SEDIBENG.- The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Arts and Culture Unit, hosted a successful Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) Roadshow engagement with local creatives in the area this week.

The session brought together filmmakers, producers and aspiring storytellers from across the region to learn about the funding and employment opportunities available through the NFVF. The programme forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to stimulate economic activity and job creation within the creative and film industries.

The engagement was met with great enthusiasm and participation from the creative community, who welcomed the NFVF’s outreach initiative. However, several participants raised concerns regarding the need for earlier engagement by the NFVF in future programmes, to ensure adequate time for creatives to prepare and participate effectively.

In addition, attendees expressed the need for a dedicated follow-up workshop focusing on film development, training, and capacity-building, particularly for emerging filmmakers seeking to professionalise their craft and align with industry standards.

A representative from ELM Arts and Culture Unit, Semakaleng Moeketsi, emphasised the importance of a strengthened partnership between the NFVF and the Municipality. She called for future engagements to be planned collaboratively, ensuring better coordination, community mobilisation and inclusion of local talent.

In response, ELM committed to inviting the NFVF Training and Development Department to return for a focused session that will address compliance requirements and available funding opportunities for filmmakers.

The roadshow marks another positive step in building stronger ties between national institutions and local creative communities, ensuring that filmmakers in the Vaal are informed, supported, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s growing film industry.