, “This was my first time coaching the team and within this tournament, so I am very pleased with their win. This is a new team with loads of talent, and enthusiasm and we are getting to a point where we are playing exciting hockey. They fared very well, considering this was their second time playing together, after a tough match against St Mary’s on Thursday last week. We are hoping that loads of positive things come from this."

St John’s DSG coach Lyndall ‘Binks’ Robertson said, “The team played positively, but at the end of the day you have to put the ball in the back of the box. I was pleased with how they played, it was a good pre-season start and we are excited about the league season ahead.”

The tournament had the format of pool games, with the top two teams of both pools squaring off in the semi-finals. First up were 2017 winners, St John’s who met Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. Girls’ High had dominated the region winning the title six consecutive times since its inception. Paige McGladdery from St John’s knocked in the only goal, advancing her team to the finals.

In the second semi, Epworth took on Howick High School. Emma- Ane Smythe and Emily Cobbald both netted goals for their team, Epworth with the final whistle resulting in a 2-0 win. 

68 goals were scored in the twelve pool games that lasted 25 minutes each, with a change over after 12 minutes. 

Stars of the day were newcomers Newton High School who in their defeat showed magnificent team spirit throughout the day.

Most Promising Umpire was awarded to Howick High School’s May Mazibuko. A very strict Mazibuko officiated the final in fine fashion, flashing a green card in the second half.

Epworth School joins winners of the Northern KZN Regional Ferrum High School, the first team to advance through to the Grand Finals. The next tournament takes place at 3 Schools Trust this coming weekend with St Henry’s hosting the Durban Central Regional.

Results:

1 Epworth School, 2 St John’s DSG, 3= Pietermaritzburg High School, 3= Howick High School, 5 Alexandra High School, 6 Russel High School, 7 Maritzburg Christian College, 8 Newtown High School

SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge - Durban Central Regional

Durban Central Regional hosted by St Henry’s

3 Schools Trust: Saturday, March 17

It has been seven years of seamless victory for Durban Girls’ College in the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge. 

Since the tournament’s inception the school has held a tight grip on the regional honours, as well as claiming victory in three out of seven Grand Finals.

Participating teams will be itching to challenge DGC’s stronghold in this regional to be hosted by St Henry’s at the 3 Schools’ Trust astroturf in Glenwood on Saturday, March 17 from 07:30am.

Seven central Durban schools will take to the astro including defending champs Durban Girls College, Durban Girls' High School, Inanda Seminary, Hoërskool Port Natal, Maris Stella, Ridge Park High School and hosts, St Henry’s.

Speaking from the sidelines during team selections, Durban Girls’ College coach Kerry Gaze said, “We will pretty much have a similar team to last year, as we only lost two matrics. It is looking good. The indoor league has provided us with some good games, and we have enough time to prepare for this regional. We are looking forward to it.” Gaze is supported by seasoned hockey coach Bell Meek, who will manage the team.

The tournament will take the form of a round robin with a total of 21 games being played. Each game is played one-way and lasts 20 minutes. A win will get a team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss 0. First and second places will then go head to head in a final match to determine the Durban Central champs.

The winning team will join nine other teams from regionals around KZN at the Grand Finals, which takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on July 21 and 22. The first team to reserve a spot at the finals is Ferrum High School, winners of the recently played Northern KZN regional. The PMB Central and PMB North regionals will take place this weekend on March 10 and 11 at Pietermaritzburg Girls High and St Anne’s respectively.

For more info like the tournament's Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge

PMB Central Regional: Saturday 10 March at PMB Girls’ High

PMB Northern Regional: Sunday 11 March at St Anne’s College

The eighth SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge tournament heads to Pietermaritzburg for the back-to-back Central and Northern Regionals on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 March.

Defending the Central Regional, St John’s DSG are determined to remain champions. The first team was announced last week and is looking defensively good. Leading the team is coach Binks Robertson, with Tiffany Jones as assistant coach / manager. Jones has played in the Premier Hockey League and also for KZN Coastals and prides herself on her attacking game.

