Channel 4 & Africa at the Pictures showcase African digital innovation

'Digital' and 'Africa' are, for those outside the continent, a potentially surprising pairing.
Digital Africa will bring together dynamic, young film-making talent from South Africa and the UK, plus the most creative of TV/film practitioners and commissioners, to celebrate the amazing energy young Africans have brought to drama by embracing digital technology and to explore what young UK creatives can learn from their dynamic approach to dramatised film and TV.
Digital Africa is a partnership between Channel 4 and Africa at the Pictures, supported by the UK Film Council. The initiative is part of Africa 05, a year-long celebration across Britain of African culture. The day-long event and associated screenings, from June 22-24 2005, are to be held at Channel 4’s Horseferry Road headquarters.
The one-day Digital Africa Digital Drama Workshop is to be introduced by one of the key figures in the South African film industry, Eddie Mbalo, CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, and will explore how digital technology can help emerging filmmaking talent. Critically acclaimed filmmaker Jon Akomfrah and Director of the London Film School, Ben Gibson will chair two of the sessions.
Two leading South African digital TV and film production teams will take part, including the award-winning team behind cult South African TV series Yizo Yizo and the DV8 directors of internationally acclaimed films Forgiveness and Max and Mona. Representatives from Channel 4, the UK Film Council, the London Film School and the National Film & Television School will also attend as guest speakers.
The workshop will be followed by a Dialogue in Digital Dynamics, chaired by Heather Rabbatts, Head of Education, Channel 4.
"The Dialogue in Digital Dynamics will explore what young UK creatives can learn from the dynamic approach to digital drama coming out of South Africa", said Rabbatts. "And we are delighted to be partnering with Africa at the Pictures to begin this important exploration."
Marcia Williams, Head of Diversity, UK Film Council, said: "We are thrilled to support this timely focus on the development of filmmaking in Africa. The vitally of the film and television industry in South Africa which will be actively explored at this event offers a great opportunity for British filmmakers from all backgrounds to be inspired by alternative approaches to production, distribution and exhibition and meet potential international partners."
(GB)