In commemoration of International Day of Persons with disabilities, The KZN Film Commission will be hosting an interactive intimate dialogue and movie screening, with this year’s theme being ‘Not all Disabilities are visible.” The intimate event will be hosted on the 02 December 2020, at the KZN Film Commission premises (115 Musgrave road, Musgrave Towers Durban) . This years theme which focuses on spreading awareness, and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.
The interactive programme will be led by industry pioneers who contend with some sort of disabilities, and guest speakers within the various industries will spear head this informative and interactive session, which aims to cover yet not limited to:
- An understanding of disability issues
- The rights of persons with disabilities
- Gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities
The day will provide an opportunity to mobilise action to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, encouraging inclusion and participation by all.
“The KZN Film Commission is doing its bit in making programmes inclusive, and to reach as many communities as possibly can, Much still remains to be done and we stand ready to work together with all relevant sectors to ensure that everyone is included, empowered and contributes to his/her community.” Said Carol Coetzee CEO of KZN Film Commission.
The event promises to be an eye-opening experience that will not only address critical issues that persons with disabilities experience within the work environment, but also encouraging a call to action to all in the industry, to recognize all forms disabilities.
Furthermore on the 4 December 2020 , the KZN Film Commission will be spending a day with The Get Inspired project that is based in Pinetown Ashley. Staff and Executive management will be rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in the Arts and Crafts project.
Get Inspired was founded by Grant Oosthuyzen in September 2019, the organisation travels throughout Durban to promote the well-being of the persons with disabilities in communities by providing skills development programs and workshops. “Arts and crafts, woodwork and painting are done at our Get Inspired workshop in Ashley Pinetown”.. The programs instils a sense of pride and dignity in the lives of the disabled and it teaches general skills as well as entrepreneurial abilities that may help them in the future to earn a small income.
The KZN Film commission mandate is to provide and encourage the provision of opportunities for persons, especially from disadvantaged communities, to enter and participate in the film industry in the province. Their mission is to address historical imbalances in the infrastructure and in the distribution of skills and resources in the film industry in the province.
About the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission
The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission is a provincial state entity, under the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal South Africa established in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Commission Act, 2010 (Act No 3 of 2010). Its mandate is to facilitate support throughout the value chain to the local and international film industry through creating opportunities and also growing the KwaZulu-Natal film industry.
