NFVF call for proposals for female filmmaker project

The concept for the Female Only Filmmaker Project is to provide female writer/ director teams from the industry, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration with other women. We are looking for writer/director teams who can come with a strong idea /concept / script, to be developed either as part of a writer/director team or on their own as a writer/director. The applicants will be guided in the development of their stories into 24 minute scripts over a period of 5 months.

Themes and Story Ideas

Ideally, the concept is for a 24 minute stand alone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with at least 4 other projects with the theme of either “I looked up…” or “Suddenly…..” The story can refer to something actually happening or something abstract which implies the character learnt something.

  • The scripts will be prepped for camera in preparation for the production of the films with the aim of the films being completed by March 2014. During this process each director will be provided with the necessary tools to break down scripts for camera as well as detailed strategies for extracting the best performances from the actors.
  • The successful projects and teams will then be provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film. A post-production supervisor will be appointed to assist them in the editing and final delivery of the film.
  • Once the films are completed the producers in association with the NFVF will be involved in developing a strategy for marketing and distribution.
  • Finally, a special premiere of three of the best completed films as chosen by their peers will be held at a suitable venue to be confirmed with the cast, crew and creative personnel as well as NFVF council and staff.

Eligibility
In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Have worked in the industry for at least three years.
  • Be a Historically Disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
  • Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of 10 months to complete the programme.

Selection Criteria 
Eligible candidates must:

  • Demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including software, formatting, scheduling and editing.
  • Demonstrate the ability to direct and understanding of the dramatic world of story-telling.
  • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work as a part of a team in the pursuit of the same objective.
  • Understand the value of and is able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
  • Have a show-reel or, in the case of writers – a script, that demonstrates their creative abilities
  • Have a portfolio of work to show their capability.
  • Have directed or written a documentary, commercial, soapie or TV drama.

Applications
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy (in triplicate) for consideration to our address:
Attention: Thandeka Zwana
2nd Floor, 87 Central Street, Houghton, 2198, South Africa

The director / writer or the director/writer team application form requires the following:

  • CV and copy of ID document, with two references.
  • Evidence of your creative writing and directing experience:
  • Director / Writer with a narrative treatment for 24 minute film including character bible, detailed synopsis, major turning point document and one page synopses of the story.
  • Or to collaborate with writer who can submit a narrative treatment for 24 minute film including character bible, detailed synopsis, major turning point document and one page synopses of the story.
  • Five hundred word review of your favourite film
  • One page summary of your interest as a filmmaker, stating the kind of stories you want to tell and for what audience.
  • DVD show-reel of your work as a director
  • 10 pages of a shooting script you have prepared and / or a storyboard

Closing Date: 24 May 2013

 

 

http://www.nfvf.co.za/article/nfvf-call-for-proposals-for-female-filmmaker-project

TONIGHT ARTICLE: Class Act Actors making their way in the industry

‘Class Act’ kids make it on TV

May 2 2013 at 12:32pm
By Munya Vomo

Comment on this story

to Sdumo Mtshali 

Sdumo Mtshali

 

When SABC1’s Class Act debuted, no one knew what to expect. There was much speculation that it would be a hit-or-miss show seeking would-be actors. Looking back, a number of youngsters are now household names as a result of this show. Tonight tracked down some of them to find out how being on the show has changed their lives and what they have been up to since then, writes Munya Vomo.

 

SDUMO MTSHALI

(Rhythm City, Intersexions, Isibaya, Tempy Pushas)

 

When Mtshali first arrived on the scene, the one thing he had learnt to do in acting was express emotion. Like Denzel Washington, Mtshali’s facial expressions reveal just how his character feels without him needing to utter a word.

When he entered Class Act, he was up against another talented actor, the late Muzi Clive. Both men took their craft very seriously and showed so much promise that when it came to the last episode, South Africa was divided on choosing a winner. Although Mtshali won in the end, the show’s producers were good enough to send Clive to the US, as they did with Mtshali, to study short courses in film.

It was no secret that when Mtshali returned he was set on making huge changes in the industry and has been doing so.

to Pallance DladlaPallance Dladla

 

“Class Act did a lot for my career. It put me on a big platform – the SABC – and I feel I’ve been growing well. I was only in theatre before then and getting people to vote for you when they have never seen you before is a tough feat,” he said.

