Workshops in South Africa

A workshop programme was created in 1985 in partnership with WITS University (Johannesburg) enabling people of the Black majority to express themselves and to build bridges between communities. Two training sessions took place from 1985 to 1986. The newly trained filmmakers formed a multiracial and independent group, the “Direct Cinema Workshop” and have testified to the evolution of their country from Apartheid days to the birth of democracy.

In 1987, the “Direct Cinema Workshop” made the collective film “South African Chronicles”, supported by a European co-production (produced by JBA Production, la Sept Arte, Z.D.F. and I.N.A.). The film was broadcast and won awards all over the world.

In 1994, another success was produced by the group with “My Vote is My Secret”, which dealt with the first democratic elections in the country (produced by JBA Production, la Sept Arte and Périphérie). The film was broadcast and received awards in many international festivals.