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Zimbabwean directors and producers can look forward to receiving some financial assistance from the Southern African Film and Television Market, commonly referred to as “Sithengi”. This was said by Michael Auret Jnr, CEO of Sithengi while addressing a forum at this year’s Zimbabwe International Film Festival in Harare, which ended in Harare on September 02. Mr Auret’s pledge means that his organization will help to develop film projects from across the continent, by screening and analyzing proposals at forums in Harare, Lagos and Narobi. Mr Auret says the chosen projects will then, in turn, be submitted at Sithengi’s annual industry fair in Cape Town. While Sithengi is doing all it can to help find financing for African film-makers, Mr Auret says the success of most movies made in developing countries requires governments to “chip in”, as he put it. As an example, he listed the South African government’s willingness to create a film fund which has resulted in the creation of several films and documentaries. As South Africa has more resources than Zimbabwe, Mr Auret advised the forum participants to seek out co- productions with South Africans. He argued that doing so will enable them to apply for funding there. Mr Auret, who is also a qualified lawyer, used to head a production company in Zimbabwe before moving to South Africa. He co-founded the private Capital Radio, which broadcast across Harare for a few days before the government shut it down. He meanwhile urges current authorities to view film as an industry that can help promote, and market, the culture and history of Zimbabwe to the rest of the world. Participants were urged to attend Sithengi 2005. Mr Auret said the event is an opportunity for film makers and producers to meet people, in the industry, from all over the world. The Sithengi Film and Television market takes place in Cape Town from 15 to 18 November.
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