research project. The macro economic framework draws on an Australian research model. The first phase is conducted with University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate students; the research will be continued next year by our Centre and our students. We are hoping that other South African universities will join the project also. Already, the National Film and TV Institute, Accra, Ghana, has expressed interest in conducting a similar project. The project is being conducted under the auspices of the SA Communication Association Film Working Group, and also the CILECT African Research Association.( CILECT is the“ Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinéma et de Télévision” based in Brussels).
The issue of distribution has always been a very sensitive one in the history of South African cinema, during and after the apartheid era. What is today’ s situation?
ReaGilè is determined to fulfil the NFVF long held“ NFVF Vision 2025”. It is a national imperative: to create facilities so that ordinary South Africans can handle their own images, and then deepen democracy and create prosperity. ReaGilè is determined to make this a reality by 2013 due to dire need for job creation and the massive job creation potential of the ReaGilè Project.
In term of content, what kind of films the ReaGilè mini-cinema will be screening?
Educational, local language feature and English feature films( via Fireworks Media). ReaGilè will work with all the major distributors and TV stations. They will also screen independent films. The demo complex in Gauteng is very impressive indeed, with state of the art digital projection, tiered seating, surround sound, and a top quality cinema environment built out of custom designed containers. It’ s the real experience in every way. It is hoped that the project will start rolling out in Gauteng in December 2013.
Could you tell us more about the social environment and places wherein ReaGilè initiative will be implemented?
The cinema complexes( that will include a refreshment kiosk, community policing and community care centres) will be located on state-owned land, parks and schools, to serve disadvantaged black townships with catchments of 30 000 people. This means that the inhabitants of these under-developed and often underserviced areas will have within walking distances a safe, leisure and educational place to visit and experience.
How is this initiative regarded by South African institutions( such as the National Film and Video Foundation) and professional milieus?
The NFVF was so impressed by the quality of the“ ReaGilè Experience” that they engaged ReaGilè iHs Pty td to build a cinema / auditorium in their offices, as well as at the Ekayha Centre in Kwa-Mashu, in KwaZulu Natal. A letter of endorsement of the ReaGilè Project was signed by Minister Paul Mashatile and Johannesburg City. Universities and every other dignitary who has experienced the project have been amazed by the potential of this initiative. It promises to bring cinema to the people, at affordable price and in safe spaces. Once all 1 200 complex are established, it is estimated that R350 million annually will be returned to the industry via film distribution companies. The initiative will have special impact for local content producers making videos in local languages. Thus the complexes will service both high end and low budget films, both international and local.
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