Defending the Northern Regional, St Anne’s sterling record in this tournament has their name engraved six times on the trophy. With new coach, Robin Jones, the young and enthusiastic team are eager to return to the Grand Finals. Having just returned from Berlin, Jones competed in the recent Indoor World Cup where the South African men finished eleventh overall. 

Joining the Yellow Sticks are previous champs, Pietermaritzburg Girl’s High School who have an impeccable record in this tournament with six regional victories, Epworth, Alex, Howick, Russel, Maritzburg Christian School (M.C.S.) and making their first appearance Newton High. 

The programme for the PMB Central Regional hosted by PMB GHS is a pool format, with St John’s, Epworth, Alex and Newton in the first pool and PMB GHS, Howick, Russel and MCS in the second. Once the pool games are completed, the tournament progresses to a cross pool semi-final, followed by a fourth, then third pool playoff, with the regional final ending off the day.

Hosts, St Anne’s have scheduled a round robin tournament for the PMB Northern Regional. Schools that will be participating are one-time winner, The Wykeham Collegiate, Carter, Grace College, Treverton and Voortrekker. The regional final will feature the first and second on the Round Robin log. 

Both tournaments will score 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw with goals, 1 point for a goalless draw and nil points for a loss. Games in both tournaments will be 25 minutes long. 

The two regional winners will join Ferrum Hoërskool, representing the Northern KZN Region, the first team to secure their berth at the Grand Finals at St Mary’s DSG on 21 and 22 July. 

For more info, like the tournament’s Facebook page. 

 

SPAR KZN School Girl's Hockey Challenge - Glencoe

Kicking off the first tournament in the eighth year of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge, the defending champs, Ferrum Hoërskool managed to retain their title in the Northern KZN Regional that took place at Sarel Cilliers High School in Glencoe.

Ferrum took on Pionier in the gold silver medal game. In a tough duel, Ferrum netted the winning goal with 11.5 minutes on the clock. The only goal scorer in the main game, vice-captain, Lucretia Struwig found the net in free play after a frenetic build up with the ball sneaking past the keeper. Struwig had a good attacking tournament, setting the tone with scoring the first goal in the tournament and then following on taking her team through in the semi-finals with the only goal scored early in the game against Sarel Cilliers. 

Pionier started off in a determined fashion but sadly ran out of steam once the Ferrum ball hit the back of their goal. Having had a sterling build up to the finals, the team topped their pool with three impressive wins, and 13 goals in their three games. They met St Dominics in the semi-final winning that game 1-0, taking them into their second successive final.

Pionier’s coach K.J. Ewert said that the girls did their school proud in the tournament and were obviously disappointed at not being able to eclipse Ferrum High’s winning streak. “They played extremely well to have got into the finals of this regional, and it was a good opportunity for us, but unfortunately it was not to be. The good score card will show that it was a heavily contested regional,” he said.

In a feisty replay of last year’s final where Ferrum managed a 2-1 win against Pionier reclaiming their stronghold in this region. A determined outfit took to the field in this year’s SPAR KZN tournament where Ferrum surged forwards but were unable to break the quietly determined Pionier defense barring their tournament-winning goal. 

Dean Bond, Ferrum’s coach, delighted with his team’s win said “There were big expectations for Ferrum as defending champs. We had lost 8 players from last year’s team, so we knew we had to work hard for it.  But it was a total team effort. We put in the hours and the results have paid off. The girls really played with their hearts on their sleeves in this incredible heat.”

For the first time in the history of the tournament, St Domimics finished on a podium step, having defeated one-time winners Sarel Cilliers for the bronze title. St Dominics ended their 2018 tournament with a 2 nil victory against the host school.

Nine schools took to the field participating in the sweltering northern KZN heat, with Pool A consisting of Ferrum in first, St Dominics, third placed Dundee, Vryheid High and Pongola and Pool B with Pionier, Sarel Cilliers, Newcastle and Vryheid Landbou.

The first umpire in the eighth tournament to be awarded Most Promising Umpire, Piet Retief resident Mia Steenkamp representing Pionier has been invited to further her umpiring career at the Grand Finals at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July.

