Youth Program Speakers

Hanné Koster

Topic1: Introduction to Scriptwriting

Summary: In this workshop session students will get a crash-course in scriptwriting while writing their own short script.

Time: 12:00

Date: 3 & 4 August 2023 | Thursday and Friday

Hanné Koster is an award-winning television director and documentary filmmaker, scriptwriter, and video editor. She is a council member of the Writers Guild of South Africa.

She has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and completed four of Corey Mandell’s professional screenwriting workshops. She has been a lecturer in broadcast journalism at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and is currently one of the WGSA’s part-time trainers.

Henriette de Villiers

Topic: Studying Film at AFDA

Summary: In this session Petri gives participants in the youth program an introduction to post-production.

Time: 12:00

Date: 3 August 2023 | Thursday

Henriette de Villiers, COO of AFDA, started her career in television as a presenter at the SABC. She has since worked as a writer, director and producer in genres including actuality; reality; interactive; and scripted formats. She specializes in developing local versions of international shows, including ‘Temptation’ and ‘MasterChef SA’, as well as in developing original television formats. Henriette was the creative director on the multi-SAFTA-award winning drama series, ‘The Wild’; and a development producer for various other formats on M-Net and VIA. She is the South-African coordinator for the international television organization INPUT. Passionate about education and the creation of original African content with international appeal, Henriette has brought her experience and skills to students in the learning environment for the last decade.

Henriette holds an Honours degree from UJ and an MFA in Screenwriting from AFDA.

Jacques Gombault

Youth Program Educator: Acting for Camera

Time: 10:00 – 17:00

Dates: 3-5 August

After completing his BA in Drama (Hons) degree at Pretoria University, Jacques received a bursary to do his MA(Drama) studies at Pretoria University in 1996. It was, however, his experience on the film set of the American film “Operation Delta Force” as well as “Egoli” made him realise that his years at university did not prepare him for the demands Film and TV sets would place on him.

Years later, he has 19 years of experience in acting for film and TV and multiple productions under his belt. These include Song vir Katryn, 7de Laan, Generations, Binnelanders, and much more in the television industry. In addition, he has also starred in various films including District 9, Lien se Langstaan Skoene, Long Walk to Freedom, The Bang Bang Club, and the latest feature, Silverton Seige.

In 2009 he won the Best Afrikaans TV Actor Award and in 2020 he was nominated for Villain of the year at the Royalty Soapy Awards. He also produced five films himself. In 2015 his film, Khumbula – I will Remember, won the ICVM Silver Crown Award in Orlando Florida. His acting course focuses on preparing students for film and television specifically and was developed with the motto “If what I have to teach, really works, it first had to work for me!”

John Smith

Topic: Stunts Sword Fighting for the Movies

Summary: Basic course on sword fighting for action sequences in films.

Cost: R400 pp

Time: 10:00-15:00

Date: 4 and 5 August

Sword fighting demo on 5 August before the Green Carpet Arrivals.

John Smith started his career in the stunt industry in 1996. At the time, the film industry was very new in Cape Town, and he was lucky enough to be chosen as part of the stunt crew on The Adventures of Sinbad for nearly 2 years. It was here that he learnt sword fighting, horse riding stunts, high falls and other stunt disciplines. He was then part of the team that did the live action stunt show at Ratanga Junction, as well as a Trapeze show. When the Ratanga stunt show came to an end, John then went back to doing stunts in the film industry. He joined StuntSA, where he also started to be involved in Special Effects. Over the years, he has worked on many exciting projects such as Long Walk to Freedom and Invictus. In 2016, John stated his own Stunt and Special Effects company called istunt Academy.

Leron Adonis

Topic: Critical Industry Skills and Job Opportunities

Summary: A discussion on critical skills to learn for success in the film job market.

Time: 14:00

Date: 4 August 2023 | Friday

Leron Adonis is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with a wealth of experience in the film industry. Currently serving as the Industry Development and Training Manager at the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), Leron plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry landscape and fostering the growth of emerging talent.

With a career spanning over 18 years, He holds a master’s degree in Motion Pictures, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of the art and technical aspects of filmmaking. In addition, Leron possesses an Honours degree in Business Management from Henley Business School. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and an ambition to excel, Leron is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Brand Leadership at IIE Vega. This pursuit showcases his dedication to understanding the intersection of creativity and business, allowing him to bring a holistic and innovative approach to his work.

Letitia Cunningham

Course: Creative Filmmaking

Summary: Over the course of the GRIFF, 10 selected candidates from age groups 16 to 20 with different backgrounds and NO EXPERIENCE will form experimental film crews.

They will then receive training from practitioners in the film industry with the challenge to write, shoot and produce a 1:30 minute project with the knowledge and skills they acquired over the course.

