Eddie Mbalo, CEO NFVF Marlow De Mardt, CFC Chair John Hill

Eddie Mbalo, CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation’s (NFVF) address at the launch of CFC Resource Centre in Cape Town

MEC for Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Ms Tasneem Essop, Film Commissioner in the province of the Western Cape, Mr Lawrence Mitchell.

I am very excited by this initiative of the Cape Film Commission, which is made possible through the support of the Economic Development Department of the government of the Western Cape. I am excited by the vision of creating a facility for citizens of the Western Cape to access the services available within the film industry provincially and at a national level. This is in line with the industry’s vision as articulated in the Value Charter and the Moral Imperative which calls for the creation of facilities for ordinary South Africans to bear influence in the expression of their own images, thereby deepen democracy and create prosperity. All of us should strive for the realisation of this noble ideal.

The realization of all strategic initiatives articulated in the Value Charter require ongoing collaboration and co-operation with a number of government departments, policy and legislation formulation institutions and other stakeholders, and this facility will assist in this regard. The interests of stakeholders need to be properly assessed and accounted for in terms of the outcomes and the impact of strategic initiatives, again this facility is a first step towards giving stakeholders an opprtunity to understand what the initiatives are and how they impact on their lives.

Whilst many others continue to resist aligning themselves with the Value Charter, we are proud to say that the Cape Film Commission has shown its commitment by word and deed and the launch of this Resource Centre is testimony to that. We see the Resource Centre fitting in well with the work we do as it will bring the NFVF closer to the citizens of this Province.

The role of provincial Film Commisions, besides implementing specific mandates as determined by the provincial government, is to ensure that citizens of the province are aware of services and resources that are available at national government departments and institutions and ensure that they are accessible to them. This launch, is the first step towards the realisation of that goal.

The NFVF Act and its objectives state three areas out of five that are very specific about where our priorities should be focused, and that is:

• to provide, and encourage the provision of opportunities for persons, especially from disadvantaged communities, to get involved in the film and video industry;
• to support the nurturing and development of and access to the film and video industry; and
• in respect of the film and video industry, to address historical imbalances in the infrastructure and distribution of skills and resources.

For all of this to be realized, it requires the creation of good will, alliances and support long before transactional relationships or conflict commences. This is critical for the success of the initiatives and policy formulation that supports the development of our sector.

Therefore, the issue of transformation cannot be a matter that is dealt with only as an afterthought when we have made money for ourselves. We see this resource centre playing the critical role of empowering particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds with information and resources, for them to be able to compete on an equal footing with their colleagues, and that is when true transformation will be realized – this has become even more urgent in this part of our country.

So, in addition to the stress of a working day on the set, in the production office or in the studio we are expected to contribute towards the transformation of the sector, to job creation and to sustainable development – all in a days work! Well that is the joy and challenge of working in film and video in South Africa today, and that is the reality we face as part of this global industry. The challenges we are presented with are no different to those of our colleagues in other parts of the developing world, or indeed in the highly industrialized countries of the North.

For the young and struggling filmmaker of the Western Cape, gone are the days when the NFVF, the SABC, the Dti and many other institutions should be miles away in Gauteng for you to be familiar with how they can assist you. I hope that whilst all information is available electronically, the Resource Centre will also provide that personal touch that is required for one to understand how our different systems work.

I will be engaging with Lawrence Mitchell on how the NFVF can have its presence here ensuring that the reality of reaching to all across the country is true.

I would like to thank the Cape Film Commission for this bold initiative and hope that the vision for this facility is realized and contributes towards the development of our sector. I would like to thank the government of the Western Cape for its continuous support and commitment to our programmes. I hope the Cape Town film studios will become a reality soon. On behalf of the NFVF, I would like to assure you of our unquestionable support and commitment in making this facility achieve what it is intended for.

I thank you.