Seemingly omnipresent on our TV screens, you wonder when Mtshali gets to rest as he stars in a number of TV shows at the moment.

“I am not one of those people who go out of their way to be in this or that gig. I try not to inundate myself with work, so I can concentrate on any given character.

“The reason why I am in Rhythm City, Intersexions, Tempy Pushas and Isibaya at the same time is because they were all shot at different times. I am currently busy with Isibaya and Tempy Pushas, but everything else was shot in the past,” he explained.

Unlike his predecessors in the industry, Mtshali feels his career is going very well because, thanks to Class Act, people got to know him by name, not because of a character.

“We know Denzel as Denzel and not as one of the characters he played. I like that people treat me the same way. Unlike other local actors who will forever be known by that one character they aced, I get to be me after work,” he said.

to Tumi NgumlaTumi Ngumla

 

Outside of the drama and the soapies, Mtshali has just completed his first movie, iNumber Number, which also stars other “kids” from Class Act – Pallance Dladla and Tumi Ngumla.

 

Pallance Dladla

(Isibaya and Tempy Pushas)

 

This guy is made for the ladies. Save for his height, he is everything a model should be and is also a brilliant actor. Although he came second to Abdul Khoza in season two of Class Act, the man has picked himself up and beefed up (literally) his profile.

“I am glad Class Act brought me to this stage of my life. It is a huge honour to be on a platform where people get to see your craft and enjoy it on a daily basis.

“I believe South Africa needs to have actors to like and I hope I am one of them,” said Dladla.

When I asked him how his newfound fame had changed his life, especially with the ladies, Dladla could not control the chuckles: “I think the funny thing is that I never thought girls would find me interesting in any way. In high school I was that guy they would call a dork and no one really thought of me as anything better than that. To be taken seriously in acting I had to grow, and I’m still growing,” he said.

Having started with stage and advert appearances, it became quite clear that Dladla was preparing himself for the big time in showbusiness.

“Now I get to work with great actors who teach me how the industry works and I really find that honourable,” he said.

 

Tumi Ngumla

(Tempy Pushas)

 

While everyone has seemingly been having a fabulous time after graduating from Class Act, the first female winner, Tumi Ngumla, had it rough. After coming out tops, the actress got to study short film courses in the US. Upon her return she hoped to get some serious work, but that did not happen.

“I went to plenty of auditions, but nothing came of it,” recalled Ngumla. “I was on the brink of giving up, but then my prayers were answered and Tempy Pushers came my way,” she said.

But even that did not come easily. As a newcomer she had to be content with the fact that other actors had been in the industry longer than her and usually got preference.

“When I went to audition for Tempy Pushas I bumped into Minnie Dlamini and instantly gave up. I told myself that it was not going to happen for me and I think that affected my audition. I got the biggest surprise, though, when they called me to say I had got the part,” she said.

 

Donovan Marsh

(creator of Class Act, scriptwriter and director)

 

Without Marsh none of the above actors would have got as far as they have, well, at least not as quickly. After coming up with Class Act, he raised the bar by supplying the industry with quality actors who have now become highly sought-after.

“My original plan for the show was to create a platform to uplift the music industry. In the end we got actors who are no different from the ones already in the industry, in fact, they are better because they have received some intense training,” Marsh said.

As promised at the end of the Class Act seasons, a movie would be made and Marsh was the man behind the script and in the director’s chair.

“The movie has Sdumo as the lead with Tumi and Pallance taking on smaller roles. It is really amazing to see them grow this fast and take on big roles in such a tough industry,” he said.

It is almost mid-year and there seems to be no news on when the third season of Class Act will return. Marsh said his team had to work through logistical issues.

“Our original sponsor turned in another direction to pursue other interests so we are looking for sponsorship… For now the project is on hold.”

On a positive note, the movie featuring the Class Act alumni will be released at the end of this year. Dates are still to be confirmed.

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/tv-radio/class-act-kids-make-it-on-tv-1.1509417#.UYi3n6L-HWh

SAFTA winners at Quizzical Pictures

Congratulations to everyone who worked on Quizzical Pictures winning productions.

4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. Once again a Quizzical Production blitzed the SAFTA TV Drama Category, winning seven awards – best TV drama series (Quizzical Pictures), best director (Amanda Lane), best supporting actor (Pallance Dladla), best actress (Tiffany Jones-Barbuzano) and best writing team ( M inky Schelsinger, Rosalind Butler, Gillian Breslin and Busisiwe Ntulini) , as well as best costume design ( Rochelle Selling) and best make-up and hair stylist ( Minuche Snyman).

