MultiChoice backs local filmmakers at Durban FilmMart

MultiChoice plans to leverage the 17th Durban FilmMart as a means to establish new partnerships aimed at assisting South African filmmakers in transforming their imaginative concepts into feasible productions. The event, scheduled from October 9 to 12 at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani on Durban's beachfront, signifies MultiChoice's continued dedication to nurturing local storytelling.

MultiChoice's CEO, Willington Ngwepe, highlighted the importance of fostering creative businesses and careers, while also emphasizing the need to protect intellectual property. The global production sector continues to grapple with challenges, and South Africa's creative industry is not exempt from this. Ngwepe stated, "A sustainable local content industry requires both investment and an enabling ecosystem in which producers can build businesses, women can progress into leadership, and where emerging professionals can access mentorship and opportunity."

Durban FilmMart, with its rich history of connecting filmmakers and producers to diverse opportunities, will once again play a pivotal role at this year's event. MultiChoice will underscore the significance of safeguarding creative ideas and intellectual property in the digital era. Collaborating with Partners Against Piracy, the company actively engages in public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the dangers and detrimental effects of pirated content.

Furthermore, MultiChoice actively collaborates with government authorities to regulate and legislate against intellectual property theft, while supporting law enforcement agencies in prosecuting piracy cases both within and beyond South African borders.

MultiChoice's involvement at Durban FilmMart provides an invaluable platform for direct interaction with independent producers, creators, policymakers, distributors, and other industry partners. The CEO, Ngwepe, expressed his optimism about the prospect, stating, "Our participation at Durban FilmMart creates opportunities for direct engagement with independent producers, creators, policymakers, distributors, and other industry partners to help build, safeguard and promote our industry."

During the film market, MultiChoice representatives will participate in a series of discussions and events. On October 9, Head of Content at MultiChoice, Renee Jacobs, and CANAL+ Africa's Head of Scripted Content, Tebogo Matlawa, will co-lead a discussion titled "Support and Funding of Local Content in SA." Magdalene Reddy, Durban FilmMart Director, praised MultiChoice's involvement, emphasizing the strengthening of the event's mission to connect filmmakers with the essential financing and partnerships required to bring their projects from conception to the screen.

She noted, "Having a partner of MultiChoice's stature alongside us is a significant milestone for the Durban FilmMart."