The next tournament takes place on 10 March with the first of the Pietermaritzburg tournaments, the PMB Central, followed by the PMB Northern Regional on the next day.

Results

1 Ferrum High School, 2 Pionier Hoërskool, 3 St Dominics College, 4 Sarel Cilliers High School, 5 Newcastle High School, 6 Dundee High School, 7 Vryheid High School, 8 Vryheid Landbou, 9 Pongola Akademie

 

SPAR KZN School Girl’s Hockey Challenge - Sarel Cilliers - Glencoe KZN: Saturday 24 February

SPAR KZN School Girl’s Hockey Challenge

Sarel Cilliers: Saturday 24 February

 

The fixtures for the first SPAR KZN School Girl’s Hockey Challenge have been released with both the host team and one-time winners, Sarel Cilliers and defending champs teeing off the tournament.

 

The Northern KZN Regional is taking place on two turfs at Sarel Cilliers, with the games lasting 25 minutes, going one way. The ten teams have been split into two pools, with Pool A consisting of six times winner, Ferrum High School from Newcastle and Dundee High School, Pongola Akademie, St Dominic’s and Vryheid High School. Pool B features Utrecht, Newcastle, Pionier, Vryheid Landbou and hosts, Sarel Cilliers.

 

Once all the pool games are concluded, the teams will go into a cross pool elimination. After that, there will be a bronze playoff game and then the main game of the day revealing the 2018 champion for the Northern KZN region.

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.

 

ENDS

 

Realness Announces Award Winners and New Partnership with Toronto International Film Festival

Realness Residency is a Pan-African screenwriting initiative. It is seeking diversity in contemporary African perspectives, encouraging risk-taking, originality and authenticity. This ethos has been demonstrated once more by the success of alumnus Luck Razanajaona (Madagascar) at CineMart in Rotterdam where his Realness project Disco Afrika won the Wouter Barendrecht Award of €5,000 given to a director under 35-years-old last night.  

“We have once again achieved our target of over 120 submissions and are excited to start the evaluation process. We look forward to welcoming our 2018 residents to their home-away-from-home at Nirox in June.” said Realness co-founder Elias Ribeiro. “Since its launch, the residency has nurtured ten African writers from eight countries on the continent, growing into an impactful centre that fosters emerging talent and that is recognised throughout the film community.” co-founder Cait Pansegrouw went on to say.

Ribeiro and Pansegrouw’s production company Urucu Media produced The Wound, the most awarded South African film ever made, which was shortlisted to the top nine in the 2018 Best Foreign Film category of the Academy Awards. The Wound has found distribution in over 30 countries around the world and has been acquisitioned by the likes of HBO, Netflix and Mnet. They also co-produced the Mozambican Oscars entry, The Train of Salt and Sugar. 
“It’s very good to start your project in this kind of residency programme. It has a great reputation so it gives you more credibility and introduces you to potential producers and funders.” 2017 Resident Rama Thiaw, Senegal. Through Realness’s partnership with other labs and development platforms, its residents are considered for various scholarship awards to platforms that will further their creative progress. The 2017 results are as follows:
Locarno Filmmaker’s Academy: Miles from Nowhere, Samantha Nell (South Africa)
TorinoFilmLab: The Kingdom of Casaurinas, Fradique Mario Bastos (Angola)
EAVE Producer’s Workshop: Miles from Nowhere, Samantha Nell (South Africa), attended by producer Bongiwe Selane
The award to attend La Fabrique Cinema de L’Instituit Francais in Cannes will be announced in March.
Swiss production company Cocoon, lead by producer Simone Soleil, awarded each participant with a 1000 euro stipend to assist with their real-world costs while in residence.

Realness is also proud to announce a new partnership with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The festival will award a resident with a flight, festival pass and personalised itinerary allowing them maximum professional development during their time at TIFF.
Realness was founded in 2015 by Urucu Media, presented under the mentorship of Berlinale Talents, in partnership with Nirox Foundation, Durban FilmMart, The French Institute of South Africa and La Fabrique Cinema de L’Instituit Francais, TorinoFilmLab, Locarno Filmmaker’s Academy, Cocoon, Toronto International Film Festival, The CNC, EAVE and Fairbridges Attorneys.  