Time: 09:00 – 17:00

Date: 3-5 August 2023 | Thursday to Friday

Letitia Cunningham is a director at Garden Route Film Commission and owner of Eden-Shine Christian School Gr-R to Grade 12. She has years of experience in the facilitation of staff development, youth development, and gender skills development workshops, and was the lead facilitator for the Creative Filmmaking Couse at GRIFF 2022. She holds a BA in Psychology and Communication Science.

Lwazi Duma

Topic: The Fundamentals of Story telling

Summary: Script writing for film is an art that encompasses various crucial elements. One of these is character arcs, which are essential for creating engaging narratives. Character arcs involve the transformation and growth of the protagonist throughout the story, providing a satisfying emotional journey for the audience. Internal conflict adds depth to characters, driving their actions and decisions, while allowing viewers to connect on a deeper level. Additionally, a high concept is vital for attracting attention and generating interest in a film. It involves a unique and compelling premise that hooks audiences, making them eager to experience the story. Mastering these aspects of script writing is key to crafting captivating and memorable films.

Time: 12:00

Date: 4 August 2023 | Friday Lwazi Dumas is a rising star in the film industry, known for his exceptional talent and artistic vision. With a keen eye for storytelling, Dumas has captivated audiences with his thought-provoking narratives and visually stunning cinematography. His unique ability to blend realism and fantasy has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. Dumas’s films explore profound themes of identity, social justice, and human connection, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. With each project, he pushes boundaries and challenges conventional storytelling, solidifying his reputation as an innovative and influential filmmaker. Lwazi Dumas is undoubtedly a creative force to be reckoned with, destined to shape the future of cinema.

Matthew Maclennan

Topic: Introduction to Digital Filmmaking.

Summary: Elevate your filmmaking skills with this workshop, presented by Panavision, renowned for their expertise in the industry. Dive into the realm of digital filmmaking as you gain practical knowledge of the latest digital film cameras esteemed for their unparalleled quality and performance. The aim of this workshop is to give you a greater understanding of essential cinematography concepts, covering everything from sensors and formats to resolution and data rates. Explore the nuances between large format and Super 35mm sensors, as well as the versatility offered by the different lenses. Step into the world of digital filmmaking and unleash your creative potential.

Time: 14:00

Date: 3 August 2023 | Thursday

Matthew Maclennan is the Operations Manager for Panavision SA, with an extensive 25-year career in the film industry spanning the United Kingdom and South Africa.

With a diverse background encompassing both production and post-production roles, Matthew possesses a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of the industry. He also fulfills the technical marketing role within the organization, strategically bridging the gap between the technical and creative. Through a genuine passion for training and education, Matthew enthusiastically imparts his knowledge and skills to actively contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of aspiring filmmakers.

Petri Kleynhans

Topic1: Post Production for Film

Summary: In this session Petri gives participants in the youth program an introduction to post production.

Time: 12:00

Date: 4 August 2023 | Friday

Topic 2: VFX for Film

Summary: In this session Petri gives participants in the youth program an introduction to visual effects editing for film.

Time: 12:00

Date: 5 August 2023 | Saturday Petri has been in the industry for more than 15 years. As a producer, director and editor, he has more than 150 screen credits behind his name, having worked for top-end broadcast productions like 50|50 and Carte Blanche for 6+ years. His experience includes having worked on documentary films, feature films, and he still does freelance work as online editor and colourist. In 2020 he produced and directed a short film “From the Ashes” which received 6 International Film Festival Official Selections, as well as winning 1 award for best editing.

Riaan Huysamen

Topic: Drones: Revolutionizing Industries and Capturing Unique Perspectives

Summary: Drones, also known as Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), have become a game-changer in various industries, opening a world of possibilities. In South Africa, the use of drones has been regulated by laws to ensure safe and responsible operation. These laws govern factors such as flight restrictions, altitude limits, and licensing requirements, fostering a secure environment for drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. Riaan Huysamen, a pioneer in drone cinematography, has harnessed the power of drones to capture breathtaking visuals from above. From scenic landscapes and architectural marvels to documenting mega constructions and contributing to the TV and film industry, drones have unlocked a new era of aerial photography and videography, providing unique perspectives that were once unimaginable. Let’s learn more, Lets Fly!

Time: 12:00

Date: 3 August 2023 | Thursday From Cape Town, South Africa – Riaan Huysamen, a trailblazer in the drone industry, has made a lasting impact through his drone brand, SkyPixels. With over 12 years of experience, an impressive track record of approximately +-15000 flights and +-5,000 hours flying to R&D. In addition to being a fully licensed commercial drone pilot with one of South Africa’s leading ROC companies, Huysamen has become a skilled drone pilot / cameraman, a rare combo in the drone industry. His expertise allows him to capture a wide range of natural and man-made wonders from a unique perspective.