by Thinus Ferreira
South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is calling for old-school Drive-In proposals with people who want to start one who might get funding of up to R150 000.
With cinemas in the country still closed because of the growing Covid-19 pandemic and with social distancing regulations in effect to try and curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Drive-In - people parked in their cars watching a film on a big screen outdoors - has been roaring back in countries across the globe.
The NFVF says it has decided to support Drive-In activations as a way to provide relief to communities hard hit by Covid-19, to offer alternative forms of entertainment whilst creating job opportunities for small companies, and to provide some type of a financial life-line for South African filmmakers.
The closing date for Drive-In proposals and applications to the NFVF is 24 July 2020. The NFVF says that a Drive-In is "uniquely positioned to limit physical contact yet provide a comfortable viewing space. With the right safety and healthy measures applied – Drive-In screenings can be implemented in the current lock-down provisions".
Companies who want to apply should have completed at least one outdoor screening event. More details and requirement can be found here and queries and proposal submissions can be emailed to distribution@nfvf.co.za or call 011 483 0880.