Gauteng film makers and actors continue to suffer despite the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) being in place to assist them in securing funds and marketing their products.
During a recent engagement by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with stakeholders in the creative arts industry, it was revealed that the GFC is not fulfilling its mandate. Artists are not receiving the support they should from the GFC, despite Gauteng being the epicentre of the film industry.
The DA welcomes the suspension of the GFC Board by the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR), Morakane Mosupyoe, last week, which is long overdue. Since its appointment, this board has only been concerned with enriching themselves and not looking after the interests of our film makers in the province.
According to the stakeholders, no reason was given for the cancellation of the Gauteng Discover Summit, which would have deliberated on resolutions, global developments, and trends in the local film industry. This summit would have played a key role in contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP). In addition, the GFC Board spent over R1 million on special meetings while our artists struggle to earn a living. Furthermore, GFC also spent at least 50% of its budget on salaries. There was also a delay in approving funding for filmmakers.
For far too long, the DA has been calling on GFC to deliver on its core mandate, which is to assist the local film industry in accessing opportunities that will allow the industry to grow. The DA will directly engage with the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) to determine what steps will be taken to ensure that GFC starts assisting the creative industry in the province.