Johannesburg Premier of Award Winning Rights of Passage

The Film and Publication Board will host the Johannesburg Premier of Award Winning Rights of Passage since its screening at the 36th Durban International Film Festival. 

The Film and Publication Board's Rights of Passage is an anthology feature film of eight short stories linked by a thematic thread and African proverbs. A representative from the Rights of Passage film remarks, "We're honoured to host the Johannesburg premiere of Rights of Passage. It won the Production Merit Award at the Durban International Film Festival. The film has given film graduates of the Youth  Filmmakers Project an opportunity to make their first professional film. Their talents and skills to produce films will be developed to meet both national and international standards," says Mr Themba P. Wakashe, Chief Executive Officer of the FPB.

Written and directed by first time filmmakers Ntombizodwa Magagula, Mapula Sibanda, Lerato Moloi, Valencia Joshua, Zandile Angeline Wardle, Tony Miyambo, Rethabile Mothobi, Yashvir Bagwandeen, Kgatlhiso Sephiri and Ayanda Soboyisi, the film was an official selection of the 36th edition of the Durban International Film Festival.

Under the subtheme Love and Loss in the Time of Mandela, it is a fictional feature film made by first-time young black filmmakers who were born around the time when Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected President and who entered young adulthood during the last years of Mandela’s remarkable life. 

South African producers Natives at Large and Jungle Works partnered with the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa and the KZN Film Commission to give the graduates a platform for young filmmakers to tell their story and out of this came a rare and spirited depiction of relationships amongst the youth of South Africa.

"It's important to support local filmmakers, and in particular young filmmakers, and give them a platform to showcase their work.  It also allows South Africans to engage them and discuss the issues and stories they are telling," continues Wakashe.

Initially, fifteen projects were selected for development as part of Youth Filmmaker Project, ranging from stories of sexuality, gender, domestic violence, a search for a missing father to freedom of expression. After a five months script development process, eight scripts were short listed for production. Six of the eight films where directed by young women filmmakers.

Under the guidance and mentorship of Bhekizizwe Peterson, Neville Josie, Ramadan Suleman, international partners (Jacques Bidou) and script consultant (Franz Rodenkirchen), their scripts were then produced by Natives At Large and Jungle Works.

Ramadan Suleman mentored the young directors on the shoot. The film was edited by Vuyani Sondlo.

Rights of Passage portrays the search for love, belonging and healing amidst the rites and turmoil of everyday life. It offers a rare, honest, resilient and creative insight into the concerns and experiences of black youth in contemporary South Africa.

About the Youth Filmmaker Project

This is an initiative of Natives at Large and Jungle Works in partnership with the National Film & Video Foundation of South Africa, Kwa-Zulu-Natal Film Commission among others. 

Its objectives are:

·       To build, strengthen and nurture first time writers and directors so that they can realise their first films with all the support necessary to achieve the highest level of storytelling and production values.

·       To showcase new South African stories from a youthful perspective at both a national and global level.

·       To give first time writers and directors the opportunity to collaborate closely with local and international industry professionals including producers, writers, script editors, editors, sound and production designers, amongst others, so that they can understand the entire production environment.

·       To expose young South African writers and directors to alternative cinema rather than   only American mainstream cinema.

About the Film and Publication Board

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) is a public entity established in terms of the Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996, as amended. The purpose of the FPB is to regulate the creation, production, possession and distribution of certain publications, games and films.

For more information contact:

Natives at Large

Brenda Sisane

SPIN Productions

Cell:  +27 72 754 0212  Email: sisane@iafrica.com

Or

Janine Raftopoulos

Film and Publication Board

Manager: Communications and Public Education

Cell: +27 71 444 3121  Email: janine.raftopoulos@fpb.org.za  

Umkhonto Ensemble from Soweto

Music Teachers' Jan Celliers Piano Workshop

You are invited to attend an exciting music teacher's workshop presented by:

• Dr Inette Swart
• Gisela Scriba
• Dr Elise Lemmer 

A great  platform to learn and experience new teaching methods, the workshop will be held at Laerskool Jan Celliers, Lower Park Drive, Parkview.

Date: Saturday 11 July 

Time: 8:30 - 13:15

Cost: R250 per person (Participants and their parents attend at no cost) 

Snacks and lunch will be provided.

A maximum of 6 students will be pre-selected to have a public master class with Inette Swart and Gisela Scriba. Any two pieces of at least grade 1 level may be performed. 

