South African born Dan Mindel part of kykNET Silwerskermfees judging

Dan Mindel with Nondumiso Buthelezi

He was invited to the festival, as part of a new M-Net initiative in association with kykNET to facilitate conversations between South African filmmakers and international experts. This event was also held in Johannesburg and facilitated by Marc Baleiza.

Part of the initiative included a competition that young filmmakers from South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA), Big Fish and Umuzi Academy were invited to enter, by submitting a short fictional film or mini documentary. The prize included R30,000, a mini master class with kykNET’s content team, as well as the opportunity to display their work at the 2017 kykNET Silwerskermfees.

Over 75 film entries were received and reviewed by kykNET. Mindel and a team from the South African Society of Cinematographers (SASC) then selected the winner.

“South Africa will always hold a special place in my heart. To return, and be able to step into conversation with South African filmmakers has been a privilege,” says Johannesburg-born Mindel.

Nondumiso Buthelezi, the director of a short film titled Oswenka, was announced as the winner of the competition. The film looks at a tradition started by Zulu migrant workers in the 1950s where on Saturday nights they would compete for the title of best-dressed man.

“Oswenka hit a nerve – it’s interesting, genuine and raw. I was most impressed by its contrasting colour palette and its texture,” said Mindel.

A film titled Isango by Darren Parker, Luke Gordon and Karien van Biljon was placed second and Sea Skeletons by Tamsyn Reynolds was placed third in the competition.

According to Yolisa Phahle, CEO of M-Net, “Based on the entries received it is clear that this is a progressive and socially responsible industry. It is increasingly diversified, it creates employment, and importantly, the work documents our past, the present and paints a picture of our imagined future.”