Apply for the festival’s exclusive master classes

The kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival again offers a host of wonderful sessions to sharpen stakeholders’ knowledge and skills. In addition to discussions and workshops on hot topics in the video entertainment industry, this year’s offering includes three exclusive masterclasses where experienced Silwerskerm voices will give practical and intensive guidance to a handful of participants to hone their storytelling technique.

The masterclasses are offered in three diverse fields: directing for camera, creating impactful documentaries, and making films that empower communities. Potential participants apply online and the top candidates are selected and invited to attend the classes.

If you’d like to be one of the select fifteen to attend each of these sessions, you now have the opportunity to register.

More information on the master classes:                              

Master Class 1: The Art of Documentary Films (Wednesday 23 August at 2.30pm)

This master class is specifically aimed at filmmakers who already have a documentary idea in mind or in the pipeline. Wim Steyn and Elle Oosthuizen, who made the popular documentary series Devilsdorp and Steinheist, as well as Richard Finn Gregory (Boere op die aardsdrempel, Steinheist), will give two hours of practical training on what constitutes a successful documentary narrative and create an opportunity for participants to hone their ideas.

Master Class 2: Directing Actors (Thursday 24 Augusts at 14:30)

In this practical master class, Nico Scheepers of Donkerbos and Nêrens, Noord-Kaap fame, works with actors and a cameraman to illustrate how he gets the best performances out of actors in a pressurised set environment. Participants will also be given the opportunity to interact creatively with a scene and experiment with variations.

Master Class 3: Empowering Communities Through Storytelling

This master class, presented by Nadine Cloete (Teater na die mense, Action Kommandant) and Muneera Sallies (Old Righteous Blues, Twisted Christmas), focuses on narrative stories filmed in communities, where the authentic stories of communities are captured in a fictional way. Smart techniques that call for less expensive equipment and more ingenuity, are practically investigated and applied.