Heidelberg gala celebrates graduates of free two-month filmmaking programme

Emerging filmmakers showcased their creativity and storytelling at Icons Pictures’ Empowering Tomorrow Screening and Graduation Gala, held at Heidelberg’s Ext 23 Community Hall on October 31.

The event marked the culmination of the two-month Empowering Tomorrow Film Skills Training Project, a free skills development programme presented by Icons Pictures in partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa.

The programme gave aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to develop practical skills in filmmaking, storytelling, and film production without paying for the training.

Guests, project partners and community members gathered for the occasion, dressed in formal black-tie attire, to celebrate the achievements of participants who completed the programme. One highlight of the event was the screening of micro-dramas produced by the trainees during the programme.

The productions showcased their creativity, storytelling abilities and technical skills acquired throughout the two months of training.

Violet Maseko, project lead and producer at Icons Pictures, congratulated the students on their hard work and dedication, praising their efforts in bringing their stories to life through the micro-drama productions.

“Seeing them bring their ideas to life through the screening of their micro-dramas was truly rewarding. Each production reflected the creativity, storytelling abilities and skills they have developed during this journey. We are proud of what they have achieved and hope this experience will inspire them to pursue their dreams and continue telling stories that make a difference. This is only the beginning of their journey in the film industry,” she said.

Noxolo Monama, a mentor and South African actress, also praised the participants for their progress and encouraged them to pursue their ambitions in the film industry.

“Being part of this programme as a mentor has been an inspiring and rewarding experience. It has been wonderful to witness the students grow, discover their creativity and gain confidence in telling their own stories through film. The screening of their micro-dramas was a proud moment because it demonstrated how much they have learned and what they can achieve when given the right guidance and opportunities,” she said.

One of the graduates, Cashile Skosana, described the programme as an incredible learning experience, saying it had provided valuable knowledge about filmmaking, storytelling and the different aspects of film production.

“Being part of this project has been an incredible learning experience. I am grateful to Icons Pictures, the NFVF and our mentors for believing in us, guiding us and giving us a platform to showcase our talents. This experience has motivated me to work harder and pursue my dreams in the film industry,” she said.