General Notices

Mossel Bay , Garden Route (July 2023) – The Garden Route International Film Festival (GRIFF) showcases a diverse range of local, national, and international films, including features, short films and documentaries. This year’s festival takes place at Diaz Beach Hotel & Resort in Mossel Bay from August 2 to 5. Read on to find out why it’s not only for those already in the film industry.

GRIFF provides a platform for filmmakers to present their work, while fostering cultural exchange and appreciation of the art of filmmaking. The festival includes screenings, workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, allowing filmmakers and film enthusiasts to engage and connect.

The event kicks off with a Green Carpet Opening Night, including a film screening, on Wednesday August 2. The line-up from Thursday to Saturday include daily films shown on big screens, workshops, seminars, networking functions, and youth training courses in various film-related disciplines.

A must-do on Thursday August 3 will be an evening of Music of the Movies, with not only musical entertainment but also a movie quiz, wine tasting, and film screening. The Friday night’s live music show, Denim and Diamonds, is a tribute to Neil Diamond and also features a tasting and screening.

The event concludes on the evening of Saturday the 5th, with an awards and closing function. But leading up to that grand finale will be an incredible amount of information sharing, most notably among those involved in the value chain of filmmaking, such as service providers and suppliers.

The GRIFF Industry Program guides businesses to benefit from this booming trade’s supply chain. In 2022, about R36-million of was poured directly into the district through film production; on the receiving end were suppliers of accommodation, catering, medical services, transport hire, and photography.

Also in the value chain are those who provide building materials and props, purchased from over 200 retailers and suppliers. In addition, local crews are trained and available to work on productions in the region.

The Industry Program offers a range of workshops, presentations, and panel discussions, led by industry experts. These sessions cover an array of topics related to filmmaking, such as screenwriting techniques, job opportunities in film, social media, film tourism and financing, distribution strategies, cinematography tips, and emerging trends.

The GRIFF Youth Program targets ages 13-18, with various workshops and amazing movies to view at no cost, from August 3-5. Further information will be posted on social media, in the press and through Mossel Bay Tourism. Visit www.griff.co.za to get your VIP Pass, movie and event tickets, and for additional information.

Press release:
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The Garden Route Film Commission (GRFC) has a key objective to promote the district as a favourable destination for film productions, increase investment in film, attract foreign producers and promote the unique characteristics of the Garden Route Film industry.

The GRFC will be embarking on a road trip around the district to inform businesses, home owners and suppliers on the benefits of working with the film industry and also the safeguards that are in place in the industry to make it easier to do business with filmmakers. The GRFC is creating a series of self-help topics available to the public via their website FAQ section.

List your property for free with the GRFC

The GRFC website was founded with the idea of streamlining and simplifying the location booking process by creating a central point for the Garden Route for filmmakers to find locations, homes, businesses and suppliers to supply their productions.   Registration is free on the site and GRFC can assist you with the enquiry. Simply follow the steps on the FAQ section of our website or send the following to us:

– 4-8 photographs of your home, location or activity

– Main contact Email and number (Number will not be published unless you want it to)

– 100 words about the property/location/activity for example how many bedrooms.

– Location coordinates (Google Maps is fine) and which Municipality you are in.

Enquiries will come directly to you and the film commission will assist you in what to charge and expectations including the correct industry standard location contracts which differ from normal rental agreements. Email the information to admin@gardenroutefilmcommission.com

“The GRFC has a database of over 20 000 industry/business and supplier contacts to which we promote and market the region for film locally, nationally and internationally giving unprecedented exposure on a film/tourism level to our members.”

The majority of film shoots are not restricted to one area and nor should your location only be promoted on one platform. Ours is an emerging industry with fewer enquiries so you need to spread your location across a number of sites.

Agents for Film Locations

There are dedicated agents who deal with film locations, but always ensure they are known in the industry and understand the scope of film genres and impact a film crew will have on your property. List with a few agents including some in Cape Town, JHB and KZN to widen the spread and include the link to your profile on the GRFC site.

There are key questions about the enquiry you should know. For example what country is it coming from and the name of the production which you should keep confidential, but then you can at least research and ensure it’s the type of production you want in your home.

Contracting with an agent is very important also. The GRFC recommends strongly not giving exclusivity as the industry is still growing in the Garden Route District and it will curb your ability to obtain work as enquires can come from various sources. This is again why the GRFC has created a dedicated portal for producers to source from which is marketed to industry ongoing steering enquiries to the site.

