Inspired by the need to fight against young minds being numbed by stereotypes, conventions and trashy entertainment, this festival aims to reignite the passion in young filmmakers. It aims to encourage them to speak their minds and join the movement, realising that while escapism is great, when it outweighs and white-washes all reason it becomes dangerous. FYTA Films also enables young filmmakers to tell their own stories.
There are voices outside of Hollywood and FYTA is there to help uncover them amongst the true free spirits of society- the youth! This year we join forces with Mexican filmmakers to explore the common ground between our countries - in film, in history and in daily life.
The festival consists of three main categories:
FYTA Films will screen several African premières. In addition, filmmakers from both countries will be in attendance at screenings for discussions and workshops.
Some of the well-known Mexican guests include Elena Fortes Acosta, director of the Ambulante documentary festival run by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, Flavio Florencio, creator of the Africala festival which highlights the ancient connection between Africa and Latin America and the African roots present in South America.
Other guests include Alejandro Ripstein; producer of Heroes and Time and son of veteran filmmaker Arturo Ripstein, Elisa Miller, winner of a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival last year and animator Ricardo Arnaiz winner of a Mexican Academy award for The Legend of Nahuala.
With so many interesting visitors to FYTA, it is the ideal opportunity to provide young filmmakers with guidance and support in the form of workshops. These include:
In addition to structured events, young filmmakers will be encouraged to mingle and view each others' work in the Benign Bunker, an ideal opportunity for networking.
Emerging filmmakers, film students and anyone else with a story on film is invited to submit their work for exhibition at FYTA Films 2008. On 16 June, FYTA Films will dedicate a screening venue to the work of young directors from both SA and Mexico.
Entrance to all screenings and workshops is free. The festival will be held at the University of Johannesburg's FADA Building on Bunting Road, Auckland Park.
For more information, go to www.fytafilms.org.
