
South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, and the high commissioner for Canada in South Africa, Chris Cooter, signed a new, modernised film agreement between the two countries. (Photo: OhOneShot)
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“In Canada, we have over 200 000 jobs in the film industry. I know you have a lot here already, but with this agreement you will have thousands more.”
– Chris Cooter, high commissioner for Canada in South Africa
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During the 2024 Fame Week Africa (1–7 September) gathering hosted at the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre), a co-production treaty was signed between South Africa and Canada.
Fame Week Africa takes place annually in September and is a gathering for the film, television, fashion and music industries. This year’s delegates soaked up the best of Cape Town with a film tour provided by Wesgro (Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency); exuberant nightlife, including the legendary eMedia Fame party; and 31 short films from Africa at the Labia Theatre.
Fame Week Africa saw 59 international companies and 48 African companies presenting alongside the 23 South African exhibitors. Countries represented included Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Canada, Jamaica, USA, France, UAE, New Zealand, Belgium, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Germany, India, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, China and Mauritius. Nigeria was this year’s country of honour, while Canada had been the country of honour during Fame Week 2023. USA presenter, comedian and producer Steve Harvey was also in town to headline the event on Monday.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture at the signing of the audio-visual co-production agreement at Fame Week Africa in Cape Town last week. (Photo: OhOneShot)
South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, and the high commissioner for Canada in South Africa, Chris Cooter, signed a new, modernised film agreement between the two countries. The audio-visual co-production agreement was first signed on 5 November 1997, with the new agreement moving with the changing times and new opportunities. McKenzie said: “The two countries seek to address contemporary issues relating to mutual relations, community development and the many challenges facing us all, especially in the cultural and creative industries.”
He went on to say that the signing of this agreement represents a great milestone in the relationship between the two countries and is one of the strongest yet. The signed agreement will further investments in both South Africa’s and Canada’s bottom lines. “Such synergy is an example of how one plus one can truly equal three. It is not just a document; it is something that is acted upon. These amendments were necessitated by the changing landscape in the film industry, and this agreement now includes not only film, but also animation, television and new media.”
Chris Cooter, high commissioner for Canada in South Africa, signs the new audio-visual co-production agreement between Canada and South Africa at Fame Week Africa in Cape Town last week. (Photo: OhOneShot)
In his welcome speech, McKenzie jokingly greeted the attendees by saying that we have a wonderful saying in South Africa: “Protocol observed,” and explained to Cooter that this is to ensure nobody feels offended and all ministers are covered in the greeting. “In our country, we have church ministers and political ministers, and when you mention the one and not the other, you are in trouble. ‘Protocol observed’ covers this.”
McKenzie extended personal appreciation to Cooter, saying that Cooter had been the first to congratulate him on his appointment to his current position. At that time, the minister had promised the high commissioner to strengthen the two countries’ trade bonds. Cooter said that McKenzie had kept his promise “one month later, exactly”.
But why? McKenzie explained: “This is a great opportunity for our filmmakers, our people.”
He assured the high commissioner that this opportunity for the Canadian market will be fully embraced in South Africa. He raised the matter of unemployment, acknowledging that this agreement will play a role in job creation. He also spoke about the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying it is going very well. “The GNU is united, and for the next five years you will be dealing with the GNU. The only problem I have, Ambassador, is that the people will love this GNU so much that they will give us another five years.”
In conclusion, McKenzie thanked Cooter for seeing their negotiations through. Cooter’s response was that he had heard about McKenzie’s reputation and knew he was a man of action and someone who would get things done. “And I was right.”
Anele Mdoda leads a discussion with Steve Harvey at Fame Week Africa 2024 in Cape Town. (Photo: supplied)
He went on to say that the Canadian government has been looking forward to signing this agreement. The old agreement has, in the last ten years, seen $82,7 million in co-productions between South Africa and Canada. The new agreement is expected to see greater things. “We’re the very first country to sign a film co-production with South Africa after apartheid. It was signed in 1997. We needed a new agreement; that one was in the time of dial-up internet and before social media. This is a great moment, and the agreement will give easier access to financing in both directions.”
The high commissioner remarked on the buzz and excitement at Fame Week, and said that amid the people at the event there were Canadian representatives of 14 production companies. “They are going to go home to TIFF 2024 (Toronto International Film Festival 2024) and spread the word, and there are going to be a lot more Canadian businesses working with your creative industries.”
Cooter went on to say that it is time for a fresh start with South Africa. Adding to the minister’s sentiment about job creation, he said that the agreement will create new, good and exciting jobs. “In Canada, we have over 200 000 jobs in the film industry. I know you have a lot here already, but with this agreement you will have thousands more.” He thanked McKenzie for his time and said it was a pleasure being in the fabulous city of Cape Town.
Nina Dube, trade commisioner at the Canadian High Commission in South Africa, presents the document to South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, and the high commissioner for Canada in South Africa, Chris Cooter to sign a new, modernised film agreement between the two countries. (Photo: OhOneShot)
McKenzie then added, “Film in our country is in for a treat.” He assured attendees that good films will no longer be ignored and that the days are gone where only people with connections can get funding. He emphasised the commitment to investing in film, both in South Africa and Canada. “It is a new time; we are going to shake up this industry like it has never been shaken up. We will be in Toronto for the prestigious TIFF 2024 to share our stories; we will bring something to the table and come back with Canadian stories.”
McKenzie and Cooter signed the document presented by trade commissioner Nina Dube and received an applause from the attendees upon completion of signing it.
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