Agents for film locations will charge a fee. This fee can be a finder’s fee or a booking fee. This fee should only apply if they secure the booking for your property. This is usually a % of the booking. There are agents charging as high as 20%-30% and should be avoided. The Garden Route Film Industry is starting to grow but we are always mindful of out pricing ourselves against major cities like Cape Town.

You as the property owner need to get out what you are comfortable with and an excessive Agency markup on top of that, could price your location out and lose the production to the region.

The GRFC recommends for the interim growth period an agency fee of no more than 5%- 10% depending on the scale and duration of the production.

Always remember you have the option of going through an agent if more comfortable with that or once introduced through an agent dealing directly after that with the client. It is also important that an agent come to you with every offer and not screen offers if they feel they are not high enough. There are times when financially work of even a small amount would be beneficial.

This is again where an agent needs to understand the scope and type of productions and their budgets to maximise your rentals. Fixed pricing on a location does not work with the film industry. There is a strong tendency for agents to inflate pricing which does long term damage to the area.

Location Scout or Production person may approach you direct

This is very standard in the industry as location scouts move around an area looking for properties that fit the brief they have been given. A location scout who is directly attached to a production, will not charge a commission to you if your property is selected and will negotiate directly with you on the price. This is normal and they are paid directly by production for sourcing the locations.

The GRFC is here to assist if you need assistance with these negotiations. Some location scouts work independently and build a portfolio of relationships directly with locations. In this instances the location scouts agree a finder’s fee with locations they represent and again we advise this not being higher than 5%-10% depending on duration and size of the booking.

“It is vital that an emerging film industry not out price themselves against other established film destinations. Pricing and Value is key to increasing production and growing the sector”

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS AROUND THE PROCESS

Locations are abundant for film, but it’s the script or format that dictates what a production is looking for.

Booking Inquiry and Recce

Many locations are initially selected on-line as a Wishlist to present to a director. Thereafter you may expect a scout or representative of the production to come and photograph the location.

Agents who represent film understand how to photograph a location and information required to fast track the process. Touristic pictures don’t necessarily work as there are often other technical or environmental factors to consider.

Should your property be short listed then the next step would be a “Recce” which in film speak involves production coming to your property to see if it is suitable. It is very rare that a property be booked solely online unless the production has used it before.

As owners you should be equipped to ask questions relevant to the booking. GRFC can assist with this.

Booking your location

This is the critical stage where understanding and knowledge of how the industry works are vital to ensure you are covered and not left with outstanding payments. In addition it is important to understand the different types of productions in order to correctly manage your expectations on price and ensure your property becomes known to the industry as ‘film friendly’.

The GRFC will be embarking on a roadshow in this quarter to address locations with local suppliers, please keep an eye on our social media.

Preparing the Location

In most instances the production contact will give you information on what you may need to do in the days prior to the shoot taking place. Pack away valuables, remove items of furniture discussed with you, paintings off walls etc. It is essential to get these instructions in writing and also insist that a pre- inspection be done together with photographs and a post inspection after the shoot.

A copy of the productions insurance should be given to you so that you are confident damage can be covered for all instances.

Shooting at your Location 

In most instances you will need to leave your home for the day or the duration. You cannot be prevented from returning to your property during filming but for both parties it is less stressful if production is able to work in isolation. At any point however you can and should contact your production contact, film scout or agent should you identify something not agreed or are uncomfortable with something.

Production has a vested interest in addressing any concerns you may have immediately so that they can continue filming.

Completion of Shooting

Once the shoot is completed and you have concluded your post inspection and agreed to any loss or damage as per the contract, production will restore your home to its original state that they found it in. It is their responsibility to remove all waste and make repairs if required.

The GRFC is here to assist. It is important to us that locations be dealt with and compensated fairly to avoid any reputation damage to an industry that has already brought much needed economic spend into the area.

As the public we also rely on you to inform us if there is filming happening in your area so that we can ensure the correct permits are in place to maintain responsible filming in the region in line with the Draft Film Policy approved by the Garden Route District Municipality.

There are bylaws in place and clauses in the policy especially designed to protect the region and give guidance to what are the standard and correct procedures for film.

admin@gardenroutefilmcommission.com

info@gardenroutefilmcommission.com

Date: 18 October 2021

Speaker Patrick Walton

Nominations and RSVP to reach us by 15 October 2021

Email: rene@gardenroutefilmoffice.com

Link will be sent shortly after RSVP.

