Mandela Film Festival launched in Nelson Mandela Bay

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The Nelson Mandela Bay economy relies too much on the automotive sector, which is a risk considering the global economic climate.

These were the words of Executive Mayor Benson Fihla, who was speaking at the media launch of the Mandela International Film Festival which will be hosted in the Metro next December.

Fihla says a film festival, unlike other sectors can open doors for the region and the initiative is fully supported by his Municipality.

"The film industry is a multi-million dollar industry. Local business will therefore be provided with a platform to network and open future business opportunities for themselves. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality supports the initiative," he said.

The Film Festival is themed Hope and Reconciliation, as this was what Tata Madiba stood for.

About 400 films will be showcased in various venues across Nelson Mandela Bay and would need to be relevant to the theme.

Mandela's grandson Mandla, who attended the launch, said it's time for South Africans and Africans to tell their own stories and not let others interpret it for them.

He says Madiba was a great story teller

"I stand before you today remembering this global icon that I call my grandfather. But, today I want to speak about the family man, the storyteller that we as the grandchildren were beneficiaries of because we were able to gather around, sit at his feet and listen to the many stories he had and the experiences that he has had to overcome," said Mandla Mandela.

Festival Director, Linda Khumalo, stated: 'We will make this the biggest film festival in the world. From now on, Nelson Mandela Bay will be abuzz with activity. About 400 films about reconciliation will be screened across the City. The Boardwalk will be the centre for most of the screenings."

"The reconciliation is in line with who we are as a country - and what better place than Nelson Mandela Bay, which is the heart of the struggle against apartheid and the City to which former President, Nelson Mandela gave his name to. We want to showcase this, we are making a call the world to give us films about hope and reconciliation."

Khumalo said that as part of the Festival, workshops, master classes, exhibitions and debates would also be held for film makers, producers and actors across the country. Updates and workshops for producers and film makers will also be arranged to prepare them for digital migration that will be in effect after December 2015. The digital migration will open an opportunity for film makers and producers to produce more content as there will be more free to air channels on television.