Swazi Observer

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ACTORS EXCITED ABOUT ESWATINI ARTS SUMMIT

By TANELE SIHLONGONYANE | 2025-01-28

ACTORS are excited for the Arts Summit slated for tomorrow as they are eager to deepen their understanding of the film industry.

The eagerly anticipated event will run until Friday at the Institute of Development Management (IDM) in Matsapha.

Day one of the summit will focus on ‘Exploring opportunities in film and television industry’, and will run from 8am-4pm.

Local actor and producer Siphosethu Sibandze, known for his film ‘A Dream’ (Liphupho), expressed his enthusiasm for the summit, highlighting his eagerness to explore the entire production process, from script development to post-production, and also shared the importance of such learning opportunities.

“I am excited as I will gain insights from industry experts on the latest trends and technologies in storytelling, particularly in the South African context. I hope to learn more about the business side of the industry, such as pitching, producing, and distribution,” he said.

Siphosethu also emphasised the need for a deeper understanding of funding opportunities and regulatory frameworks in the South African film and television landscape.

“I believe that this summit would be a game-changer for the future in Eswatini if the aim will be on how Arts and Culture can fund local film productions to be able to create great content. If only ENCAC will strive to close the gap of the lack of funding in the film industry,” he explained.

He added that a future strategy that would highlight where they as creatives can source funding to set up a film commission fund where young and dedicated filmmakers can access those funds and create more films was needed.

“We want to know how we can ensure that our industry thrives without relying on other countries for creating films,” he said.

Gratitude
Another local talent, Lawrence Mhlanga, who has appeared in BakaNgwane and Isitha, expressed his gratitude for the chance to learn from industry leaders.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will broaden our knowledge of the film and television industry," he said.

He also expressed excitement about hearing from South African producers who can offer extensive expertise that could elevate the local industry.

“I believe we will learn a lot from them and that the local film and television industry as a whole will greatly improve moving forward,” he said.

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