Topic:

Garden Route Film Readiness

Description:

Wesgro, in collaboration with the Garden Route International Film Festival will be hosting a webinar with the acting chairperson of the Garden Route Film Commission, Patrick Walton. Monica Rorvik, Head of Wesgro’s Film and Media Promotion unit will give an overview on film readiness in the Western Cape, with the Garden Route Film Commission presenting on their film readiness and the launch of their new online permitting system.

Time:

Sep 28, 2021 01:00 PM in Johannesburg

Webinar Registration

Are you a filmmaker or enthusiast looking for your next project? We want you!

It’s time for the annual 48 Hour Film Race. We call on all filmmakers to join this event and have an epic weekend.

The Film Race is a crazy, fun-filled weekend in which you have 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a movie. On Friday night, each team/individual will receive the genre, prop, and line of dialogue to include in their film. On Sunday night, the film is submitted digitally online. The best films will be screened at the Garden Route International Film Festival from 28 . 
What makes it even better is that there are great prizes to be won. 

The Film Race aims to afford filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their talent and get everyone excited to make movies in the Garden Route.
The kick-off event will be streamed live via Facebook and YouTube on Friday 17 September at 6 PM where we will give some last-minute tips and announce the start of the event. The genre, prop, and line of dialogue will be sent to teams/individuals via email at 7 PM.

How It Works:

Who can enter?
Anyone who wants to make a movie can enter the race.
You can enter as an individual or as a team. 

Categories:
• Amateur
You are only allowed to use a mobile phone for filming and only use natural or existing light. You may use a microphone that is plugged into the phone. You are not allowed to use any type of grips other than a tripod. Editing can be done on the phone, a tablet, or a PC. You can ONLY use royalty-free music and SFX.
• Semi-Pro
You are allowed to film with a DSLR or consumer-level handy cam. You are allowed to record audio with any type of microphone but recording must be done directly onto the camera while you shoot video. You are allowed to use lights, a tripod and a gimbal. NO DRONE footage allowed. You can edit on any device, but you are not allowed to make use of any visual effects that do not come standard with the editing program that you decide to use. You can ONLY use royalty-free music and SFX.
• Professional
For this category, it is pretty much open season. You can shoot on any camera and use any grips, audio gear, and lighting. There is no limit on editing and visual effects. You are allowed to use a drone but ONLY if you can legally fly it within CAA rules. 

When?
17-19 September 2021.
Registration closes at 12 PM on the 15th of September 2021.

Duration?
3 (Minimum) – 5 (Maximum) minutes.

 For more information go to: www.filmrace.co.za

Dear Regional Municipalities,

You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Locations Workshop taking place on 24-26 August 2021. Please see the attached invitation for more information.

Click to register here. The programme will be sent to registered attendees on Monday.

Hope to see you all there!

GRIFF is back with a Virtual Film Festival. With entries last year from 27 countries and 15 awards, GRIFF is fast becoming “must be part of” festival. In addition to its judges of whom some are also EMMY judges, GRIFF has 15 awards on offer and many success stories. 

Check out the reviews for GRIFF: https://filmfreeway.com/Griff#reviews“Great communication from the festival team.

Due to us being on shoot, the filmmakers were unable to attend but the festival hosted our production manager who handled the Q&A on our behalf which led to a great screening with deep audience engagement afterwards” Susan Scott Stroop Documentary  

To submit your film simply follow this link:  https://filmfreeway.com/Griff

COVID-19’s impact on Cape Town and the Western Cape is obvious, but what opportunities and risks will arise in the course of 2021? Wesgro’s Chief Research Officer, Janine Botha, will set out the prospects for the Western Cape economy and tourism sector this year, highlighting opportunities within the uncertainty. Keynote speaker Mavuso Msimang will join MEC David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities and Finance and Alderman James Vos, MayCo member for Economic Opportunities and Assets at the City of Cape Town.

Date:   Wednesday, 23 March 2021

Time:  09h00 to 11h00

REGISTER NOW

AN ONLINE JUMP EVENT TO SUPPORT LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
The line-up of speakers will share SMME support initiatives and local entrepreneur success stories, with the aim of helping entrepreneurs to build resilient and sustainable businesses to thrive through these challenging times and into the future.

