The City of Cape Town and the Cape Town International Film Market and Festival are co-hosting a three-day networking event at the Civic Centre, providing a platform for Women in Film.

The event, which runs until Friday 21 June 2019, includes film screenings (Ellen Pakkies, Deep End and Sodium Day), opportunities to interact with producers and cast members, as well as a chance to network with other industry stakeholders.

A number of discussions are part of the agenda, including the realities of show business and diversity in film, but also what the future holds for women in film and television in South Africa.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith was one of the speakers at the event. Below is an extract from his speech:

There is a lot I can say about the film industry; it is an industry that provides entertainment to millions as we will see in today’s screening of Deep End, you present opportunities for education through film like in yesterday’s screening of Ellen Pakkies and beyond this, the film industry is a key contributor to job creation in our City which benefits both our local and national economy.

A study commissioned by the City of Cape Town shows that the film industry contributes approximately R5 billion to the local economy annually and has created more than 35 000 jobs over a three-year period. This is in line with the City’s efforts to reduce unemployment.

The film industry is important, not only because the arts are critical to our society, but also because it creates jobs in front of the camera, behind the camera and even further behind the scenes; from the caterers on set to transport providers and costume designers.