Links
Website: www.urucumedia.com/realness  
Twitter @realresidency
Instagram @realnessresidency
Facebook /realnessresidency

About Realness
Realness arose out of a need for promising African film projects to be resourced and supported at the crucial development phase so that they may be competitive in the international film financing market. The residency programme creates opportunity for creative interrogation and ensures that projects are given the space to mature sufficiently; such that, once they enter production, they result in films that have the potential to travel and appeal to both African and worldwide independent cinema audiences. Realness strives to empower African authors to tell stories through an African lens. 

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Issued by Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

PR for DFM & DFO

AmaZulu FC to meet Fans in City ahead of Durban Derby

Fans of SPAR’s AmaZulu FC will have an opportunity to meet their favourite players on Friday, February 2 ahead of the exciting Durban Derby between them and Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday, February 3.

The full team will be based at the Workshop Shopping Centre, Amphitheatre in Durban on Friday from 12noon to 2pm (thereafter ten members will remain behind until 3pm) to sign autographs and meet their fans. Sponsors, SPAR are laying on a fun afternoon of entertainment, which will be hosted by Nompilo Maphumulo (Nosipho) and Nombuso Thembinkosi Thwala (Mondli) from SA’s top soapie – Uzalo. A stellar line-up of performers will provide the tunes and vibes for the afternoon including DJ Nzwiri, Kwaito artist Ndah Jay, Rapper, Zee Gee, DJ Tira and Amadada who promise a great interactive time with their audience.

There will be a dance off competition judged by players Mbongeni Gumede and Thembela Sikhakhane, plus a football play off between players Michael Morton, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Mabhuti Khenyeza and Jabulani Ncobeni who will pair up with two fans in a ball juggling competition. There will be loads of giveaways and great prizes to be won.

At the Workshop, supporters will also be able to enter into a SPAR’s Durban-based in-store competition in which three lucky winners will win a signed AmaZulu jersey, VIP tickets to a forthcoming AmaZulu game and lunch with celebrated ABSA Premiership’s all-time leading goal scorer, Siyabonga Nomvethe.

The popular SA Premier Soccer League team will be going head to head against Lamontville Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, on Saturday, February 3 at 20:15, and are actively encouraging their supporters to come out in full force, a huge motivator for the teams playing.

 

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge 2018

Rolling into its eighth year, the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge kicks off in Glencoe, at the end of February 2018 with the first of ten regional tournaments.

One time winners, Sarel Cilliers will host the first regional at their school on Saturday 24 February. An anticipated 12 schools are expected to battle it out, including six time winners, Ferrum High School from Newcastle.

In previous years, the Pietermaritzburg Central and Pietermaritzburg Northern regionals were held on the same day, however, this year both these regions will have their own day in the sunshine.

The only newcomers to the Grand Finals last year, St John’s DSG will have home turf advantage as they defend their PMB Central Regional title on 10 March. The following day, St Anne’s College welcomes the teams participating in the PMB Northern Regional to their picturesque grounds. No stranger to the Grand Finals, St Anne’s will also have home ground advantage, having won their regional six times.

Heading to the first of the Durban and surrounds regionals, St Henry’s hosts the Durban Central Regional at the 3 Schools Trust on Saturday 17 March. This tournament has been dominated by Durban Girls’ College, the only team in the tournament’s history to have a 100% record.  

Kuswag hosts the Durban South Regional on completely neutral territory at the 3 Schools Trust Astro on Sunday 25 March. Kuswag School has previously participated at the Grand Finals and will be keen to make an appearance, releasing the stronghold Amanzimtoti High School have had on the region.

The sixth regional takes place after a two week break with Reddam College hosting the Durban North Regional at their school on Sunday 15 April. Our Lady of Fatima will be defending their title, having won this title in the first tournament, and again last year. They will be keen to hold out previous winners Ashton and Danville.