Winelands: 18 February 2021| 11:00am-12:30pm | Click here to register
West Coast: 24 February 2021| 11:00am-12:30pm | Click here to register
Overberg: 3 March 2021| 11:00am-12:30pm | Click here to register
Garden Route: 4 March 2021| 11:00am-12:30pm | Click here to register
Central Karoo: 9 March 2021| 11:00am-12:30pm | Click here to register
Metro: 11 March 2021| 11:00am-12:30pm | Click here to register

We look forward to seeing you there!

THE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO FOLLOW AND SHARE FOR THESE EVENTS ARE:
Facebook: @jumpforentrepreneurs
Twitter: @bizjumpZA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jump-for-entrepreneurs

The 2020 Garden Route International Film Festival ‘GRIFF’, today unveiled its feature film, documentary and short film lineup. Continuing its tradition of showcasing emerging talent and celebrating new work from established local and international film-makers, the 2020 edition of the Festival hosts 90 films across multiple genres. The films range from traditional dramas, crime, comedy and thrillers to political and socially-conscious films from many diverse storytellers across a host of different countries.

Taking the challenges of Covid19 into account, this year the Garden Route International Film Festival will run a Virtual Online Festival from the 21st of September to the 11th of October. GRIFF is also bringing the Drive-In Back! The Drive-In portion of the festival will travel throughout the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa across nine towns between the 25th of September and the 11th of October.

“We are encouraged and inspired by the range and diversity of the films submitted to our Festival this year by such visionary storytellers. And we are excited by the opportunity that both the online platform and the drive-in experience will give our audiences this year. Utilizing our secure virtual platform, we will showcase our local and international talent to a national and global market of viewers even more so than in previous years’, said Patrick Walton, Festival Director.

The festival programme includes films and documentaries from a wide range of African countries and from 15 international countries spanning Europe, Australasia and the Americas. For many films it is their South African premiere having never been screened in this country before.

Below are the GRIFF Film and Documentary Selections:

SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN CONTENT:

Local and continent-wide films from both acclaimed and emerging filmmakers and performers are the focus of our African films:

’95 (Ghana)

After the death of his brother, a young boy struggles with accepting the inevitable loss.

Ander Mens (South Africa)

In this action comedy, Daniel’s life drastically changes when his wife leaves him and he is embroiled in a police sting to capture a crime syndicate.

Cut Out Girls (South Africa)

Cut-Out Girls is the story of how six young women’s lives are altered by the actions of two aspiring sportsmen.

Die Seemeu (South Africa)

A modern adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. A famous actress pays summer visits to her brother and her son, leading to familial conflict, heartbreak and tragedy.

Finn (South Africa)

A comedy about a despondent office worker who finds himself able to communicate with the office goldfish and he is unexpectedly drawn into a frantic race against time.

Five Fingers for Marseilles (South Africa)

Lives change forever when Tau, the young lion, kills two corrupt policemen in a South African shanty town.

Flatland (South Africa)

A contemporary Western, a journey of self-discovery for three equally trapped women. A portrait of femininity against a hostile land and the world at large.

Fried Barry (South Africa)

A cult sci-fi film about Barry a drug-addled, abusive guy who is abducted by aliens.

Fruitful Emission (South Africa)

A submissive woman secretly yearns for a baby. After persuading her child loathing husband to father her a child, she finds out that he’s been keeping a dark secret.

Kanarie (South Africa)

A coming-of-age war musical. A boy gets chosen to serve his compulsory two year military training in the SADF Choir – known as the “Canaries”.

Knuckle City (South Africa)

An aging, womanizing professional boxer and his career-criminal brother take one last shot at success and get more than they’ve bargained for.

Kukuri (Namibia)

Kukuri is a young girl from Namibia with plans to become a lawyer one day. Her family try to force her into an illegal marriage with the local bricklayer as a child bride.

Losing Lerato (South Africa)

An action/thriller about a successful young black man who takes matters into his own hands by kidnapping his daughter after life, the law and the woman he once loved separate them.

Mabata Bata (Mozambique)

Azarias is a is a young orphan shepherd responsible for looking after his uncles herd of Oxen, particularly Mabata Bata the largest ox. One day there is an accident with dire consequences.

Mad Dogs Rule! (South Africa)

Mad Dogs Rule is a dark comedy about a pandemic which turns humans into dog-like creatures.

Mr. Johnson (South Africa)

When David Johnson awakes from a 50-year coma, he has a lot of catching up to do. At 76, an exciting new life awaits and David wastes no time in tackling it with gusto.