Rhythm City as walked away with the Award for Best Ensemble in a TV Soap.

Check out some of the images from the awards night on the following link :

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.574908959187060.1073741827.387221317955826&type=1

Quizzical Pictures receives 14 nominations for the 2013 SAFTA Awards

Nominees for the 7th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) were revealed at an official announcement event at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Wednesday 13 February.

Quizzical Pictures received 10 nominations for 4Play:Sex Tips for Girls in the Television Drama Category.

TV Soapie Rhythm City received 3 nominations for Best Ensemble Cast, Best Writing Team and are up for the public voted Best Soapie Award. (If you would like to vote the SMS voting line will go live on the 4th March 2013 and will close on the 16th March 2013 at 20h45. Voting as follows:  Rhythm City = VOTER TO SMS:  R to 45242)   Standard rates apply for SMS voting line.

MasterChef SA has also been nominated for Best International Format, a brand new category at the SAFTA’s this year.  MasterChef SA is a co-production of Quizzical Pictures and Lucky Bean Media.

 

Quizzical Pictures would like to send congratulations to everyone of the fabulous cast and crew of these productions who contribute to making these nominations possible.

 

Below please find a link to all the nominations for 2013 SAFTA categories.

Click Here for full List of 2013 SAFTA Nominations

 

QUIZZICAL PICTURES NOMINATIONS

Best TV Drama Series- 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls – Quizzical Pictures

Best Director of a TV Drama Series- 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls – Amanda Lane

Best Actress in a TV Drama Series-

Tiffany Jones-Barbuzano as Danny in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls
Xolile Tshabalala as Noma in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama Series- Pallance Dladla as Jimmy in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Writing Team of a TV Drama Series- Minky Schlesinger, Gillian Breslin, Busisiwe Ntintili – 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Production Design of a TV Drama Series- Marna Heunis – 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Costume Design of a TV Drama Series- Rochelle Selling – 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Make-up & Hair Stylist of a TV Drama Series- Minuche Snyman – 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Sound Design of a TV Drama Series- Sound Design Team – 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls

Best Ensemble in a TV Soap- Rhythm City – Quizzical Pictures

Best Writing Team of a TV Soap- The Rhythm City Writing Team – Rhythm City

Best TV Soap:  Rhythm City

Public Votes – the public will vote for all their favorite soapies

Best International Format Show- MasterChef SA – Quizzical Pictures and Luck Bean Media

Daily Maverick article- An Intersexion of education and entertainment

  • 08 FEBRUARY 2013 04:36 (SOUTH AFRICA)
greg n intersexions.jpg

The award-winning South African drama Intersexions is back for another season. GREG NICOLSON looks at what made it so successful, how it balanced entertainment with HIV/Aids education, and what you’re in for in the new season.

A public relations consultant. A video girl. An actor. An activist. A prostitute. A choirmaster. A lawyer. A journalist. A truck driver. A textile company owner. A student. A restaurant owner. A village girl. A village boy. “Our lives intersect in a vast network which connects us all. In sex, there are no strangers,” opened Akin Omotoso every Tuesday night on SABC1.

The first season of the award-winning South African drama Intersexionscaptivated TV viewers as it explained the link between our sexual partners and our partners’ past sexual partners. Intersexions returns this week on SABC 1 to continue to educate viewers on issues broadly related to sexual behaviour and HIV/Aids.

“Educate” is too blatant a word. After HIV/Aids-related programmes likeSoul City, Intersexions had to entertain viewers who were de-sensitised by the almost never-ending attempts at sexual education. In each of the 26 episodes, the first season built on different characters forming a romantic or sexual link in a chain binding all South Africans. It focused on love, loss, heartbreak, joy, friendship, hatred, honesty and deceit. Believable characters acted out situations anyone could relate to, with each episode teasing you with what might come next.

“The main challenge basically was entertainment. As filmmakers we are entertainers so we had to prioritise that while not forgetting about HIV,” Zuko Nodada, who directs three Intersexions episodes in season two, tells Daily Maverick. “With a lot of the recent stuff, you might as well put a teacher in front of the black board,” he says. But entertainers still have a role to educate the public and find morality in their work, he adds.

