The FYTA (Filmmaking Youth Taking Action) Film Festival, a product of a partnership between the University of Johannesburg and the Mexican embassy. The Festival consists of four main categories:

1. Mexican-South African Film Showcase
More than 10 professional directors and filmmakers from Mexico and South Africa are expected to showcase their films, providing an opportunity for discussion and workshops with the filmmakers. Several of the feature films and documentaries from Mexico will be African premieres. Some of the well-known Mexican guests include Elena Fortes (director of the documentary festival Ambulante) and Flavio Florencio (creator of the Africala festival). Other guests are: Alejandro Ripstein, son of veteran Mexican filmmaker Arturo Ripstein; Elisa Miller, winner of a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007; and animator Ricardo Arnaiz, winner of a Mexican Academy Award for The Legend of Nahuala.

2. Workshops and Colloquia
Workshops and colloquia will be held for budding filmmakers and directors, making FYTA the "ideal opportunity to provide young filmmakers with guidance and support". Workshop themes will vary from animation to filmmaking and story-telling, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with international professionals in the industry.

3. Young Filmmakers Showcase
Emerging filmmakers and film students have been invited to submit their work for exhibition at the festival. Entries are submitted according to several categories, including animation, documentaries, music videos and experimental films.

4. Benign Bunker
Young filmmakers, students and the public have been invited to submit their work, to be shown in the Benign Bunker. Here they can watch each other's films, discuss relevant topics and network with important role players in the SA - and Mexican film industry.

Entrance to all screenings and workshops is free.

Venue

Date: 13 June 2008 to 16 June 2008
Location: FADA Building, University of Jhb, Bunting Rd, Johannesburg
Cost: Free
More info: Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) Building, University of Johannesburg Bunting Road Campus, 17 Bunting Road, Auckland Park, JHB.
The venue is situated next to the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH).

Contact: Marguelette Louw
Company name: FYTA Film Festival
Telephone number: +27 11 559 3290
Email address mlouw@uj.ac.za