Poppie Nongena (South Africa)

Based on the beloved novel of the same name, this film tells the story of a South African mother, whose life revolves around her family and finding stability in a period of insufferable upheaval in the country.

Rage (South Africa)

What is supposed to be the best holiday of their lives turns to horror as a group of teenagers is picked off one by one in a small coastal village.

Somerkersfees (South Africa)

A gripping South African Christmas movie about a dysfunctional family and their beach holiday.

The Fighter (South Africa)

A rural runaway girl and a degraded Zimbabwean boxer bump into each other and discover that they are not the only one who needs to be saved.

The Shifted and Gifted (South Africa)

A dramatic fantasy film about a mother in law relationship that takes strain from her daughter’s psychic abilities.

The Stranger (South Africa)

During the Second Boer War in South Africa, a stranger, an English deserter, stumbles on a Boer widow and her son on their farm being harassed by British troops and must make a difficult choice.

Twelve (South Africa)

Twelve year old Nina befriends 10yr old Andrea from her neighborhood and tries to safeguard her from her unstable father.

UMAMA (South Africa)

The morning after having made a promise to celebrate her son’s academic achievement, Domestic worker Sibongile wakes to find he is missing. She stills keeps working despite her worries about her own son.

SPOTLIGHT ON INTERNATIONAL CONTENT:

The Garden Route International Film Festival crosses many geographical boundaries with our International Content, welcoming filmmakers from abroad to join a global platform for contemporary world cinema:

$300 (United Arab Emirates) 

A guy finds a wallet that always contains $300 if he sticks to one secret rule which requires him not to be greedy take all the money out of the wallet at once. First he takes $100, then $200 and $300 remains, but will he get greedy?

All World Is One (Italy)

A short film about a man who overcomes grief and tragedy by discovering the beauty of unexpected new life and love.

Art (United States)

The story of an artiste who gives life to everything he paints.

Bad Men From a Melting Moon (United States)

A man believes he was hit by a train and his genie saves his life.

Celebration Duet (United States)

Short film following a beautiful ballet performance highlighting the equality between a man and a woman.

Celtic Cross (United States)

A family gathers for a funeral to bury their patriarch and support each other at this difficult time….while coming to terms with another loss.

Days of Bagnold Summer (United Kingdom)

A teenager spends his summer listening to heavy metal music and trying to get along with his librarian mom.

F20 (Croatia)

A psychological thriller about a young girl, Martina, who starts a relationship with Filip which turns into a tense nightmare she tries to escape from.

Hommage (Greece)

Hommage is a tribute to Lefteris Vogiatzis and his theatrical world. Images, excerpts from his performances, memories and interviews with his collaborators, are weaved in one dreamy imaginative composition.

Jenna Bums the Loveseat (United States)

On the way to begin her new life and career, Jenna crashes at her estranged brother, Ryan’s house. Ryan and his girlfriend do everything they can to help Jenna get her life back together.

Lone Wolves (Spain)

Lone wolves is a dark prison drama about crime and corruption which explores several characters and why they ended up in jail.

Patrick goes to Bollywood (Germany)

Patrick heads to India for a chance to make it in front of the camera on the big screen.

Rasta (France)

In Ivory Coast, 16 year old Rasta, is haunted by a tragedy that he keeps secret. He begins a journey through the war zone, in search of a mysterious militiaman.

Rooted in Shadow (United States)

This short film depicts the true story of boxing legend Ramon Voorn and his son Jessey. Ramon’s encouragement enabled Jessey to become a professional basketball player and sporting pro in his own right.

Sour cream (Russia)

Two teenagers, Ulya and Matvey become witnesses of a terrible crime. They try and run from what they’ve seen, but they have nowhere to go.

Testify (United States)

In the wake of a college campus rape, a South African attorney struggles to prepare her client for the ruthless cross examination that she will endure on the stand.

The Blue Tooth Virgin (United States)

An inside look at the creative process, where Sam and David, two writers and friends, face the daunting challenge of delivering negative criticism whilst still remaining friends.

The Butterfly Love Song (United States)

Seamus is an Irish teenager whose life gets thrown into chaos when his idol, the young Lucy Block asks him on a date.

The Healer Short Film (Belgium)

A short tale about Philip, who is given a second chance in life. Free from his paralysis and out from the wheelchair, he goes to help people who need similar treatment.

Toprak (Turkey)

Toprak is the dramatic story of a simple family in rural Turkey dealing with poverty, family traditions, and religious heritage.