The issues Intersexions focuses on come from a clear desire to face South Africa’s challenges. The show is the product of a collaborative partnership between SABC 1, SABC Education and Johns Hopkins Health and Education in SA (JHHESA). JHHESA, currently funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), has spoken to over 2,000 people in 39 communities to understand their stories and their perceptions on current issues. It combined that research with a national communication survey of 10,000 people and fed the results to the Intersexions creative team.

JHHESA managing director Richard Delate explains the process. The non-profit organisation gives its information to the producers and scriptwriters. Every script is then pre-tested through a focus group before being passed on to the production team. Once an episode is complete, JHHESA then tests it with another focus group before it’s aired.

The key to the show’s success and the reason it won 11 South African Television and Film Awards, a Peabody Award, and an Africomnet Best Mass Media Award 2012, is that it finds the delicate point where issues that concern the health of the country and those of day-to-day life meet. The involvement of different stakeholders doesn’t limit the creative side, says Nodada. “As a director they don’t limit you… No one imposes and you have your own identity as a director.”

“The SABC has their own agenda,” says Delate, “which is audiences, entertainment and ratings. SABC Education brings the education perspective and the production company (Quizzical Pictures and AntS Multimedia) are concerned with issues around aesthetics. So obviously there is at times a lot of tension around the room.” But that tension is what creates Intersexions, says Delate.

The product is a show that magically seems to cut across different cultures and speak to different communities, even in fractious South Africa. “People connect with it because it’s what people do, it’s what people know,” says Nodada. “Sometimes when you tell stories you forget that you are telling stories for our communities. In this case we tell stories that a person in a backroom of Soweto will understand, a person in Alexandra will understand, a person in Sandton will understand,” he adds.

For Nodada, the idea of a South Africa where one can’t understand the other is outdated. He uses his own background as an example: he lives in Soweto but grew up in the rural Eastern Cape before studying at a top university and working in the suburbs. “We are brothers and sisters but sometimes ignorance kills that.” The idea is a key feature of Intersexionsand defies those who want to uphold differences above commonalities.

The show’s first season may have exhausted one way of shifting perceptions on relationships and sexual behaviour, but it hopes to continue telling relatable stories about important issues. Delate says it will focus more on present behaviour rather than the impact of sexual partners. Intersexions 2 will look at “what is done in the present and what puts you at risk in the present.” Expect stories on polygamy, sugar daddies, drug and alcohol abuse and changing values.

The cast of the show has totally been revamped and will feature over 100 new actors chosen from over 5,000 that auditioned. If last season is anything to go by, the chances are that no matter who you are, you’ll see at least a part of yourself in their performances. DM

  • GREG NICOLSON

Intersexions Coming TUESDAY February 12th, 20:30 on SABC1

Star TONIGHT Article on Intersexions return to SABC1

Another Interesting Drama Series

February 4 2013 at 12:16pm
By Debashine Thangevelo

SABC1 struck gold when the channel commissioned the pioneering series Intersexions.

This Safta and Peabody award-winning series adopted a warts-and-all approach when it came to telling stories that centred on HIV/Aids and the taboos associated with the disease. And it certainly had the nation singing its praises on Twitter.

Now the show is back for a second gripping instalment with a fresh lead cast bolstered by the expertise of industry giants (some better known for their social standing) such as Sizwe Msuthu (Interrogation Room), Tina Jaxa (Isidingo), Luthuli Dlamini (Scandal, The Coconuts), Amanda Du Pont (Muvhango) and Bonang Matheba (Top Billing).

Fresh out of college, having studied film and TV production at City Varsity in Newtown, Phila Madlingozi couldn’t believe it when he clinched the lead role as Zolile.

The 23-year-old singer-songwriter laughs: “A lot of my friends from City Varsity who did acting were at the auditions. I was in Newtown and decided to join them. I didn’t think I was going to get past the first round. I have been to so many auditions and it never worked out.”

Funnily enough, he didn’t even know he was auditioning for the lead role: “No one knew what they were auditioning for. It was two weeks later when I got the call. Eish, I couldn’t believe it.”

TO intersexions philaTO intersexions khanya 1_CITY_E1

Phila Madlingozi and Khanya Mkangisa.

 

Shedding light on his role, Mandlingozi elaborates: “Zolile is a marketing student in Joburg. But he was born and raised in the Eastern Cape. His dad owns a transport company. He is sent to school in the city and meets another girl, but he has a girl he has fallen in love with back home. That’s where the story gets interesting.”