Dr Inette Swart will be giving a short lecture on understanding ego boundary and self-esteem development in aspiring young musicians with reference to sound, music and spirituality, followed by master classes for advanced pupils.

Inette Swart is currently a post-doctoral fellow at North-West University, Potchefstroom. The title of her doctoral thesis, completed at the University of Pretoria (2010), is "The influence of trauma on musicians." 

She presented her research in the field of music psychology at various international conferences and has published articles in the Australian Journal of Music Education, Psychology of Music, Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa and Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe (Journal of Humanities). 

Before commencing medical studies she taught music and worked as pianist and piano accompanist.

Inette attained a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music (2006), the Postgraduate Artistic Training Certificate from Frederic Chopin University in Warsaw (2008), and the Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music (2004, piano performance). As pianist, she won the UNISA PJ Lemmer Overseas’ Music Scholarship for Performers as well as the UNISA DJ Roode Overseas’ Music Scholarship for Teachers. Inette’s début CD, Chopin Plus, was nominated for the SAMA awards in 2011. She is currently a fifth-year medical student at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Gisela Scriba will be giving a short lecture on piano ensemble music including duets, trios and quartets followed by master classes.

Gisela Scriba received her high school education at Gelofte Hoërskool, Pinetown and was a member of both the Natal Youth Orchestra and Choir. She obtained her BMus in Piano Performance, the Diploma in Church Music and BMus (Hons) in Piano Method at Pretoria University as well as the Higher Education Diploma at the University of South Africa, all Cum Laude. A strong interest in the teaching of the young beginner and in ensemble work culminated in a MMus on ‘The piano duet as a teaching medium’ which was conferred Cum Laude in 2010.  Several articles on this topic have been published in South African music journals.

She teaches piano and music theory at her private studio in Pretoria, with her pupils frequently winning awards on national level. An active member of the South African Society of Music Teachers, she also serves on the Standing Committee of this society. She regularly presents work shops, adjudicates at music festivals and is a national examiner for the Music Examinations Department of the University of South Africa.

She has been the pianist of the Affie Boys Choir since 1996, as well as the Affie Girls Choir from 1998, and has travelled with them both nationally and internationally, winning many top awards. Additionally, she regularly accompanies instrumentalists at concerts, festivals, examinations and national competitions. She is married to Manfred, an engineer, and has two children.

Dr Elise Lemmer will be giving a presentation on the Historical and Pedagogical Relevance of the Grandes Etudes of J N Hummel (1778-1837).

Elise Lemmer was born in Port Elizabeth and obtained her BMus from the University of Port Elizabeth. She furthered her studies with Laura Searle at the University of Cape Town and later studied with the Israeli pianist and pedagogue Arie Vardi in Hanover, Germany. She also studied at the Free State University where she obtained the degrees BMus Hons and MMus.

She holds 5 licentiates in teaching and performance and chamber music from the Royal Schools of Music and Unisa. She completed her doctorate through the University of Pretoria in 2013.

As a piano teacher Elise has been awarded certificates of merit by Unisa for outstanding piano tuition and has attended masterclasses given by John Lill, Christopher Elton, Christina Ortiz,  Alexander Satz,  Gary Graffman,  Mervyn Tann and Andras Schiff

Elise has served twice on the selection panel for the Unisa International Piano Competition and is regularly represented by her students in competitions and eisteddfod. 

To apply for participation and complete the booking form, contact amandamaevelow@gmail.com.

BRENDA SISANE, AFRICAN MUSIC, JAZZ & THE ART OF SUNDAY!

Brenda Sisane interviewed Professor Mogauwane Mahloele, an exiled South African indigenous musician based in the United States, on Kaya FM's The Art of Sunday radio show. Tune in for a great conversation and wonderful stolotolo music performed by the professor HERE!

Brenda Sisane

Prof. Mogauwane Mahloele

The South African Department of Arts and Culture Presents...

