AN ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS MADE TO TRANSFORM THE KZN FILM SECTOR IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS

This report presents the key findings of a study to assess progress made to transform the KZN film industry in the last seven years. Data collected for this research showed government stakeholders indicating that municipalities need in-depth film industry knowledge to respond to the industry development needs in their specific District Municipalities. KZN-based businesses highlighted the significant role of the film commission in providing business opportunities which contribute over 60% of their annual turnover. The business survey also showed an agreement regarding fronting being a criminal act which must be prevented due to its impact in slowing down transformation by misrepresenting the extent to which businesses are B-BBEE compliant. All businesses indicated that they are transformed because they work with youth, placing them in key positions; some stated that they provide mentorship to youth, women and people living with a disability. The majority of those who responded amongst filmmakers have experienced growth in their companies through being awarded funding for development and production in the past seven years. However, some expressed the negative impact of lengthy turnaround times from KZNFilm after application, while others expressed that obtaining funding from KZNFilm remains challenging.