On getting to work with Jaxa, who plays his mom, he shares: “I didn’t think the experience was going to be as easygoing as it was. Everyone was willing to go at a pace where I wasn’t going to get frightened and underperform.”

He also looked up to Dlamini, whom he rates as “an excellent actor he looks up to”.

Both nervous and excited to see how viewers will respond to his character, he admits: “No newbie wants to be part of the cast that didn’t grow the brand. We did a good job. However, I am anxious about my grandparents seeing me do things that are against their religious beliefs. I did speak to them and told them that it is provocative TV and they should bear that in mind.”

Either way, he is bound to make an impression as the lead actor.

Meanwhile, Khanya Mkangisa, who has been making waves on the small screen since bagging a presenter spot on YOTV as a teenager, plays Madlingozi’s love interest, Nomzamo.

Viewers will also remember her as the host of the Shield Teen No Sweat Dance Challenge, Asanda in Zone 14 and her smaller roles in The Lab, Mtunzini.com and as a presenter on Hectic Nine-9.

The Peddie (Eastern Cape) actress reveals: “I moved to Joburg with my mom at age 12. I was very shy growing up and then I started being interested in television.”

An Afda graduate, having attained her BA in motion picture and television, she is grateful for the breaks she has had in the industry.

She recalled being in Cape Town shooting for Shakespeare in Mzansi when she learnt of the auditions for the new season of Intersexions and decided to give it a go. And her performance struck a chord with the creatives as they felt she was a perfect fit for the character.

“Nomzamo comes from a rural background. She is very ambitious and dreams of coming to Joburg and making it big. She wants to move to the city and get away from the monotony of village life. But it was while living in the Eastern Cape that she fell for Zolile, but they are told by their parents that they can’t ever look at each other or be together.

“They believe theirs to be a Romeo & Juliet love story, but there is more to it than that,” Mkangisa teases.

While the first season set the benchmark for the series, the actress says fans should expect season two to be exactly the same.

“I mean, the message will still be relayed,” she points out. “I feel viewers should look forward to new characters and some familiar faces. I think the whole storyline and how it comes together is most interesting and something to look forward to.”

With a wonderfully ingenious mix of directors (with S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Rolie Nikiwe, Sisanda Henna, Xolile Tshabalala among them), Intersexions II is bound to spark as much curiosity as its predecessor.

This drama series has plenty of gravitas to penetrate through its toughest critics and leave them besotted with its compelling slice of life – sometimes bordering on hard-hitting – storytelling and arresting performances.

 

• Intersexions II, SABC1, Tuesday, February 12, 8.30pm.

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/tv-radio/another-interesting-drama-series-1.1463722#.URE1CR2Tx2Q

City Press Article on Intersexions: Closets are for Clothes

Closets are for clothes

@City_Press 3 February 2013 10:01

Intersexions director and chief creative Rolie Nikiwe (middle) watches over series director Zuko Nodada’s shoulder.

Good news from the battered local TV industry is that the taboo-breaking, award-winning drama Intersexions is back for a second season.Charl Blignaut and photographer Herman Verwey visited the set.

The lead actor has just spectacularly lost his footing and fallen into the pool as we arrive at the Intersexions shoot. There are hoots and cheers.

“I love Abdul,” chuckles the director. “He’s got so much passion he falls in the pool.”

The producer isn’t as amused. One of her radio mikes just got drowned.

The actor, Abdul Khoza, apologises profusely. The producer’s frown fades. It’s hard to hold a grudge against the charming 25-year-old, all muscles, tattoos and teeth.

This is one of his first professional gigs, even though he’s already a known face.

He won the reality show Class Act and, a few months ago, gave up his job as a fireman in Durban and moved to Johannesburg to pursue a career in acting.

He’s a brave young man.

And not just because there are fewer jobs available in an industry bleeding from recession and the crisis at the public broadcaster.

Major production companies have closed down and there’s been a virtual freeze on drama commissions.

Khoza is playing the role of Two Step, a rising soccer star who lives here in the dappled suburb of Parktown with his beautiful fiancée, Rea.

Freshly middle class, they seem to have it made. But at the start of the scene Two Step is out at the pool, angrily kicking a soccer ball against a wall.