VACANCY: MUSIC MANAGER @ VOICE OF WITS

Duration: 1 year contract, renewable depending on funding

Vacancy: Voice of Wits (VOW FM), a campus based community radio station at Wits University in Johannesburg seeks to employ a Music Manager

Purpose of the position:

Reporting tot he Station Manager, the Music Manager will be responsible for ensuring the development, implementation, maintenance and evaluation of the station's music strategy. Further to this he/she will be responsible for the coordination and development of the music team.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Strategic planning of music resources

a. Develop, manage and maintain relationships with key music industry stakeholders such as record companies, artists, bands in order to ensure a constant supply of music resources for the station.

b. Plan and put in place strategies that ensure the station is at the forefront of local music promotion and that this enables artists within our community to promote their music.

c. Ensure that the station adheres to its license conditions, specifically local music quotas.

d. Provide record companies, artists, musicians, bands and performers whose music is scheduled with relevant, accurate and reliable reports.

e. Manage, maintain and develop the station's music contacts database.

f. Liaise with key legal bodies ICASA and SAMRO regarding music matters (supply required logs and reports to these bodies).

g. Coordinate and schedule regular interviews with artists, musicians, bands and performers.

h. Continuously revise the station's music schedules/playlists and amend as and where appropriate, ensuring that this is in line with the station's programming strategy and overall strategy.

3. Management of Music Resources

a. Ensure that all music received is catalogued, music database updated and that volunteers have access to this information.

b. Ensure that there is a music policy that directs the station's music programming (this should be informed by audience research, community forums, online polls and consultation with programming manager and deputy station manager).

c. Ensure that there is a music policy that directs the station's music programming (this should be informed by audience research, community forums, online polls and consultation with programming manager and deputy station manager).

d. Manage, direct and recruit members of the music committee in order to achieve and implement the station's music strategy.

e. Work with programming committee, management to monitor the station's output, ensuring that it is in line with our licensing agreements, programming policy and overall strategy.

Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of music regulations, rules and guidelines
• Knowledge of a wide variety of music
• Knowledge of music programming techniques, procedures and standards
• Excellent communication skills (articulate, with knowledge and command of English and one other official language essential)
• Excellent people skills (ability to manage, facilitate, communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds)
• Excellent telephone manner (polite, courteous, articulate, helpful and alert)
• Strong leadership skills
• Diplomacy and patience
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Computer literacy (good knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, automation and scheduling software)
• Good active listener (able to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times)
• Time management (manage one's own time and the time of others)
• Active Learning (Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making)
• Writing (Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience)

Education Qualifications:

Matric or a Bachelor's degree with at least one (1) year work experience in broadcast media. Previous management experience is an added advantage.

Start Date: 1 June or 1 July (depending on availability)

Deadline for Application: Wednesday 20 May 2015 at 17h00

Remuneration: A competitive package will be offered depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

Submit a letter of motivation, detailed CV and the names of the contact details of three referees (incl. e-mail addresses)

Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits/Self Service application/"Apply for a job"

External applicants are invited to apply, by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located here and submitting applications.

The University of committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appoint-able applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise. 

JOIN INTERNATIONAL MUSICIANS IN CELEBRATING AFRICA MONTH

There's no better way to celebrate Africa Month than to attend and take part in these celebrations. There will also be a workshop to be hosted for local musicians who want to expand and learn from international musicians. Details on this are to follow.

THE MZANSI MUSIC ENSEMBLE SINGS VICTOR NTONI

The country’s first music ensemble dedicated to performing classics and compositions of our time, Mzansi Music Ensemble will perform at the Market Theatre from 6-9 May 2015. The newly launched Ensemble celebrates great works in an impressive display of raw talent, leaving audiences spellbound as they weave poetry, praise singing, voice and improvisation accompanied by a 16 piece big band.

The project is founded by The Gauteng Music Development, an Initiative of the late Victor Ntoni whose long time vision was to have such an ensemble, and who in the latter years of his life wrote big band scores that were never performed in anticipation that one day such an ensemble will exist. The majority of the musicians that make part of the ensemble were mentored by Ntoni himself who worked tirelessly to create a national memory through the Gauteng Music Development. This tour is a continuation of his legacy. 

Mzansi Music Ensemble will feature poet and singer Jessica Mbangeni, Saxophonist and mentor Barney Rachabane, Sisonke Xonti, Linda Sikhakhane, Gabriel Stuurman, and Reuben Malgas amongst its talent pool conducted by musical director Prince Lengoasa. 

Book now at Computicket! 

