For many independent South African filmmakers, television, cinema and streaming platforms are the obvious mediums to showcase their work. But what happens when opportunities on these platforms are limited or inaccessible?
Local and international film festivals become an alternative for some.
Global film festivals offer many opportunities. These include not only exposure to a wide audience, but also networking, distribution deals, funding and collaborations, according to independent filmmaker Anele Geqiwe.
In an interview with the Mail Guardian , Geqiwe says that beyond pitching to big screens and streaming platforms, festivals outside of South Africa allow filmmakers to showcase their work to a diverse audience, including industry professionals, critics and distributors.
Festivals also provide a platform for creative exchange, where filmmakers can learn from their peers, explore different markets and gain insights into global trends in cinema, Geqiwe says.
