Xingwana signs a film coproduction treaty with Australia

18 June 2010

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulama Xingwana signed a film
coproduction treaty with the Australian Minister of Early Childhood
Education, Child Care and Sports, Ms Kate Ellis in Pretoria today.

The purpose of the treaty is to enhance cooperation between the two
countries in the area of film.

The treaty will assist generate the much-needed resources from both
countries. It offers film makers, actors, distributors and marketers
from both countries to access benefits such as subsidies, tax
incentives, co-productions and other financial benefits allowed by the
two countries or national funding institutions.

In this way the co-producing countries are able to share the risks and
costs of productions, whilst increasing the output of high quality films.

It will also facilitate the cultural, creative and economic exchanges
between the two countries. Such exchanges contribute to the enhancement
of relations between the two countries.

In addition to financial benefits, film provides invaluable
opportunities for the development of a vibrant civil society mobilise
political and social change and unlock the potential of the tourism
industry by marketing the country abroad while educating its own citizens.

"As South Africa, we know that the Australians will benefit a lot from
our scenery and natural landscape which has already proved to be popular
with film makers.

"Our country has already been a location for many successful
international films such as Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamonds, Invictus, etc.

"Our own film industry has also been very successful in recent years
despite the fact that our film makers work with small budgets. We are
proud of achievements of films such as Tsotsi, Jerusalema and many
others," said Xingwana.

The National Film and Video Foundation will continue to facilitate
funding and the general conducive environment for our local industry.

Government will continue to support this important vehicle for our
nation to tell its stories and preserve its culture. We value the
importance of international collaborations in our effort to grow the
local film sector.

This will also help contribute to the gross domestic product of our
country.

Enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Tel: 012 441 3083

Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
18 June 2010