Cape Town: The Film Cape Town Film Fund backs the bold screen projects. The City of Cape Town is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the film fund that provides support to the filmmakers whose projects will flash spotlight on the rich storytelling culture and cinematic potential of the Mother City.
Seven productions by the Film Cape Town, including a feature film, two short films, two TV series, a reality TV show and an animated short are the first beneficiaries of the Film Fund.
Objective of the Film Cape Town Film Fund is to empower the emerging and established filmmakers in the metro by supporting original content that amplifies local voices, promotes diverse stories of Cape Town and strengthens the position of the city as a global film and media hub.
Moreover, the funds will also provide support in the form of finance or municipal services for film projects produced in Cape Town. The selected projects for 2025 span different genres and themes, showcasing the depth and diversity of South African storytelling.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that these exciting projects are being awarded with the funding to bring their uniquely local stories to life, where each one will add something new to the already thriving film industry of the Cape Town.
As per Smith, they will act as beneficiaries of a film fund, established to be a catalyst for their authentic storytelling, rooted in the social, historical and emotional fabric of the city. The film fund is a part of bigger push to grow the creative economy by building local production skills, that opened doors for emerging talent, attracting international partnerships and positioned Cape Town as a premier global film destination.
City of Cape Town has marked a major investment in Cape Town’s creative future and its place on the global film stage. Also, they congratulated the recipients and wished them well in the journey of bringing their ideas to life.
Notably, some funded projects are currently in various stages of production. They have been shot or are being planned for filming in various locations around the city, including the Cape Town City Centre, the V&A Waterfront, Athlone, Manenberg and Philadelphia among others.
Followed by a rigorous selection process which is led by a panel of industry experts, the selected recipients are:
- Astory for Spelonk: A dystopian sci-fi action drama with commentary on water conservation and exploring themes of climate change through powerful storytelling. Produced by – Dr. Mario Denton.
- Crossroad Pictures for Sky City: A futuristic neo-noir short film exploring a dystopian world dominated by drone surveillance. Directed by – Musa Nyangiwe.
- Media24/Pop24 for Drukkoker: A 13-episode cooking competition showcasing local culinary prowess while also discovering Cape Town’s next restaurateurs. By Series Director, Drukkoker – Zandri Douglas and Creative Head, Pop24 – Wynand Louw.
- Two Oceans Aquarium Education for Wild Waterfront: A six-part documentary series showcasing the work of the Wildlife Management team at the V&A Waterfront. Directed and Produced by Head of Productions – Marguerite Venter, Cinematography by Production Assistant – Jerome Stationway.
- Triggerfish Animation-Development for Rosy Days: A series of 10 animated shorts following Rosy Days, from the award-winning Belly Flop, as she explores Cape Town. Directed by – Nadia Darries and Art Direction by – Caroline Vos.
- HerStory Slate for The Multiverse of Auntie G: A short film romantic comedy that chronicles the life of a middle-aged woman that gets stuck in a rut and seeks spark and adventure. Produced by – Tarryn Witbooi, Film Director – Althea Jarvis.
- Quizzical Pictures for Cooper: A crime historical drama/murder mystery set in apartheid South Africa. Directed by – Odirile Mekwa, Produced by – Nimrod Geva.