Pretoria - Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina has urged Canadian business people to invest in the South African film and television industry.
“There is no better time for you to invest in the South African film and television industry than now. South Africa is a perfect location for film productions,” said the Deputy Minister.
He said the South African government was committed to supporting the country’s film and television industry in order to stimulate its growth because it recognised its importance in creating employment opportunities.
Government spent about R850 million supporting the industry last year.
“We give you the assurance that now and beyond the South African government will give you the support that you require to produce films in South Africa,” he said.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at a networking session on the sidelines of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) currently underway in Canada.
Twenty South African filmmakers, who have been funded by the department to participate in the festival, which runs from 10-20 September 2015, also participated in the session.
The Deputy Minister said he was on a mission to woo major role-players in the Canadian film industry to invest in South Africa, adding that the country has good film production facilities and outstanding human capabilities.
Deputy Minister Masina urged Canadian and South African filmmakers to take advantage of the co-production agreement that the two countries have signed and work together on co-productions in order to benefit from the financial support provided by government.
“We are inspired by the investment that the Canadians have been making since the signing of the co-production treaty. We are committed to working with you to access the market beyond South Africa. We are part of the Africa continent and BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA] as an economic block.
“We can work together in exploring the multiple opportunities provided by Nollywood and Bollywood and take the film industries in South Africa and Canada to the highest level,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
