KNYSNA NEWS - Dying to go to the movies in Knysna? If you can wait a bit longer, you'll live to tell the tale of the inaugural Knysna Film Festival later this year.
Scheduled for 29 October to 2 November this year, the festival constitutes an important step for the advancement of arts and culture in Knysna and for stimulating the economy, according to organiser and festival director Patrick Walton.
"As a hub for filmmakers, aficionados and fans, creative expression, film education and new technology, the proposed Knysna Film Festival aims to support emerging and established filmmakers, encourage community participation in and learning about the industry as well as simply the enjoyment of good films through 15 pop-up style cinemas with an all-genre approach during the festival, Walton told a meeting at the Knysna Tourism offices last week.
Mixture of events planned
"Experience is everything," is Walton's mantra both on and off screen for the festival, which will feature a mixture of film-related events and activities as well as the screenings of a host of independent films.
"We want to establish a unique film festival offering quality films which emphasise social issues, unique cultural phenomena, the environment as well as pure entertainment for filmgoers and which we hope will become a permanent feature on the Knysna events calendar," he said.
Knysna Film festival director Patrick Walton. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
Opportunity for learners
The festival has confirmed the opening and closing screenings at the Premier Hotel on George Rex Drive as well as a host of other films at pop-up cinema venues at the Waterfront and Thesen Island.
In terms of education and skills development, Walton said the festival is dedicated to creating participation opportunities for learners with the aim of potential employment, and that learners would be linked to the festival through partnerships with community and charity organisations.
He added that learners would also have the opportunity to attend workshops presented by mentors and industry professionals such as himself.
According to his CV, Walton is a veteran of the film, television and theatre industry for over 30 years, who has produced reality series, documentaries and other films for national and international broadcasters through his production company, ShootAway Productions, for over 15 years.
The first Knysna Film Festival is set to take place from 29 October to 2 November 2019.
As a member and juror of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy's), he is a regular attendee of the awards and festival in New York, giving him access to an exclusive network of resources. He also runs his own events and logistics company.
Find out more
Email director@knysna-filmfestival.co.za. Also follow Knysna Film Festival on Facebook and visit www.knysnafilmfestival.com.
Knysna Film festival director Patrick Walton. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
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