The tournament then travels to the outlying areas. On Saturday 21 April former defending champs, Kokstad College will host the Southern KZN Regional at their school. Three teams have raised the trophy in this region, with current defending champs and three times winners, King Edward High School taking on rivals, Kokstad College and Creston College who have both twice travelled to the Grand Finals.

Returning to Durban, and certainly the feistiest of the regional tournaments, the Highway Regional will be hosted by Westville Girls’ High School on Sunday 6 May. In 2014, Westville managed to topple St Mary’s DSG in a thrilling game where they won 2-1. Saints have dominated the region, winning it six times and adding to their impressive successes, they are also the overall 2017 Grand Finals tournament winners.

Travelling inland for the second last tournament, Wartburg Kirchdorf will defend their title at home on Saturday 12 May, hosting the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional.

Finally, the last regional will be competed in Richards Bay for the North Coastal Regional. Defending champs, Grantleigh will host the tournament again, on their magnificent turf, just outside of Richards Bay. The tournament takes place on Saturday 19 May concluding the ten KZN Regionals.

Once all the regional winners have been crowned, they will each travel to the action packed Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 20 and 21 July.

For more info like the tournament’s active Facebook page.

Memorias Flamenca 14 - 17 December 2017

The Linda Vargas Spanish Dance Company have become a well established institution of Durban. Since its inception 35 years ago they have used innovation, creativity and the highest standards of professionalism to build a loyal and extensive following of Spanish dance in South Africa – whilst developing a style and ethos that is also unique to Durban, where all its performers have come from.

In 2017 the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company began celebrating its 35th Anniversary with a guest appearance in the 25th Anniversary Shall We Dance production. The Company continue their year long celebration, with their annual showcase at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music: Memorias Flamenca from the 14th – 17th December 2017.

The celebrations will culminate in their 35th Anniversary Gala production at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in July 2018. This Gala production will be a celebration of the Linda Vargas Company's 35 years of creativity and will bring together the best in terms of dancers, musicians and choreography. It will explore the diverse range of the company repertoire both musically and stylistically and will showcase the legacy and contribution that this company has achieved since its inception 35 years ago.

Memorias Flamenca will begin taking audiences down memory lane as we look back at our legacy of 35 years. The show will include fresh interpretations of previous highlights, some old favourites, as well as new contemporary choreographies. Memorias Flamenca sees the launch of Linda Vargas’s new young dancers project: Siyanda (isiZulu for “we are expanding”).  The show will also include guest appearances by members of the Flamenco Del Sur Company from Cape Town – headed by Linda’s sister Juana Vargas. There are only 4 performances, which usually sell out very quickly, so book early to avoid this treat not to be missed!

Memorias Flamenca will once again be backed by Demi Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves, these world renowned musicians in their own right who will also present new musical arrangements alongside the dance. Their unique style and talent continue to leave audiences spellbound. They are joined by Bryan Stone on percussion and feature live singing by Gemma Schumann. It will be a joyous exploration of the past and the future which remains grounded in the company’s rich legacy to dance in South Africa.

In the early years, the Linda Vargas Company included a variety of styles of Spanish Dance in their productions, including classical, neo classical, regional and flamenco. Subsequently the Company became more specialised in flamenco. They began their journey in great opera productions at The Playhouse Theatre in Durban and the State Theatre in Pretoria. Linda was invited to choreograph and perform in the international production of “Carmen”, where she worked with the world renowned director of the London Opera, Sir Michael Rennison. Linda and her company produced their first major production at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre where they were invited to perform as part of the Federico Garcia Lorca Festival in 1986. Subsequently the company were invited to participate in the grand opening of the Playhouse Theatre Complex in the mid 80’s, from where they produced numerous productions in association with the Playhouse Theatre over the 35 years.

