By Nangamso Mabindla
2 March 2004

Filmmakers in the city have welcomed efforts by the provincial Department of Art, Sports and Culture to boost the Eastern Cape's fledgling industry.

In a report in the government newsletter BuaNews, the province's MEC, Nosimo Balindlela, said "the province has a rich cultural heritage that can be used to harness its fledgling film industry". The department was currently finalising guidelines "to regulate and create growth opportunities" with the aim of setting up a provincial film office responsible for licensing, Balindlela said.

While local filmmakers welcomed the comments from the MEC, they believe what is also needed is an injection of funds for training and various filmmaking projects.

One institution that would benefit from a cash boost is Border Technikon. The institution's department of journalism is looking to open a studio to train and equip aspiring filmmakers. Broadcast journalism lecturer Sharon Cumming said they were looking at identifying and nurturing talent within the province. "We would welcome government assistance because we're looking to identify talented actors and producers from in our city. These would, in turn, put the province on the map if they are nurtured correctly."

The Technikon already has a studio, which would be ideal for the training of aspiring filmmakers. Cumming said: "We've a big area here that we have converted into a studio. We're also looking to make space for an OB (outside broadcast) van. The studio is 2.2m high, an ideal height for a TV studio."

However, the studio remains empty as the department searches for financial support. "We will not use money from the Technikon's budget as this will also be a community programme," Cumming said.

The Buffalo City community would also benefit from the Technikon's plans. "We've 880 000 people in Buffalo City - and the second biggest township in South Africa - surely there is talent in the city. We just need to go out and search for it."

Cumming said that if the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture looked all over the province for potential filmmakers, they should not forget Buffalo City. "We have a comprehensive business plan and I believe the city would benefit because top producers would start taking us seriously."

The Eastern Cape has been the location for television programmes like Ityala Lamawele, Linempoxo ke Isiko and Ingqumbo Yeminyanya (The Wrath of the Ancestors) and, more recently, SABC's award-winning drama, Tcha-Tcha - a production in Peddie with local actors used as lead actors.

Another local filmmaker and performer who welcomed the MEC's acknowledgment of the opportunities available in the Eastern Cape was Nelson Mandela look-alike, Ayanda Mbatyothi. Mbatyothi, who recently toured Switzerland with the musical South Africa - The Journey, owns a local production company, Young Madiba Productions. He said government support of the province's "dying film industry" was long overdue.

Mbatyothi, who decided not to wait for government aid, teamed up with Johannesburg-based producers Shado Twala and director Duma kaNdlovu for the musical, in which he plays Madiba. "The musical celebrates the country's 10 Years of Democracy and I was happy that someone out there used my talents for all to see," said Mbatyothi, adding that the Swiss audiences had been impressed with the musical.

Mbatyothi also appealed to local filmmakers to work together to turn the industry into a successful concern. "If what the MEC is saying is true. We will welcome any assistance - but we need to see it to believe it."