Talents bloom in South Africa's hothouse

Report: Jeannette Lamont

At Monash South Africa, filmmakers of tomorrow are being given the chance to blossom.

The Hothouse incubator program, which started in April, gives promising young film and television trainees world-class training and mentoring, without tuition fees.

The program is run by Monash South Africa's Film and Television Unit in association with South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture and, this year, is supporting 12 aspiring filmmakers.

Dr Melanie Chait, director of the unit, says the incubator idea evolved after some students, who had trained in the creative, technical, production and editing aspects of film and television at Monash, wanted to stay on to develop their ideas, use equipment and have access to their lecturers.

"There is not much point providing only basic training for people and then leaving them to fend for themselves in a dog-eat-dog environment," Dr Chait says. "So we decided to let them stay on -- and then we looked for funding to make it possible."

The trainees produce short dramas and documentaries about arts and cultural activities in South Africa.

Filmmaker and actor Mr Akin Omotoso, whose short film, Rifle Road, screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year, is the chief mentor and artistic coordinator of the program.

Trainees will learn from other leading international and local professionals including directors Mr Ntshaveni wa Luruli and Mr Teboho Mahlatsi, producer Mr Joel Phiri, documentary filmmaker Mr Kevin Harris, editor Mr Vuyani Sondlo and scriptwriters Mr Brent Quinn and Ms Margaret Goldsmidt.

"There is great talent there," Dr Chait says. "This program now gives talented individuals the opportunity to soar.

"It is a chance for them to go out and break through the barriers."