Empowering Young Filmmakers and Tourism Entrepreneurs

IOL News

20-06-2025

Sibusiso Gumbi, the acting Chief Executive of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.
Image: Supplied
MUCH is being done to empower the next generation of filmmakers and tourism entrepreneurs by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTFA), as well as by the industries themselves.
Later this month, and again in August 2025, TV audiences will be able to see the work of emerging young local filmmakers who got their latest break thanks to KZNTFA's support.
We funded two KZN-born filmmakers, Sthobile Hlophe and Nqanawe Shangase, to take part in the 2023-2024 National Film and Video Foundation's (NFVF) Youth Filmmaker Project.
This is an annual, year-long discovery, training, and mentorship incubator by Sisanda Henna Films, a boutique film company, for the brightest film writing and directing talent in the country.
As the film company explains, this is a transformative programme dedicated to previously disadvantaged youth with a mission to build, strengthen and nurture writer-directors, hone their skills at a practical level, produce quality films and go through an incubated career and skills-propelling programme.
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KwaZulu-Natal filmmaker Sthobile Hlophe production will air on national TV through an initiative driven by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.
Image: Supplied
Fresh young KZN talent
Now, this fresh young local talent will be showcased when two new films by Hlophe and Shangase will premiere on SABC2 today and on August 3.
'The Moment In Between' written by Hlophe and Raihaanah Sayed who also directed it, will air first, while 'Quantum', written and directed by Shangase, will be screened in August.
Both films are part of 'Little Africa', a groundbreaking drama series developed by executive producer Sisanda Henna.
The stories of resilience and redemption told in the series are expected to eventually be screened to audiences worldwide.
Film Fund
KZNTFA also has a dedicated Film Fund, 30% of which is allocated to youth development initiatives. The Film Fund has a two-year youth-focused, KZN-only development and production project for up to 10 filmmakers a year. These young filmmakers are paired with industry experts to develop and produce a 60-minute film to be broadcast on a local platform.
In addition to that, we also have a film bursary programme, which is strongly youth-focused (94%) and is spread over three years, with women making up 62% of the recipients.
And there is an active district development project where brand-new filmmakers from outside the metros are provided with funding for the development of their projects.
These have been carried out in iLembe, Mpophomeni and there is a project currently underway in uMzinyathi.
KwaZulu-Natal filmmaker Nqanawe Shangase's production will air on national TV through an initiative driven by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.
Image: Supplied
Inspiring
It is encouraging to note that the film industry experts say that young people in KZN are inspiring audiences and reshaping the future of the film and television industry.
These individuals are agents of change, pushing beyond conventional methods and forcing traditional media to adapt.
They are driving innovation and their fluency in digital trends and audience engagement strategies positions them as the industry's future leaders.
Indeed, much of the talent that has been cultivated by Stained Glass itself has already risen to leadership positions across South Africa's film and television landscape.
With some now working as directors, producers and writers, this is indeed proof that investment in youth development yields tangible, industry-shaping results.
Enthusiastic
The youth, of course, are passionate about creative storytelling and highly enthusiastic and eager to break into the industry, as Bonnie Sithebe of Durban Motion Pictures explains.
'They bring fresh energy, a willingness to learn and innovative perspectives,' she explains, while Nilesh Singh, spokesman for the internationally renowned Videovision Entertainment agrees, says young people introduce fresh ideas and innovation.
This influence is evident in the content, direction and aesthetics of local productions.
The biggest hurdle in the retention of young talent 'is the slow adaptation of traditional media structures to new creative waves''.
Many young professional streamers, influencers and digital designers operate outside conventional frameworks and the industry needs to evolve and integrate these roles, says David Mukhwebo, the series creative director at Stained Glass TV.
While AI and digital tools offer incredible efficiencies, they cannot replace the essence of human storytelling – and traditional craftsmanship like scriptwriting, cinematography, performance, remains the heart of storytelling.
A dream
Videovision Entertainment has hosted several apprentices over the years.
The company works with NFVF to host learnerships and work experience opportunities through the Get On Set Mentorship Programme.
The next step is tertiary studies with opportunities starting at intern level, then progressing to engagement on contract on a per project basis.
Apprenticeship programmes
The tourism industry itself has long played a vital role in providing opportunities for youth.
Southern Sun hotels in Durban have an apprenticeship programme for students leaving school who are technically-minded and interested in a career in facilities management (maintenance).
Samantha Croft, Operations Director for Southern Sun's KZN region explains: 'We have partnered with the George Campbell School of Technology and take on 7-10 students every year and rotate them among our hotels.
'During their 12-month internship, they are able to apply for any vacant position within the company.'
One of the first students had grown within the organisation and now holds a management position. Two others hold supervisory positions and others are permanently employed.
The five-star Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga, has three main initiatives for youth development: The Professional Cookery Learnership: The YES – Youth Employment Services – Programme: and CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport).
The hotel took on 20 unemployed youth in 2024 for the 12-month Professional Cookery Learnership programme. On completion, 15 students walked away with a National Certificate (NQF Level 4) and five were permanently employed by the hotel: four as Commis Chefs with the other graduate being put on the Red Carnation Hotels management programme.
The government-funded YES programme gives graduates a one-year internship within the company and the hotel currently has an HR and IT intern. It is currently recruiting for more chefs.
Since 2023, the hotel has hosted 46 students to do their internship/work experience. Sixteen have been permanently employed by the Oyster Box and the rest have moved on to other positions both locally and internationally.
These are interesting and innovative times and while there may be challenges, there are also some fascinating opportunities as the youth continue to remain top of our minds.
Gumbi is the interim Chief Executive of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or Independent Media
SUNDAY TRIBUNE