|
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
|
programme of events
