Reel to Reality Film Festival 2023 Festival Talks
This year’s festival saw a range of topics explored through the festival’s panel discussions. Over and above the films curated for this year’s program, we saw the need to expand our curation beyond the screen, through panel discussions with industry experts and emerging filmmakers, to engage with audiences on African diasporic cinema deeper and create a platform for meaningful dialogue and networking.
Day 1: Panel Discussions Reflections on African cinema, The past, present and future
The panel discussion Reflections on African Cinema: The Past, Present & Future”, focused on our cinematic history as a country, continent and diaspora, as well as where we are at from a creativity, storytelling and distribution points of view, as well as the growing changes of the industry, heading us into a new direction. This panel discussion featured seasoned Film and TV experts namely, Layla Swart, Sifiso Khanyile, Adze Ugah and Sihle Hlope. The panel was hosted by the festival founder and head curator, Mbali Mashaba.
Day 2: Panel Discussions How to Build the Best Crew for Your First Film
We partnered with SA Film Chronicle to host this informative panel. The panel was focused on how to spot young crew members, keeping the work environment healthy and professional as a first-time filmmaker/director and guiding upcoming filmmakers on how to keep the space conducive for everyone. In addition, how to navigate small budgets. It will include 4 emerging directors, whose films are showing during the festival. It featured Paballo Mokwena, Ntokozo Mlaba, Nigel Wurayayi and Nhlakanipho Mashinini. It was hosted by Eddie Ramohlale.
Eddie Ramohlale SA Film Chronicles | Founder
Eddie Ramohlale is a South African Filmmaker, Film Media PR Specialist, Entrepreneur and Film Reviewer. With over 3 years of experience in the film industry, he is a dynamic and innovative filmmaker who has made significant contributions to the South African film landscape. In addition to his work as a filmmaker, he is a seasoned film media PR Specialist & Reviewer and has worked with numerous film studios and production companies to promote their projects such as Netflix and Showmax. He founded SA Film Chronicles in 2021, a platform dedicated to showcasing & highlighting the Culture of South African Cinema.
Founded by Eddie Ramohlale, SA Film Chronicles is a South African online digital platform that focuses on promoting and preserving the history of South African cinema. This platform was created to highlight the contributions of filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals who have played a role in shaping the country’s film industry. The platform aims to raise awareness of South African cinema locally and internationally and provide a space for discussion and engagement among industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and the general public.
Day 3: Panel Discussions Guide to Writing and Directing an African Film/Tv Series
The panel focused on our panellist’s screenwriting and directing journeys, guiding emerging screenwriters and directors on making their passion a profession and sharing tips. The panel featured Thina Zibi, Elelwani Netshifhire and Matshepo Maja. The panel was hosted by the festival’s curator, Yonela Vakalisa.