Transference (United Kingdom)

Rita is married to Eddie, an abusive husband, who severely punished her for having an affair. She plots a delightfully horrific revenge to get back at him.

Winfield Historical Times…And Other Oddities (United States)

Winfield Historical Times and other Oddities is a dark comedy about a young girl named Chloe, who lives a sedate suburban life in her small cul-de-sac of colorful neighbors.

SPOTLIGHT ON DOCUMENTARIES:

Documentaries with real stories that need to be told, from notable filmmakers are represented in this section:

5×7 (Italy)

A beautiful cinematic journey set in Italy, portraying the importance of photography and how it can link the past and the present.

A Growing Thing (Germany/South Africa)

A fascinating documentary providing a glimpse of post-apartheid life from a woman’s perspective.

Beyond the Fence (South Africa)

A South African wildlife documentary which looks at the inspiring stories of Queen, Rigumo and Wisani and how they motivate their community to become the next generation of eco warriors.

Current Sea (Malaysia)

An environmental thriller which follows journalist Matt Blomberg and ocean activist Paul Ferber, in their efforts to create a marine conservation area and combat illegal fishing in Cambodia.

Deforestation Made in Italy (Italy)

A fascinating environmental documentary which follows the journey of timber illegally logged in the Amazon forest across the oceans to Europe and Italy.

Diagnosing Healthcare (United States)

A social documentary that centers on health care reform in the US. The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the contemporary relevance and importance of this film.

Good Hope (South Africa)

A film which explores hope over despair in contemporary South Africa. How are the next generation tackling the key challenges facing their country and can they inspire hope and create a brighter future?

Harvests of Hope: California (United States)

California has the largest farming economy in the United States, but climate change is threatening to change that. Years of severe drought have left small farmers in crisis unsure if their farms can survive.

Hummus; A story of appropriation (United Arab Emirates)

Violence and discrimination has consumed the narrow streets of East Jerusalem, and this film seeks to document the lives of a Palestinian population struggling to hold on to what little identity they have left.

Influence (Canada)

Influence charts the recent advancements in weaponized communication by investigating the rise and fall of the world’s most notorious public relations and reputation management firm: the British multinational Bell Pottinger.

Ivan’s Game (Croatia)

Ivan’s Game is a biographical documentary which covers the life story of one of the greatest Croatian football players of all time: Ivan Gudelj.

Mr. Emancipation: The Walter Perry Story (Canada)

Mr. Emancipation is the story of Walter L Perry’s determination to stage the Emancipation Day festival that would transcend divisions of race and class.

Music Power: The Story of Capital Radio 604 (South Africa)

During the South African Apartheid regime where the government controlled all media, censored news, and banned music, a “pirate” radio station was created to report truthful and neutral news

Ocean of Obstacles (United States)

Ocean of Obstacles reveals the story of a dozen blind teenagers as they complete a life changing voyage across the Caribbean ocean.

Rewind (United States)

Digging through the vast collection of his father’s home videos, a young man reconstructs the unthinkable story of his boyhood and exposes vile abuse passed through generations.

Robin Food (Italy)

Robin Food is a non-profit and pay-as-you-feel restaurant with a mission: to rescue, cook and serve food that otherwise would go to waste.

Soccer Grannies (France)

This film showcases the 2019 International Women’s Soccer World Cup which held the first competition between France and South Africa with women soccer players over 60 years old.

Swipe Left: The Age of Disposable Relationships (United States)

A documentary exploring how technology has changed courtship and communication in romantic relationships.

The Armstrongs (South Africa)

The Armstrongs is a short film documenting a South African surfing family that share strong bonds with each other and the ocean.

The Art of Being Human (South Africa)

This is the story of Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza a man who spent his entire life upholding the rights of humanity in South Africa.

The Edge of Existence (South Africa)

The Edge of Existence is a documentary that shows the untold story of the human/wildlife conflict in Africa.

The Eye of Africa – The Cinematic Pioneer Hans Schomburg (Germany)

This film is dedicated to the life and work of Hans Schomburg – the first German to capture the overwhelming beauty of Africa.

The Long Haul: The Story of the Buckaroos (United States)

In the style of Magic Mike and The Full Monty, seven average Joes defy traditional masculine stereotypes by putting a comedic twist on the archetypal male revue.

The Mukuru Art Boyz (United States)

Follow the lives of five untrained artists born in the slums who have survived together from childhood in the streets of Nairobi, Kenya.