The truth is he is gay and his secret is tearing him apart and tripping up his career.

“Making him a soccer star really pushes the issue of what is manhood,” says Busi Ntintili, who wrote the episode.

“There’s still such a stigma. When we tested the episode in focus groups, the guys were just so happy Two Step was with a woman – even though they knew he was gay.”

“I am anxious about it,” says director and chief creative, Rolie Nikiwe. “Anxious about how the audience will respond. Some people may think Abdul’s gay and have a go at him.”

Nikiwe (35) is a large man with tired eyes and a boyish laugh that he unleashes easily and often.

He’s just flown back from New York where his debut feature Inside Story was once again an audience hit at a film festival.

It’s a pan-African soccer story about a player with HIV, girl trouble and a badass boss. It echoes today’s episode of Intersexions.

Sex and soccer are not what Intersexions is about, though.

The ambitious series takes a conventional drama narrative and drops a brick on it, shattering it into 26 stand-alone stories that, by the end, are all related.

The glue is HIV.

The series tracks a six-degrees-of-separation scenario that follows the virus, not the characters. You’re not just sleeping with a partner but everyone they’ve ever slept with.

Intersexions was created by young producer Uzanenkosi Mahlangu’s Ants Multimedia and stalwart Harriet Gavshon’s Quizzical Pictures.

“It was a difficult pitch,” says Nikiwe. “It challenges conventional formats. We just hoped the audience would buy in.”

It went on to lift 11 SA Film and Television Awards and then a Peabody Award alongside The Wire in New York last year.

More importantly, it was the most-watched local show on TV after popular soapie Generations.

A collaboration between the SABC, Johns Hopkins Health and Education, USAid, the US anti-Aids programme Pepfar and the department of trade and industry, Intersexions is backed by research that includes dialogue with more than 2 000 young South Africans.

At least 30 000 Facebook followers engage online after each episode and the SABC’s radio stations chat about the themes in 11 different languages.

Done right – by showing instead of preaching and by wrapping education inside entertainment – TV drama can significantly affect behaviour change. Soul City proved it, Yizo Yizo made it hip.

“If that season was about connectivity, this one is about secrets,” says Nikiwe.

“Parents and children not talking, lovers not telling the truth . . . HIV takes advantage of that.”

On Intersexions this season there are recreational drugs, sugar daddies, love triangles, unscrupulous pastors and multiple concurrent sex partners.

Male circumcision is explored.

Lesbian rape is put into focus – and post-rape treatment.

“We tell real stories that you don’t normally see on TV,” says actress-turned-director Catherine Cooke when I pay her a visit on set in Richmond, Johannesburg, a few days later.

“My favourite is a romantic episode about a deaf Muslim woman who moves in next door to a stand-up comedian.

Just that – a deaf Muslim woman in a normal environment.

“It’s something we don’t see. A black optometrist. A gospel singer who sleeps around.”

There’s also a powerful story about polygamy this year.

It was directed by Zuko Nodada, who is today’s director too – busy getting the art department to kill the Kreepy Krawly and scratch the Pick n Pay logo off the shopping bags while Khoza jogs on the spot to work up a sweat for his close-ups.

The 33-year-old Nodada started as an actor. Quizzical offered him a dialogue-coach position on Tsha Tsha and from there he worked in continuity before Nikiwe gave him his big break as a director.

The SABC may still be battling with transformation, but the set of Intersexions is 100% new school and African. Of course, one shouldn’t just throw shade. This happened because of the SABC growing the industry before the corporation hit the skids.

This season of Intersexions is employing four first-time directors and more than 100 new characters.

I ask Nodada about the polygamy storyline.

He says: “This guy has got two wives at home and a mistress in Johannesburg. He wants to marry her too.

The problem is he hasn’t told his wives.

“I had to ask a difficult question: What is the difference between cheating and polygamy when polygamy ignores the traditional rules that govern it, where the wives would be consulted?”

While the set waits for an aeroplane to pass and the hadedas to shut up, I ask Nodada if he’s managing to find enough work nowadays.

“I won’t lie,” he says. “There was a time you’d get three productions all wanting you to work at the same time.

“Nowadays months can pass and no one calls . . . But we will thank the SABC one day. It means most of us are getting out there and trying to make features.”

It’s true that TV’s loss has been film’s gain. Last year, South Africa produced more features than ever before.

During the lunch break, I finally get to ask Khoza about playing a gay man.

