Celebrating community script writers, producers and filmmakers posing for a picture after attending a workshop organized by NFVF. Picture Credit: Molebogeng Miyene
By Molebogeng Miyene
GaPhahla: In a vibrant gathering of creativity and aspiration, local film makers, producers, and budding script writers convened at the GaPhahla Community Hall on October 1, 2025, to participate in a workshop aimed at unlocking the opportunities offered by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) PESP 6 Grant. This initiative is part of the NFVF Roadshows designed to educate aspiring applicants about the various funding streams and applicant tiers based on their qualifications and experience.
With a substantial budget of R 230 million allocated for the PESP 6 initiative, the NFVF is offering support across three streams. Stream 1 focuses on Production, with an allocation of R 120,926,730. Stream 2 is dedicated to Skills Development, benefiting from R 60,963,365, while Stream 3, which supports Market and Film Festivals, has a budget of R 19,998,905. Additionally, R 13,500,000 has been set aside for a Digitization Project.
Stacey Takane, the Events Manager at the NFVF, emphasized the agency’s commitment to prioritizing rural areas, particularly districts like Siyabuswa that are situated far from Mbombela. “In previous cycles, a significant portion of Mpumalanga’s grant allocations was concentrated in Mbombela. This year, we are here in Siyabuswa to educate the community on the application process and encourage collaboration among local filmmakers. Working together increases the chances of accessing larger grant amounts,” she stated.
Local scriptwriter Ms. Hazel expressed her excitement at finally receiving the information she had long sought. “For years I’ve been writing scripts that have not been successfully turned into profitable productions. I wanted to know if scriptwriters without formal qualifications are eligible to apply for these grants, as I fear we may not meet the traditional requirements,” she shared.
In response to Ms. Hazel’s concerns, Stacey Takane clarified that applicants in Tier 3 are eligible to apply with as little as 0 to 5 years of experience. “For Streams 1 and 2 you must be fully or partially accredited by seta or have over 10 years training experience for capacity building and. As long as you can demonstrate your experience or employ experienced service providers to support your application, you qualify,” she affirmed, shedding light on the accessibility of the grant to a wider range of individuals eager to break into the film industry. She also encouraged creatives to collaborate with each other.
The workshop successfully invigorated attendees, who left feeling enlightened and optimistic about the potential opportunities to apply for their own projects. The PESP initiative holds the promise of creating jobs within the National Film Industry, a goal that resonated deeply with the community.
Participants were reminded of the crucial importance of thoroughly verifying and submitting all required documents before the application deadline on October 31, 2025. With the NFVF’s support and guidance, the burgeoning talent within the Dr. JS Moroka community is now better equipped to shine in the film industry, armed with the knowledge and resources essential for success.
