Lagos — There is no doubt that the just concluded 11th Sithengi Film Festival, which held at ArtScape, Cape Town, South Africa, provided an atmosphere of advancement and opportunities for stakeholders in the film industry in Africa. But the experience from the Cape Town World Cinema Festival (CTWCF) otherwise known as Sithengi Film Festival, clearly shows the lapses and financial constraints being experienced in this sector, as this again raises another chapter for the film industry in Africa Clementina Olomu who was in Cape Town reports on the events.

Just like the renowned annual Cannes Film Festival, which takes place in France, Sithengi, if properly funded, will definitely take films in Africa to the next level. Film producers and actors in Nigeria who attended this year's festival, called on the organisers to create good co- production unit that should outlive the festival. That is producers co- producing films, which will highlight cross cultural values, co existence before the emergence of the 12th Sithengi Film Festival, which comes up next year.

Though it was an experience for those attending the festival for the first time,the general feeling was that a lot more still needs to be done and for this to be achieved, the South African government will have to boost the finances of the organisers.

Morgan Freeman Visits Sithengi

Oscar award winning actor, Morgan Freeman was present at this year's festival. He said there is no easy way of raising funds for films. "Even the bigger stars struggle to raise finance for their films."

He also indicated interest to act in Long Walk to Freedom, a book which tells the story of Mandela's struggles and South Africa's journey to Freedom. "I would love to act the role of Madiba," he said.

Sithengi Without M-Net

Though M-Net was present at the festival, its presence would have been better felt if the festival was transmitted in the same manner it highlights other African entertainment programmes like the Ghana Music Awards among others. This would have given the festival another wide leverage, taking its wide network of about 18 African countries into consideration. A pre-announcement of the festival will go a long way to boost the film industry in Africa.

Opportunities

There were lots of advertised opportunities for film makers in Africa , ranging from scripts, entries into film festivals in different parts of the world, awards and also funding. Films makers told THISDAY that they are grateful for the opportunities, but also called for the monitoring of African film makers who will respond to the advertisement and how well they have fared.

Opportunities offered Includes:

Berlin International film Festival. This is done in collaboration with the German Cultural Foundation. Berlin International Film Festival set up the World Cinema Fund to support filmmakers from transition countries. The fund provides 100,000 Euros.

It was clearly stated that a German partner is required to receive such funds.

Script Writers

New York based Transformer Films is looking for interesting scripts, particularly those that deal with the African spirit world and the clash between contemporary and traditional cultures

Goteborg Fund

This fund supports film production in developing countries and this is done in collaboration with Hubert Bais Funds. The deadline is October 1, 2007.

Hubert Fund

Hubert Bias Fund, being part of International Film Festival Rotterdam, offers script development or post production grants for feature films and feature length documentaries.

Abeni Shines

Tunde Kelani again scored another feat, when his film, Abeni, was screened at the festival. Nigeria also recorded a large turn out at the festival, with the Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA) and few journalists present to bring highlights of the event to stakeholders who could not make it to the festival. Also present is the National Film and Video Censors Board ( NFVCB), the Nigerian Film Corporation, Amaka Igwe, Piece Fiberesima Chief Executive Officer of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Producer of Heaven's Gate and renowned film maker, Zik Zulu, Producer of Legend of Nollywood, Paul Obazele, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ejike Asiegbu, President of the Association of Movie Producers( AMP) and popular actress, Bukky Wright amongst others.

Observations

No Nigerian was a member of this year's jury at the festival, though no special reason was given for this, when THISDAY visited Mr. Michael Auret, the Festival director in his office. He, however, promised that Nigerians will be included as members of the jury next year.

It was also noted that the festival ended on the same day with the Sithengi Film and Television Market.

Organisers moved all their belongings and left ArtScape, venue of the event three days to the announced closing date.

There was no closing ceremony, and the usual glamour and razzmatazz associated with previous closing ceremonies was completely absent.

Jury Report on Winning Films

Amongst more than 300 entries received for this year's festival, only the following emerge as winners in these categories:

Best International Short film, won by the movie T-Shirt. This short film calls attention to the pitfalls of prejudice and intolerance. The narrative twists did not allow viewers to predict what was going to happen.

Best South African Short Film went to Sekalli sa Meokgo. The producer, Teboho Mahlatsi's visual style is breathtaking and he showed a remarkable ability to tell stories through images and was brilliantly directed.

The jury said the short film takes on a difficult choice of subject. The director stamps his vision on a story, which in less skilled hands could be quite trite. A special mention goes to Sibahfe and particularly to the enchanting performance by the little girl.

Best Feature was won by the film, King and the Clown. This story of 16th century actors in the Korean Court completely transported the audience, as it brought old theatre forms alive. The Shakespearian nature of the film is dynamic, the unpredictable narrative and the emotional journey of the characters all work together to create a richly-textured film. Joon Ik Lee's original voice emerges at an exciting stage in Korean cinema.

Best Directors were Mat Whitecross & Michael Winterbottom, and the movie is Road to Guantanamo. In this film, Mat Whitecross weaves three different forms (reconstruction, reportage and archive) into a coherent whole without falling into the trap of being bias.

The film raises questions, which persist long after the credits have rolled, as Whitecross leaves enough spaces in the narrative for viewers to make their own judgments.

Best Screenplay

Two people emerged as the best actor, Kagiso Lediga in the movie, Bunny Chow and Isaka Sawadogo who starred in Sounds of Sand.

The jury commends the actors, saying "we acknowledge both Kagiso Lediga and Isaka Sawadogo, because of their strong performances in two very different acting styles. Kagiso Lediga's freedom and openness in improvisation is remarkable, while Isaka Sawadogo's powerful performance is more traditional and takes the viewer on an emotional journey. "

The best actress went to Yailene Sierro for her role In the movie Habana Blues.

Lionel Ngakane award for promising filmmaker went to John Barker in the movie, Bunny Chow.