The multicultural fusion of music and dance which gave rise to flamenco stands testament to the power and beauty of cultural fusion in art and inspired their choreography and production of “Desert Flowers” at the Playhouse Drama Theatre in 2004. This production received critical acclaim for its pioneer work in fusion of dance styles. It comprised a cast of over 30 dancers from Indian, African, Classical Ballet and Flamenco genres. Demi Fernandez composed the original music score which was performed Durban’s leading musicians. The Linda Vargas Company has continued to include fusion choreography in its more recent productions while always remaining true to the original essence and purity of the Spanish Classical and Flamenco forms.

Linda and Company have made rich contributions to the Dance culture in Durban and have toured South Africa extensively. They have participated in numerous collaborative productions with The Playhouse Dance Company, NAPAC, PACT, and CAPAB, Siwele Sonke Dance Theatre, Fantastic Flying Fish Dance Company, Mercedes Molina Spanish Dance Theatre and the annual Shall We Dance showcase. Linda has worked with renowned choreographers such as David Gouldie, Ashley Killar, Mark Hawkins, Hazel Acosta, Gerard Samuel, Jay Pather, Neville Letard, Rhoda Rivkind, and Mavis Becker. Linda and her company have been invited numerous times to perform for the Spanish Embassy in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Pretoria, and Cape Town. They have participated in numerous outreach projects and educational workshops at schools and continue to promote  Dance and Culture at every opportunity.

Neil Gonsalves holds a Master’s degree in Music and currently lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has performed in various national music festivals with numerous South Africa jazz and Afro-beat luminaries as well as his own band, Tonk. He has also toured internationally, including a 4 year stint as part of Johnny Clegg’s band. He has released a solo album “North Facing” which represents a blend of modern South African and Nordic Jazz.

Demi Fernandez was born in Brazil of Spanish Parents and spent many years living and performing in Flamenco Tablaos in Spain. Demi has also appeared as leading flamenco guitarist with numerous South African and international Spanish Dance Companies.  He is resident guitarist for the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company and Alianza Flamenca. He has composed musical scores for several SABC TV productions and also appeared in numerous productions including “Guitars for Africa” in Durban and at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. He currently lectures in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Jazz programme.

Memorias Flamenca runs at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus from 14 - 17 December 2017. Performances are nightly at 7pm and on Sunday the 17 December at 3pm. Entrance Fee is R130 (R100 students / pensioners). Bookings through Linda on: lindavargasflamenco@gmail.com or 031-201 0750 (mornings only). Tickets are limited for each performance so advanced booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Digital Battle at DigiFest 4 (6 – 11 November)

It's all out War in the first Digital Battle at DigiFest 4

Durban University Of Technology

6 – 11 November

 

Digifest 4, the Annual Arts and Design Digital Festival, which takes place at the Durban University of Technology, is hosting a Digital Battle on November 11 and is making a call for participants.

 

DigiFest is a public event that takes place from 6 to 11 November and features a packed programme of creative activations across a variety of genres.  The Digital Battle, a digital design tournament, is a major feature at this year’s event, which sees creatives come together in a live head-to-head design tournament where participants can flex their skills in front of an audience. 

 

The Battle takes place at the DUT Gallery, on the Steve Biko Campus  (Steve Biko Road) on November 11 from 5pm to 9pm, and competitors will engage in a battle of their choice including 2D design, animation, character design and video editing, and there are some awesome prizes up for grabs.

 

“This is really about the coming together of great creative minds to have a whole lot of fun, while under some open scrutiny and a peer pressure,” quips Festival Manager, Steve Jones. “With the theme of DigiFest this year being “glitch”, a celebration of malfunctions, technical mishaps and imperfections in systems, the end results of this Digital Battle could be quite interesting, as designers have an open door to go for it.”

 

Entries are open to anyone interested, especially digital designers, creative designers, art directors, 2D and 3D designers, animators and graphic designers. Entries close on November 9. Go to www.designbattles.co.za/durban.html to sign up.

 

All are welcome and entrance is free to the Digifest, with exception of 11 November events at Steve Biko where tickets will be free for students and R40 for the public at the door.

 

The full programme can be found on the website digifest.dut.ac.za.

 

Instagram: dutdigifest_

Twitter: @DigitalArtFest

Facebook: DUTDigiFest

 

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