Travel for Pennies

The University of Johannesburg and the Mexican Embassy have formed a partnership to inspire and support young filmmakers. Their project, The FYTA Film Festival will also offer them the opportunity to have their work screened. The FYTA stands for Filmmaking Youth Taking Action and is a unique educational opportunity combined with on hand experience. The festival will include a diverse assortment of possibilities for the participants, including exhibitions and workshops for aspiring filmmakers. Filmmakers from both countries will attend, and there will be many screenings of films by South African filmmakers. Audience members will have the chance to view cutting edge works from up and coming directors before and after enjoying some of the best Johannesburg fine dining options. Also, admissions to the screenings is free, which leaves more room in the budget for a great dinner.

All screenings at the festival will be immediately followed by a discussion or a workshop. These will take place in seminar rooms and the main auditorium. This festival is specifically focused on the youth population and intends to encourage all young people to follow their passions, regardless of their background, or family resources.  Nalisha Lalloo is the festival director and believes that film is an excellent opportunity people of diverse backgrounds and social orientations to express themselves. There will be over 10 professional directors and filmmakers from Mexico and South Africa in attendance. Both students and the general public have been invited to submit their work for a possible screening. The festival will serve as a networking opportunity for these young artists, who will have the opportunity for dialogue with professionals in the field. Footage from the South African History Archives will also be shown to give the filmmakers a perspective on the genre’s history. They will have the chance to learn about and be inspired by revolutionaries such as Teboho Mashinini.

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