Haraka! Supporting new talents in short African films
CFI is launching Haraka! a contest for fictional short film projects, with the aim of mobilizing the energies of a new generation of directors who are determined to film at all costs.
For 23 years, Canal France International (CFI) has supported media development and modernisation in southern countries. In Africa, in addition to its historical role with TV channels, CFI takes part in the structuring and reinforcement of the programme industry through a strategy of increased support: purchasing and pre-purchasing of rights, distribution of over 250 hours´ worth of programmes produced in Africa to state and commercial TV channels across the continent and technical and artistic training programmes aimed at production teams.
Haraka! mobilizes the energy of a new generation of directors
In this context, CFI is now launching Haraka! a contest for fictional short film projects, with the aim of mobilizing the energies of a new generation of directors who are determined to film at all costs. By providing the means to young directors under 35 years old within sub-Saharan Africa, who have already acquired the basics of the job, to enhance their experience, CFI hopes to spot new talents and contribute to the injection of more dynamism to the sector.
Haraka! would like to be an alternative to the classic support mechanisms for production implemented by sponsors from the North, on which the procedures and time limits often slow down the momentum of the creators they intend to help. Between the frantic pace of Nollywood and the never-ending wait for windows and subsidies, there is room for a new approach adapted to the economy and dynamics of Africa, in which digital technology, small budgets, swift execution and individual energy is combined. That´s the gamble for Haraka! Quick!
12 short films on the theme of life in Africa today
Haraka! takes into account fiction film projects of between 5 and 15 minutes and of which the screenplay is inspired by the theme Living in Africa today. In total, 12 projects will be selected in 2012 and CFI will allocate an even sum of 10,000 euros. In order to facilitate a wide circulation of the selected works, the short films will be broadcast on African television channels. The selection jury will be made up of audiovisual professionals. The candidates must send their application file before the 15th October 2012.
