Pretoria – Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina has encouraged production houses at the 68th Annual Cannes International Film Festival to use South Africa as a location for films.
He said during the Cannes International Film Festival on Wednesday that South Africa had signed a co-production treaty with France.
“This agreement serves as a driver from which France can contribute to the expansion of the film, television, video production and distribution industries of both countries,” Deputy Minister Masina said.
The co-production treaty also serves to enhance the development of cultural and economic exchanges.
Deputy Minister Masina’s visit to France also aimed at exposing emerging black filmmakers to international markets, distributors, funders and producers with the intention of transforming and growing the South African film industry.
He is leading a delegation of 20 emerging black filmmakers to the film festival.
“The 20 filmmakers were funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. They will participate in a producers’ network and workshop sessions,” Department spokesperson Sidwell Medupe said.
He said Deputy Minister Masina’s programme include meetings with the United States of America studio, Lions Gate, as well as with Axiom, a leading United Kingdom-based production, distribution and sales company.
The Deputy Minister will also hold meetings with international producers from different countries during the film festival which runs from13 May – 24 May. – SAnews.gov.za
