If there was a battle as to which of the international films festivals was the biggest or most glamorous, the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France would be a top contender. However, this festival is not just about glitz, it is also one of the best places to network with filmmakers, potential investors and distributors from all over the world.
Hear Me Move director Scottnes L. Smith, along with producers Fidel Namisi and Wandile Molebatsi were among those chosen to represent South Africa at the French festival where they got positives reviews for the film after private trailer and film screenings. Audience members were impressed by what Coal Stove Pictures achieved with Hear Me Move as they were able to tell an entertaining universal story within a limited budget.
It was Smith’s first visit to Cannes where he learnt that preparation is paramount. One must take the time to make first contact and woo potential investors in an environment with strong competition. In a place where one can meet the head of the festival while out on the beach, one must always be prepared to market oneself and follow up in that regard is key.
However, the humbling lesson that Smith learnt was that all filmmakers across the globe are the same in that they are all working to create content while contending with many obstacles. This knowledge inspired Smith as he realised that South African filmmakers are able to compete overseas and make films that can sustain and grow the film industry both locally and internationally. In the face of competition from around the world where filmmakers have to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack, Smith believes that one way to stand out is: “to be true to yourself. Who am I really and what do I represent?” With a great story and the authentic expression thereof, anything can be achieved.
Regardless of the beautiful scenery and fabulous people, Smith’s favourite moment of the trip was a photograph he took on the beach with partners Namisi and Molebatsi dressed in suits and sipping overpriced glasses of champagne. They smiled together for a photograph as they toasted, “Well done champs. Here we are.”
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Hear Me Move director Scottnes L. Smith, along with producers Fidel Namisi and Wandile Molebatsi were among those chosen to represent South Africa at the French festival where they got positives reviews for the film after private trailer and film screenings. Audience members were impressed by what Coal Stove Pictures achieved with Hear Me Move as they were able to tell an entertaining universal story within a limited budget.
It was Smith’s first visit to Cannes where he learnt that preparation is paramount. One must take the time to make first contact and woo potential investors in an environment with strong competition. In a place where one can meet the head of the festival while out on the beach, one must always be prepared to market oneself and follow up in that regard is key.
However, the humbling lesson that Smith learnt was that all filmmakers across the globe are the same in that they are all working to create content while contending with many obstacles. This knowledge inspired Smith as he realised that South African filmmakers are able to compete overseas and make films that can sustain and grow the film industry both locally and internationally. In the face of competition from around the world where filmmakers have to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack, Smith believes that one way to stand out is: “to be true to yourself. Who am I really and what do I represent?” With a great story and the authentic expression thereof, anything can be achieved.
Regardless of the beautiful scenery and fabulous people, Smith’s favourite moment of the trip was a photograph he took on the beach with partners Namisi and Molebatsi dressed in suits and sipping overpriced glasses of champagne. They smiled together for a photograph as they toasted, “Well done champs. Here we are.”
This Best article writing service is provided by Gdweblab