The Rememberer (United States)

This documentary tells the story of Matías De Stefano, who has the ability to remember everything he has done before birth and can understand how the Universe works.

The World’s Best Film (Australia)

The World’s Best Film is an anthology documentary about 13 individuals striving to be the world’s best at their passions.

United We Sing (United States)

This is the true story of what happened when two choirs, one from America and one from Kenya, sang together and created real sustainable change.

Who the Fxxk is Charlotte? – A Gaelic Football Story in America (United States)

This is the story of the Charlotte James Connoll’s GAA in Charlotte who compete at the highest level of the sport in North America against teams stacked with imported Irish players.

In addition the Online and Drive-In film festival has a number of local South African Out of Competition features and shorts.

Festival Tickets for the Garden Route International Film Festival:

All drive-in film festival tickets will go on sale on 24 August 2020 and all online tickets and passes to the festival will go on sale towards the end of August via Webtickets.

Please visit our website, www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com for all ticket sales information.

About the Garden Route International Film Festival Partners:

GRIFF is pleased to announce its primary 2020 Partners: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), WESGRO, Garden Route Film Commission, Media Film Services, Fitch & Leeds and Value Film Fleet.

Press Contacts:

For more information, press packs or images for individual films, please contact us below on marketing@gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com.

Website:

www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com

Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/GRIFFfilmfest

… 8 TOWNS, 8 DRIVE-INS

NOSTALGIA MAKES A COMEBACK

The organizers of last year’s successful Knysna Film Festival have rebranded the festival to GRIFF – Garden Route International Film Festival. ‘In light of the current Covid19 pandemic we had to change our concept for the short term to ensure the festival goes ahead. To this end we are bringing back Drive-ins to the Garden Route and also taking the festival Online as a Virtual Festival’ says Patrick Walton GRIFF Festival Director.  

The organizers have already completed a recce of suitable locations in Riversdale, Mosselbay, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Calitzdorp, Ladysmith and Oudtshoorn.

The organizers are taking this two-tier approach in order to ensure that the festival goes ahead in a Virtual environment and physical space. If Covid19 levels disrupt plans for the Drive-ins, postponement is easy with all the necessary planning already in place.

The Drive-in Cinemas will feature a double bill for two nights in each town. A film in competition and an ‘Oldy but a goodie’ will be screened each night. Organizers anticipate that due to the limited number of cars allowed under gathering restrictions, tickets will be a sought-after commodity.

Post festival, the organizers anticipate continuing with the drive-ins, creating an opportunity for individuals to create a business around the concept. ‘We have the equipment and infrastructure, so we want it out there for audiences to enjoy and take advantage of long after the festival finishes.’ says Festival Coordinator Shianne Maritz.

Safety remains the number one priority so audiences will enjoy films from the comfort of their own cars. Depending on the level of Covid19 over the festival dates, there may also be some additional nostalgic services on offer.  The organizers showed their creative and innovative thinking with the film festival last year and are intent on stepping things up a gear this year.

Tickets will go on sale a month prior to the event and depending on the venue and restrictions at the time, up to 60 cars per venue are anticipated.

We want people to enjoy this form of socializing and remember the hey-days of the drive-in experience and share that as a family.  More information will be available on the festival website and Facebook page as planning continues. The Virtual film festival is scheduled for 21^st September 2020 to 11^th October 2020.  

For more information or images please contact GRIFF Festival Director Patrick Walton

director@gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com  / 082 4751212.

