THERE’S probably no greater joy for any film-maker than to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the film industry at the Cannes Film Festival.
The excitement is even more for emerging film-makers such as the Durban-based duo, Sithabile Mkhize and BonitaBonnie Sithebe.
The two ladies of film could not contain their excitement as they were about to jet off to the world’s number one film festival on Wednesday, 18 May.
Sithabile told Daily Sun: “The feeling that I’m feeling most clearly is being excited. I don’t thinkIt has not fully sunk in until today that I’m really going to Cannes. This I am a bit nervous because I hear a lot about how overwhelming Cannes can be. But I’m fully prepared and I know I have a good team coming with me.is my first Cannes and hopefully, the first of many.
“I’m pretty much an emerging film-maker. I’ve only been active in the film industry since 2018. So, I am expecting to learn a lot.” especially from people who have been in this industry for a long time.”
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The 75th annual Cannes Film Festival started on Tuesday, 17 May, and will end on Saturday, 28 May.
She said her aim is to meet as many people as possible and grow her connections, as well as to learn more about funding opportunities for African films.
“My goal is to find partners to help me with the project I am working on, which is God’s Work.
“God’s Work is a surreal andsatirical look at the lives of the homeless community here in Durban and how they interact with people who occupy spaces of power,” Sithabile said.
She said she was confident of achieving her goals because she had a strong team behind her, a good plan and good project.
She concluded: “So, I am confident that we will achieve our goals.”
For her colleague, Bonnie, this is her third time at Cannes.
Bonnie, whose film is called Valley of A Thousand Hills, said: “the previous times was when she was developing her project.Bonie said: “So, this is my third time. It’s still as exciting as the first time.”
“This time, my film is complete and now I have something to showcase. I will also be pitching my new project as well,” she said.
So, there’s a new project coming up and I’m looking to find partnerships. Cannes is one of the biggest festivals in the world. It’s like number one. Every filmmaker wants to go there. As much as you think you know, you learn about new things all the time. I am at a stage where I have established myself but I’m willing to learn more.
She said she was very confident, especially because she has been preparing this project for years.
“And I am confident that I will be pitching a project that is worth their while,” she said.
The KZN Film Commission CEO, Jackie Motsepe, said they issued an open call to the industry inviting filmmakers to be part of their delegation at the festival.
“Women and youth filmmakers are a priority when it comes to the development of the film industry. Additionally, tThese two film-makers are telling compelling stories that will resonate with the global market,” said Motsepe.
