QUOTES FROM VIPS WHO ATTENDED DURBAN WILD TALK AFRICA 2007 “The modern environmental filmmaker occupies one of the most important and
challenging positions in the media spectrum - balancing the roles of watch-dog,
educator, researcher, activist and social commentator. This is why it is so
important to have a Wild Talk Africa Festival. I believe that this festival
could stimulate the need for more environmental reporters, equipped with
up-to-date skills, cutting-edge knowledge and real in-depth understanding of the
environmental and sustainable development issues on our continent.”
Marthinus
van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
“Wild Talk Africa is becoming an important niche event in the Southern African
film and Television programme. We hope those who care about our environment, our
natural history and the development of our sector, will continue to support this
event. May Wild Talk Africa, grow from strength to strength.”
Eddie Mbalo, CEO
NFVF“Yet again, Wild Talk Africa proved itself to be a magnificent addition to the
packed international festival calendar. A triumph for Africa. In only its second
year, Wild Talk has placed itself firmly on the world stage and in the minds of
the Broadcasters. I’d expect to see even more international visitors next year
as they wake up to the talent that exists in Africa. It’s through well organised
festivals like Wild Talk that the trust in African production will grow. I look
forward to joining you all again in 2008 and beyond!”
Andrew Jackson, Managing
Director, Tigress Productions
“My overriding impression is that at the inaugural conference in 2006, many
international and local players in the documentary film industry attended out of
curiosity and support for a new initiative, whereas this year they came to Wild
Talk Africa with the expectancy of doing real business. Wild Talk Africa is
rapidly establishing itself as an important event in the wildlife and travel
documentary calendar.”
Peter Borchert, Africa Geographic Magazine
“The Durban Wild Talk Africa festival as well organized and thoroughly
enjoyable. Meeting new filmmakers and seeing the number of collaborations with
international partners was very encouraging. It can only grow from here with
passion and commitment. The sterling work done by Sophie, Sandra and the rest of
the festival team is a credit to the importance Wild Talk Africa has assumed in
the lives of local filmmakers.”
Marcel Golding, CEO e.tv
“The Festival was very well organized. There's no better festival for getting to
know the most passionate and dedicated wildlife filmmakers.”
Tiffany Orvet,
National Geographic Channel US
“This year's WildTalk was the perfect place for us to spend time with our most
important allies - high quality producers and dedicated commissioners. Besides
completing all the business we came for, the fun was fantastic.”
Ellen Windemuth,
Off the Fence
" Wild Talk is a dynamic event that is certainly an invaluable forum for
networking with established film makers as well as new boys on the block. From
the KZN Wildlife perspective it is of immense practical value."
Jeff Gaisford,
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
"It's exciting to see so many new faces, faces of local Southern African talent.
It's the old Field of Dreams philosophy, 'if we build it they will come'... If
we develop a top drawer wildlife industry, the broadcaster will come and seek
those relationships. Wild Talk is the first step in educating, sharing industry
information and steering a course to that 'best practices' reputation we hope to
be known for.”
Dereck Joubert, independent filmmaker
“The festival proved to be a most splendid event, it is a fine example of South
Africa’s ability to host events as these successfully. It is a brilliant & long
overdue platform for both old & new wildlife producers, offering a wide range of
workshops, seminars, screenings & much needed networking opportunities.”
Younus
Salie, Filmmaker
“Congratulations on yet another well organised, professional and very successful
WildTalk Festival.”
Harriet Nimmo, CEO Wildscreen
“Thank you for a well organized and contained festival with very stimulating
debates and topics. Wild Talk Africa, offers us a rare opportunity to
intermingle with our peers from all 4 corners of the globe to converse on a
subject that affects each and everyone of us; our national heritage. The SABC
was honoured to be part of this festival.”
Jacqui Hlongwane-Papo, Head of Genre:
Reversioning & Repurposing, SABC
“Wild Talk Africa is a hugely dynamic and exciting festival to do business at.
African wildlife programming is among the best in the world and Wild Talk
presents a great opportunity to develop the industry and widen its audience
through partnership and discussion.”
Amy Nelson, Acquisitions Executive, TVF
International
“Africa is indeed blessed with magnificent wildlife and also with wonderful
people. The wildlife story continues to be told over and over again, always in
the positive. I was happy to be a part of the panel discussing how the positive
and powerful human story can be told. Small steps in the right direction. I wish
the Wild Talk Festival great success.”
Helen Gichohi, President, African
Wildlife Foundation
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programme of events
