For the past 12 years, the KZN South Coast has been home to the illustrious Ugu International Film Festival (UGUIFF), bringing together national and international film industry figures and giving local talent a stage to shine. To expand opportunities in this sector to other industries, the UGUIFF strategy for 2024 included a “cinema and business market” to further foster regional economic growth.
UGUIFF organizer, Jindera Pictures Group, partnered with South Coast Tourism Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the City of Ley Nkonyeni to harness the region’s economic potential through this platform . This year, national and international companies exhibited their products and services directly to end users and potential buyers within the film industry.
“The KZN South Coast has long been a top production location for television and film, with stunning natural scenery, affordable prices and a liveable environment making it an attractive choice for international producers.” SCTIE Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of “This joint initiative aims to further promote the region as an attractive destination for film, while offering investors a number of industry-related business opportunities.”
While the annual Sardine Run and two world-class dive sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, continue to attract international documentary filmmakers throughout the year, the KZN South Coast has several other highlights. It serves as a venue for events. These include SABC 3's reality TV series 'The Longest Date', 'Tarzan and the Lost City', 'Dhoom 2', 'Race', 'Blue Crush 2' and numerous Bollywood films and international documentaries. It will be.
All this takes place in parallel with the annual Ugu International Film Festival, which attracts global business-minded producers and investors interested in producing high-concept films. Many local businesses benefited from this investment-driven festival, which took place from 17th to 19th October 2024. That includes the Margate Hotel, which plans to host the event each year. In the wake of this year's edition, the owners of Oasis and Kalambas have partnered with Jindera Pictures Group to produce a film titled 'PARA KKING' which is currently in development and is expected to garner international buzz. I made it.
UGUIFF Founding Chairman and Festival Director Senzo Jindera described the introduction of the 2024 Film and Business Market as a great success.
“We hosted local businesses and also welcomed international partners who were looking for investment opportunities in the local film industry. This business element attracted investors and producers from around the world, but Mitchell Augustine, among others, flew in from London specifically to screen his film while networking for further investment.
“A 21-person business investment delegation from the United States was also in attendance and taken to strategic locations around KZN, which is renowned for community development and upliftment. They were led by Professor Catherine Hubbard Ward. , he flew out to meet me after the event.
“The American visit led to the birth of the International Incubation Film Exchange Program (IIFEP), where 15 local business people spend four months in the United States learning advanced international operations and business growth. We are using these connections to support the growth of rural creators and this was our main vision for launching the festival.”
This year, Zindera Pictures Group entered into a long-term partnership with Russian AI and electric vehicle manufacturing company Duyunov Motors. This has unlocked significant investment potential in product placement opportunities and even the possibility of establishing an electric vehicle production center within the region.
With support from the Municipality of Ray Nkonyeni, UGUIFF is also working to develop and grow the local film industry sector to attract investors to the region. Local talent is empowered and supported through workshops led by the municipality's Local Economic Development (LED) office. Community support has also provided students from local schools with guidance on careers in the film industry and more opportunities in the film industry.
This comprehensive industry support has revealed the potential for regional economic growth and extensive investment opportunities in the film industry, which will be further unlocked through the 13th Ugu International Film Festival.
SCTIE investment details
This investment potential is further supported by Port Shepstone, the region's economic and business hub. This strategically located destination provides access to major transportation networks, essential business promotion services, eastern coast development and the support needed to unlock investment potential across key sectors. Port Shepstone is also home to a one-stop shop established by SCITE and the KwaZulu-Natal Trade, Investment and Investment Authority (TIKZN) to improve business efficiency in the region.
If you would like to find out more about these investment opportunities, please contact SCTIE, KZN South Coast's investment one-stop shop. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
Follow the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise – SCTIE page on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest news from KZN South Coast. South Coast Tourism Investment Company on YouTube. as well as @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. Find out why KZN South Coast is a top investment destination here. Check out the latest southern exploration route guide for the KZN south coast here.
Follow the hashtags #visitkznsouthcoast #investkznsouthcoast #sctie #kznsouthcoastfamily #embraceSummer #nowsthetime! Click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases.
To purchase sales items or secure services from Buy Local businesses, visit the online directory of the SCTIE website. To order from a Buy Local member or take part in the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here to obtain a membership form.
Now is the time to invest in KZN South Coast!
KZN South Coast is well placed to leverage the investment potential through the Eastern Seaboard Development Initiative, with existing investor support provided by the Port Shepstone Business Hub and KZN South Coast’s one-stop shop. The KZN South Coast continues to offer unparalleled investment opportunities across a wide range of sectors including:
Agriculture Real Estate Development Manufacturing Mining and Mineral Processing Maritime | Marine Economy Logistics Renewable Energy
Inland land ruins
Click here for more industry news.
