Youth encouraged to take advantage of film industry opportunities

The Gauteng Film Commission is encouraging young people to take advantage of opportunities in the film industry. It aims to empower the youth with the expertise to use film to tell South African stories. 

The commission, in partnership with the Media City Academy, convened the EmpowaYouth in Film Masterclass in Johannesburg.

It focussed on transforming the industry through increasing participation and ownership of black, young, and female filmmakers. 

The commission’s CEO, Keitumetse Lebaka says, “The research shows that we don’t have enough producers and directors of film, and as a result, the stories that are told about women are not from a women’s perspective. So, what we have done is investigate our funding and indicate that a certain percentage of those receiving funds from GFC must be women to redress this challenge that is still in the industry. In the last call, we had 28% of women applying, and I’m hoping there will be better success this time around.” 

WATCH: Gauteng Film Commission helping youth with opportunities