“Beautiful,” he says.

I blink and move my recorder away from the coffee cup he’s holding perilously close to it.

“Everyone’s worried about me and water now,” he jokes.

“Beautiful, how?” I ask.

“The chance to play a gay character hardly ever comes around. This is an opportunity of a lifetime as a first-time actor. And it’s a beautiful story.

“If I’m able to even reach just one gay soccer player in South Africa, who knows? It can give them courage to come out and be a role model. Or anybody who’s out there. Hey, the president could be gay and nobody knows.”

“That’s very unlikely,” I say.

Nikiwe has joined us.

He agrees with Khoza.

“I think what we’re really doing is teaching young people to value life – because they are so full of promise.

“If they believe they can reach their dreams, I think they become a lot more cautious about how they live their lives.”

Intersexions II debuts on SABC1 on February 12 at 8.30pm

 http://www.citypress.co.za/entertainment/closets-are-for-clothes/

Intersexions ll returns to SABC 1

 

 

The award winning TV drama series, Intersexions is back for a second season with more gripping story lines that will further explore often taboo issues on HIV/AIDS love, sex and relationships. The first episode of the 26 part series will launch on Tuesday 12 February 2013 on SABC 1 at 20:30.

 

“As a channel we are thrilled to bring to our viewers the second season of this popular cutting-edge drama. The first season did very well in terms of delivering the key message of responsibility within relationships. Viewers should look forward to more authentic, insightful and thought-provoking South African stories”, says Vukile Madlala, SABC 1, Publicity Manager.

 

The series will maintain the same format of interlinked episodes but will differ from series one as it shows how that which remains unsaid in our personal and sexual relationships places us at risk of HIV infection.Intersexions is a collaborative partnership between SABC 1, SABC Education and Johns Hopkins Health and Education in SA (JHHESA). It is produced by Quizzical Pictures and  AntS Multimedia  with research undertaken by CADRE. The new series is jointly funded by USAID/JHU HIV Communication Programme, PEPFAR and the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Viewers can expect a more daring script than the first series as we have gone back and consulted widely via community dialogues with over 2000 people, inputs from the Intersexions facebook page, focus groups, reviewed studies and media reports on issues relating to love, sex and HIV/AIDS to come up with storylines that are gripping yet real in bringing to the fore society’s unspoken issues on relationships,” said Richard Delate, Managing Director of JHHESA.

Pontsho Makhetha   General Manager SABC Content says, “Expectations are high that the programme will continue to drum home the overarching message of responsible sexual behaviour, HIV testing and TB screening, condom use and reduction of multiple partners.”

The cast of the series features over a hundred new actors and actresses. “Some exciting new talent, recruited as part of the Intersexions Open Auditions in August and September 2012 during which over 5000 hopefuls auditioned for the show, will be unveiled for the first time. We are confident that the new talent will breathe new energy into the series,” states Harriet Gavshon of Quizzical Pictures.

“What is extraordinary about Intersexions is that we try to use it as a platform to develop new talent on every level. Many of the episode directors are first time directors and the writing team and cast of actors is full of new and fresh faces”, said Rolie Nikiwe, the series creative director.

 

Intersexions is a collaborative partnership between SABC 1, SABC Education and Johns Hopkins Health and Education in SA (JHHESA). It is produced by Quizzical Pictures and  Ants Multimedia  with research undertaken by CADRE. The new series is jointly funded by USAID/JHU HIV Communication Programme, PEPFAR and the Department of Trade and Industry.

 

AWARD-WINNING ‘INSIDE STORY’ SET FOR PAN-AFRICAN BROADCAST AND THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Much-Anticipated Feature Film Will Entertain Millions Across Sub-Saharan Africa,

Makes World Broadcast Premiere on SABC1 on Saturday, December 8 –

 

On the heels of 12 festival appearances around the world and six awards –three for “best feature,” INSIDE STORY will make its broadcast debut in South Africa on December 8, in addition to numerous theatrical and broadcast premieres across sub-Saharan Africa beginning next month.

 

INSIDE STORY brings together an all-star, pan-African cast in a compelling story of football, love, and HIV/AIDS. The film, produced by the nonprofit Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership in conjunction with Quizzical Pictures, is unparalleled in its scope and craft, showing audiences both football and HIV in a way they have never seen before. Sophisticated cameras captured the sports action at 1,000 frames/second while state-of-the-art animation brings HIV to life from the inside out.