PERFORMANCES 2015

Date                      Venue
6th -9th May                     Market Theatre
29th July-1st August        Market Theatre
28th -29th   August          Soweto Theatre
27th- 28th November      Soweto Theatre 

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY MOVEMENT LAUNCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA

DATE: 29 & 30 APRIL 2015
VENUE: MARKET THEATRE
FEE: FREE FOR THE CONFERENCE AND A MEAL WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE WHO RSVP

PROGRAMME:

KINDLY RSVP BY 28 APRIL 2015 BECAUSE SEATS ARE LIMITED

To RSVP for the conference, contact Thobile on 011 832 1641 or email ThatoK@markettheatre.co.za  

FEE FOR PERFORMANCE: McCoy Mrubata & Friends Performance @ R200pp

To RSVP for the performance by McCoy Mrubata and Friends, make your booking with Anthony (072 413 9247 / AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za) or Neo (072 365 7473 / NeoL@markettheatre.co.za) 

THE CONFERENCE ENTRY IS FREE. 

THE MCCOY MRUBATA PERFORMANCE HAS A COVER CHARGE AS MENTIONED ABOVE. 

INVITATION: INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY ON 30 APRIL 2015

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SALA AWARDS

Opening Date: 1 April 2015
Closing Date: 29 May 2015

The wRite Associates, in partnership with the National Department of Arts and Culture, invite South African writers to submit their work for the South African Literary Awards (SALA) 2015.

The main aim of the South African Literary Awards is to pay tribute to South African writers who have distinguished themselves as groundbreaking producers and creators of literature, while it celebrates literary excellence in the depiction and sharing of South Africa's history, value systems, philosophies and art as inscribed and preserved in all the languages of South Africa, particularly the official languages. The awards aim to become the most prestigious and respected in South African literature.

Selection Criteria

• Imaginative writing of fiction and/or non-fiction works
• Good linguistic and national identity presentation
• Promotion of societal values
• Display of universal truths and cultural aesthetics
• Contribution to social cohesion and transcendence of time

To date, SALA has awarded 133 recipients since its inception in 2005.

General Rules

• The work must be original
• the submissions must follow the criteria
• Only South African official languages are considered
• All categories apply to 11 official languages
• Nominations must be accompanied by an endorsement of the author and/or publisher
• Ten copies of the book/publication must be submitted
• All submitted copies, whether successful or not, will not be returned to the submitting party
• The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
• Work that has previously won under any category does not qualify
• Set books are not accepted
• Submissions sent by electronic mail or facsimile will be automatically disqualified and will not be replied to
• Late submissions will not be accepted

For more information on categories and criteria, call 011 791 3585/4102 or email: info@writeassociates.co.za or download the forms HERE. 

NATIONAL CALL FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CRAFT AND DESIGN PRACTITIONERS TO MAISON ET OBJET

You are invited to submit your application for participation in the trade show Maison et Objet which takes place in Paris, France. The dates for the show are 04 -08 September 2015. Please click here to view more information on this trade show.

Application process:

1. Please click here to download the Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS) application form.

1. Complete the SSAS form and supply this to us with all the necessary supporting documents – click here to complete your application and to upload files. To facilitate efficient uploads please keep uploads under 500KB, to compress your documents, click here

1. Applications must be completed and submitted by the 27th of March 2015. No late applications will be considered.

Please note that we are currently obtaining quotes for all logistical services related to this tradeshow to submit to the Department of Trade and Industry (dti). This means that we need to make a number of assumptions for quotation purposes.

Freight: Please note we work on the maximum billable weight being 100Kgs per applicant. All freight will be sent via a DA65, which means everything that is sent to the trade show must return to SA – no stock can be sold or left behind as it would contravene the terms of the freight method and an individual enterprise will be accountable to the law for this.

Travel costs and arrangements: Flights are booked to arrive on the day of setup and depart directly after the event, these are the rules of the dti scheme – the dates are not negotiable.

Requirements: All successful participants must supply high resolution images of their products and text for buyer’s guides. They will also need to complete and submit an exhibitor’s sales report, the contact list, the 6 months report, plus any other reports required by the dti.

Please note that we are currently obtaining quotes for all logistical services related to this tradeshow to submit to the Department of Trade and Industry (dti). This means that we need to make a number of assumptions for quotation purposes.

Freight: Please note we work on the maximum billable weight being 100Kgs per applicant. All freight will be sent via a DA65, which means everything that is sent to the trade show must return to SA – no stock can be sold or left behind as it would contravene the terms of the freight method and an individual enterprise will be accountable to the law for this.

Travel costs and arrangements: Flights are booked to arrive on the day of setup and depart directly after the event, these are the rules of the dti scheme – the dates are not negotiable.

