City calls for filmmakers to apply for funding

Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s Film Office has called for filmmakers to apply for funding to support their projects.

The recently established Film Support Fund aims to finance or provide support in the form of municipal services for film projects produced in Cape Town.

The City’s film office is accepting submissions for productions to be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.

Mayco for Safety and Security JP Smith says that the fund will cover short films, feature films, music videos, commercials, and Reality TV series, among others.

“It is looking to support productions which will drive local economic development, create job opportunities through the broader film and media production’s value chain,” Smith said.

Smith added that the film fund aims to select projects that will support the emerging film and media talent base through upskilling and training initiatives based in Cape Town.

‘With this film fund, the City wants to ensure that we provide further support to an industry that already creates over 30 000 jobs and contributes to attracting direct investment into Cape Town.

“We believe this film fund has the potential to assist the local film industry to not only reduce the burden of production costs but also to help the sector improve its ability to attract international work currently going to other film territories overseas.

“We would like to encourage members of the local television, media and film sectors to make use of this resource that enables them to focus on the creative and storytelling,“ Smith said.

Smith said the office is seeking projects that align with the following criteria:

– Projects that stimulate local economic growth and create jobs within the City of Cape Town.

– Film and media projects that highlight and promote the unique aspects of Cape Town

– Initiatives that support and upskill emerging talent in the film and media sector within Cape Town.

– Programmes that drive sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the local film and media landscape

– Projects that authentically portray Cape Town's rich history and cultural heritage.

– Film and media projects with the capacity to attract direct investment into the City of Cape Town.

Weekend Argus