 

The film, which is available in English, French, Swahili and Portuguese, will reach audiences across the continent through a multi-pronged distribution effort, including:

 

  • World AIDS Day 2012 premiere on December 1 at Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos, Nigeria – followed by theatrical screenings beginning December 14 at eight Silverbird Cinemas across Nigeria
  • World broadcast premiere on SABC1 in South Africa on Saturday, December 8 at 8pm (local time)
  • Ugandan broadcast premiere on NTV in December
  • Cameroonian broadcast premiere in French on Canal 2 in December
  • Congo-Brazzaville broadcast premiere on MN CON starting in December
  • Digital distribution and community-based efforts beginning in April 2013

 

“INSIDE STORY, like all good stories, contains a lesson for all of us – something that makes this much more than entertainment,” said Aric Noboa, President, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and Executive Producer, INSIDE STORY. “Through committed distribution partners, including SABC, Silverbird, NTV, Canal 2 and MN CON, digital efforts through SEACOM and grassroots outreach, we will be entertaining audiences across Africa wherever and however they consume media.”

 

Directed by Rolie Nikiwe (Tsha Tsha, The Lab, Intersexions) and filmed in Kenya and South Africa, INSIDE STORY stars Kevin Ndege Mamboleo (Changing Times) as Kalu, a gifted footballer who moves from rural Kenya to urban Johannesburg to follow his dream and support his family. His path becomes more challenging when he falls in love with the coach’s daughter, Ify (Kendra Etufunwa), and subsequently finds out he is HIV-positive. Mamboleo and Etufunwa (Jacob’s Cross) are joined by international stars including Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Hotel Rwanda, 24) as Kalu’s mentor and tough-as-nails coach, Fana Mokoena (Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda) as the ruthless team owner, and Regina-Re as Kalu’s mother, Miriam.

 

“I am extremely proud to have worked with a great cast and innovative producers to bring INSIDE STORY to so many across Africa,” said Rolie Nikiwe, Director, INSIDE STORY. “The performances are powerful and the message is clear – knowledge is power.”

 

INSIDE STORY already has dazzled audiences at 12 international film festivals and has been hailed by LA Weekly as “a rousing success.” Additionally, the film received a Jury Award at the Kenya International Film Festival, won Zuku Awards for Best African Film and Best Actor (for star Kevin Ndege Mamboleo) at the Zanzibar International Film Festival, was given a Special Jury Award – Narrative Feature at the Pan African Film Festival, was named Best Narrative Feature at the Montreal International Black Film Festival.

 

INSIDE STORY was produced with the support of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Chevron, Discovery Communications, Access Bank, the South African Department of Trade and Industry, SEACOM and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The trailer for the film and regular updates on the project can be found at insidestorythemovie.org and facebook.com/insidestory.

MasterChef SA is Back

Following on the heels of a massively successful first season, M-Net announced today that it has started production on a second season of MasterChef South Africa, and the search for amateur cooks is back on!

M-Net’s Channel Director for General Entertainment, Theo Erasmus, says that the first season of the series was one that M-Net was immensely proud of: “MasterChef SA Season 1 became the talk around the water cooler for South Africans everywhere. Viewers of the show became incredibly invested in the amazing journeys of each contestant of the series, right until the end when Deena Naidoo was crowned the winner.

“We can’t think of a better time to kick off auditions for the second season – coinciding with the same time that Deena will be launching his restaurant! Season 2 of MasterChef SA promises to serve up even more top quality entertainment that its predecessor,” Erasmus continued.

So whether you enjoy cooking fancy desserts like Season 1’s Thys Hattingh, or more gutsy main courses like runner-up Sue-Ann Allen; whether you are inspired by fine French haute cuisine or the open flame braai – as long as cooking is your passion, we want to see you at our nationwide auditions!

Auditions will be held in the following cities around South Africa:
• Johannesburg: Saturday, 27 October at Montecasino, located in Fourways;
• Durban: Sunday, 04 November at Suncoast;
• Cape Town: Saturday, 10 November at Southern Sun Cullinan.

As was the case last year, anyone who auditions must present a COLD dish. To download your recipe template for your cold dish audition, click here. All the guidelines, tips and rules for your cold dish audition can be found on the MasterChef SA website.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off your aprons and let’s get cooking!

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