Requirements: All successful participants must supply high resolution images of their products and text for buyer’s guides. They will also need to complete and submit an exhibitor’s sales report, the contact list, the 6 months report, plus any other reports required by the dti.Freight: Please note we work on the maximum billable weight being 100Kgs per applicant. All freight will be sent via a DA65, which means everything that is sent to the trade show must return to SA – no stock can be sold or left behind as it would contravene the terms of the freight method and an individual enterprise will be accountable to the law for this.Travel costs and arrangements: Flights are booked to arrive on the day of setup and depart directly after the event, these are the rules of the dti scheme – the dates are not negotiable.

Requirements: All successful participants must supply high resolution images of their products and text for buyer’s guides. They will also need to complete and submit an exhibitor’s sales report, the contact list, the 6 months report, plus any other reports required by the dti.Travel costs and arrangements: Flights are booked to arrive on the day of setup and depart directly after the event, these are the rules of the dti scheme – the dates are not negotiable.Requirements: All successful participants must supply high resolution images of their products and text for buyer’s guides. They will also need to complete and submit an exhibitor’s sales report, the contact list, the 6 months report, plus any other reports required by the dti.Requirements: All successful participants must supply high resolution images of their products and text for buyer’s guides. They will also need to complete and submit an exhibitor’s sales report, the contact list, the 6 months report, plus any other reports required by the dti.CCDI makes recommendations from the shortlist and the dti/Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) makes the final section.

CCDI makes recommendations from the shortlist and the dti/Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) makes the final section.

This electronic application process saves you time, money and prevents you needing to supply original and certified documents. However, if shortlisted you will be required to deliver hard copies of your application to the Cape Craft and Design Institute, 2nd Floor, 37 Barrack Street, Cape Town, 8000 within 5 working days of notification.

Costs: If selected for a trade show, a participation fee of R2 500 is payable to the CCDI within 5 working days of receipt of CCDI invoice for administrative services.

If you are selected, SSAS will provide funding for the following: 100% of the costs of return flights; HS Code on products to be exhibited (this can be obtained by companies on 0800 00 7277 or www.cargoinfo.co.za); 100% of the rental of the stand; 100% of the cost of accommodation; 100% of the costs related to the transport of the product to tradeshow and back (maximum 100kg).

Selection Process:

Applications are sent for adjudication.

Only 10 - 20 participants will be selected. The outcome of your application will be communicated in due course.Selection is based on a scoring system and specific criteria (see below).

Selection for this event is based on the following criteria: Event Organiser’s Feedback | Product suitability | Pricing structures | Production capacity | Record keeping systems | Business and Export Training | Turnover | Number of employees | PDI/HDI | Business Age | Number of SSAS Exhibitions | SA National | Local % | Export Experience

PLEASE NOTE:

The CCDI has launched a new membership-based online platform for access to services.

Members who have not signed into the new CCDI information management system with the username and password provided and have not updated their details, will not be eligible to apply for this opportunity unless they update their details.

New members can complete the full registration.

Click here to learn how to register

Call for Applications to Musicians: 2015 Fête de la Musique

Launched in France in 1982, the Fête de la Musique is now a worldwide popular celebration of music gathering hundreds and thousands of people in the streets to celebrate music, and also offering a platform to French and international artists.

BCUC Band

With 5 000 people in 2012, 8 000 people in 2013 and 10 000 people in 2014, the Fête de la Musique in Johannesburg has established itself as the fastest growing festival brand in South Africa. Taking place in the historically cultural hub Newtown and based on last year’s success, the event promises to be bigger and better in 2015!

Bheki Khoza

Musicians and bands of all music genres, amateurs and professionals, are invited to apply to perform and join in the spirit of Fête de la Musique in Newtown on Saturday 27 June.

Musicians wanting to apply should send their application pack including application form and material requested (bios, photos, technical rider, sound clips and videos and press kit) to fetedelamusiquejoburg@gmail.com

Click here to download the application form

Deadline: 31 April 2015

The previous editions in Johannesburg welcomed local acts including The Muffinz, Buskaid, GP Riot, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Planet Lindela, Nakhane Touré, BCUC, VUT Choir, Mahotella Queens, DJ Nicky B, Tu Nokwe and Bheki Khoza, and international acts including Solorazaf (Fr/Madagascar), Laurent Coq (Fr), Didier Labbé Quartet (Fr), Lo Griyo (Reunion Island), Baenz Oester and the Rainmakers (Switzerland) amongst others.

Planet Lindela

Fête de La Musique in Newtown is presented to you by the Alliance Francaise of Johannesburg, the French Institute of South Africa and the Bassline.