SA FILMMAKER MAKES IT TO EXCLUSIVE FORUM AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

SA FILMMAKER MAKES IT TO EXCLUSIVE FORUM AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

Film producer Isaac Mogajane is looking forward to hoisting the country’s flag high when he participates in the exclusive International Financing Forum at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) taking place from 10-20 September 2015.

Mogajane, whose company, Diprente Films has produced films such as Blitz Patrollie, and the television comedy Late Night with Loyiso Gola, is one of the South African filmmakers who are funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to attend the prestigious film festival. But he is the only one who made the cut to participate in the forum, which is an exclusive event attended by the crème de la crème of the global film and television industry gathering in Toronto.

 “I’m honoured to be selected to attend the forum. Profoundly influential industry players from around the world representing very big sales, talent management and production companies, as well as international film distributors attend the forum. Hundreds of film producers from all over the world apply to be part of the forum but only about 20 are accepted. Being one of those few is a great source of inspiration to me,” says Mogajane about the forum which will also provide him with exclusive networking opportunities.

He adds that he has been buoyed up by the fact that the script of the feature film he is working on, The Flats, which earned him the ticket to the forum, has already captured the attention of the selectors.  This, he admits, means that expectations are as high as the amount of doors his participation will open for the film to achieve success globally.

.“The forum provides me with a golden opportunity to sell our project to the world. We will be presenting our film to representatives of various companies telling them what the project is all about, what it is projected to cost, where shooting will take place as well as possible sources of funding,” says Mogajane.

He explains that if representatives of the companies are convinced that the film is a great commercially viable project they will agree to partner with him.

“If they like the project they will come on as partners and help raise the required finance. When you are producing a movie the biggest thing you need is a strong sales company to partner with. The company will sell your movie around the world and that’s what it will make it profitable,” says Mogajane.

Mogajane believes that The Flats caught the attention of selectors because it has a strong international potential and appeal as a result of the way it packaged it. The budget range is also good and has space for international actors. Feature films are doing well internationally at the moment. I’m optimistic that I will return to South Africa with about four potential deals which we can engage further on and end up procuring a partner for the film,” says Mogajane.

He adds that attending the forum will also raise his profile in Toronto as a film producer. Many other companies which are participating in the festival have high regard for producers who have been accorded the exclusive right to attend the forum. As a result they gravitate towards them in their quest for partnership and in search of exceptional movies that will sell, knowing you are the holder of a potentially commercial project.