Website:  http://www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com

Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/GRIFFfilmfest

The Ladima Foundation, in partnership with the DW Akademie, is excited to announce a short-film competition aimed at African women during the world-altering Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdown.
The competition is open to African women content creators and filmmakers of any age or experience level, currently living in Africa. The competition aims to encourage women to share their stories as we create a living document of a time and place – of the specific circumstances that women in Africa currently find themselves, under various degrees of lock-down, through the limitations on movement, opportunity, and often, basic freedoms.
The impact of Covid-19 across the globe, and especially in Africa, is felt more by the vulnerable in society. In many African countries women’s opportunities and access to opportunities are limited, and the economic and social impact of Covid-19 is, in many cases, impacting women harder and in different ways than their male counterparts. There are issues affecting woman such as domestic violence, altered access to opportunities, increased burden of care, and many others.
This film competition invites women to share these experiences – be they challenging, positive or simply questioning. The stories should be honest, personal, and specifically related to the current COVID-19 situation. Entries across genres are welcome, from animation and fiction, to documentary or interview style – just as long as the content is 2 minutes or shorter.
Entry is FREE and women will need to register on the Ladima Foundation’s newly revamped A-List in order to enter: https://ladima.africa/film-competition/
Ten winning films will be selected by a jury and then streamed on the Ladima website along with other partner websites. Each winning filmmaker will also receive 500 EURO as well as access to a year’s worth of educational and inspirational webinars on the USA’s Women Make Movies platform, https://www.wmm.com/,valued at approximately $500.
Selection & Judging Criteria:
Any woman currently living in Africa may enter. In order to enter you must register on the A-List:
Competition opens at 9am Monday, June 1st 2020 and entries must be received by midnight GMT + 2 on Sunday June 21st 2020.
Full terms and conditions are on the Ladima website.
The films must be under 2 minutes and must focus on the following themes through an inspirational, educational, personal, or leadership lens :

• Women with special needs / Coping with special needs during the Lockdown / Caring for
  Persons with special needs during a global pandemic
• Impact on family / domestic life
• Economic / impact on work life
• Domestic violence / abuse in the time of Covid-19
• Hope in the time of Covid-19
• Are women paying a higher price?
• How does the crisis highlight and affect the role of women?
• The crisis as a kick to rethink the social order
• Solidarity and empowerment among women in times of Covid -19
  The films will be judged on the following criteria:
  ● THEME Connection and relevance to the themes above
  ● STORY Concept
  Story has a clear message and a unique storyline
  Originality of story and / or approach
  Rich and vibrant storytelling that engages, amuses or provokes the viewer
  ● QUALITY OF PRODUCTION
  Best use of technology
  Technical aspects such as lighting, sound etc.
  ● CREATIVITY Original and captivating
  Imaginative writing and directing
  Presents the theme in an interesting way
  ● EMOTIONAL IMPACT/AUDIENCE APPEAL
  Visually appealing and entertaining
  Affects the audience through eliciting an emotional response
  Creates a lasting impression
  ● STRUCTURE Images / elements are arranged logically in a way that fits the purpose of the
  film
  About the Ladima Foundation
  The Ladima Foundation is a Pan-African non-profit organisation founded with the aim of contributing
  to correcting the major imbalances within the film, TV and content industries.
  The Ladima Foundation supports and recognises African women in Film, TV and Content. Through
  training and networking programmes, we uplift, connect and include. Ladima operates in the spirit of
  positivity, excellence and integrity.
  Through a number of initiatives, The Ladima Foundation supports, trains, and mentors women in a
  variety of roles within the film, TV, and content spaces.
  Through partnerships and collaborations in various countries, as well as through Pan-African networks
  and interventions, the Ladima Foundation is committed to developing training, networking, and
  related opportunities for women professionals who demonstrate their seriousness and commitment
  to their craft. www.ladima.africa
  About DW Akademie
  DW Akademie is Deutsche Welle’s center for international media development. As a strategic partner
  of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), DW Akademie carries out
  media development projects that strengthen the human right to freedom of opinion and promote
  free access to information. DW Akademie also works on projects funded by the German Foreign Office
  and the European Union – in approximately 50 developing and emerging countries.

Wesgro Film and Media Promotion, in collaboration with Film Cape Town and Irish MacLeod Inc, has put together a legal workshop for
emerging producers/SMME’s intended to fill the knowledge gaps that exist within the industry.
When it comes to growing the local industry, and so driving economic development, one must ask; Are local filmmakers fully prepared
and skilled to pitch and fundraise on global platforms? Are the Film SMME’s growing sustainable businesses?
In light of these challenges, Wesgro’s Film and Media Promotion team has started facilitating various workshops aimed at helping Film
SMME’s and Emerging Independent Producers better understand the South African and Global “Film Business” landscape.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Independent filmmakers and emerging producers looking to grow their business and expand into the global market.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
Irish Macleod has proposed a programme for a two-day workshop, covering the following topics:
DATE: 3 June 2020
TIME: 10h00 – 12h30
DAY 1: Funding and Financing of Films | Sales and Distribution
DATE: 4 June 2020
TIME: 10h00 – 12h30
DAY 2: Company Formation | Special Purpose Vehicles | Chain of Title | Copyright | Production Legals | COVID-19 and productions
Click here to join:

https://bit.ly/2TRMt0b

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