Register for indigenous language scriptwriter's workshop

The 30th Durban International Film Festival, 23 July to 2 August 2009, will present over 200 screenings of films from around the world, with a special focus on films from South Africa and Africa. Screenings will take place throughout Durban, including township areas where cinemas are non-existent.

The festival also offers an extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international film-makers, which is open to the public. As part of the 30th DIFF workshop programme a free writing and scriptwriting workshop is now open to applications.

The workshop

This workshop is a chance to engage creatively with successful screenwriter Mtutuzeli Matshoba, who has been involved in the creation and writing of television productions such as Soweto, The History, Yizo Yizo, Stokvel, Scoop Scoombie, and Zero Tolerance. He graduated to feature film with the comedy Chikin Biznis, which won Best Film in FESPACO in Burkina Faso. He has also been involved in polishing the scripts for Red Dust and, more recently, Jerusalema.

To be considered for the workshop the following must be received by 10 July:

• A one-page “treatment” of the applicant's life (a creative CV in any of the official languages)
  
• A one page “treatment” of one of his scripts. (in any of the official languages)
  
• A covering letter, in English or Zulu, containing name, contact details and a declaration that the applicant is free and available to attend the workshop between 29 July to 1 August, from 9am to 5pm.

Note that there is no stipend for subsistence, transport or accommodation.

The venue

The workshops will take place in conference rooms on the first floor of the Royal Hotel, Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street ). Although English will be the medium for most of the workshops, the scriptwriting workshop run by Mtutuzeli will accommodate all the indigenous languages if required, although a reading level of English comprehension will be helpful.

The application, together with covering letter, is to be sent to or faxed to +27 (0) 865 490221 or delivered to the offices of the Durban International Film Festival, Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus. Contact: +27 (0) 31 260 2506.

Closing date is 10 July.