THE PROJECT SPACE is a cultural platform founded by the late artist Benon Lutaaya. It was founded on the principles of the promotion of culture through entrepreneurship and the advancement of contemporary African art. Since inception, the space has had a special focus on womxn artists.
Blue by Antonia Wetzel
This year it is set to host its first film festival; Nano Film Festival. The festival showcases the art of storytelling in short format—artists were invited to submit compelling stories through original films that are no longer than 29 seconds. Nano, of course, captures the festival’s focus on extremely short modes of storytelling. The screening programme is accompanied by an artists’ workshop as well as panel discussions where various artists will engage the audience on their processes and frameworks in filmmaking. Nano Film Festival rejects the notion that digital production through captivating imagery and narrative should be limited to big budgets and long-form. Rather, it embraces the old adage of keep it short, stupid. The organisers describe the festival as “ an exploration of conversations about compelling storytelling; how new technologies affect the way in which we tell stories; the increasing accessibility to filmmaking through mobile technology; and how this increases the diversity of narratives.”
The Flower by Anastasia Amy Vorisek
Marshall McLuhan introduced the phrase “the medium is the message” —an idea that suggests that a medium, not the content it carries, should be the focus of study. This order of medium as message plays out in how we consume news, entertainment and culture and it is exactly the framework upon which the festival is organised. As the medium becomes the message, the power to speak and be heard also shifts; voice is democratised and the potential to undermine Big News, Big Entertainment and Big Media become a real possibility.
Red by Antonia Wetzel
The festival will run from the 2nd to the 23rd of February at Victoria Yards in Lorentzville. Participating artists include: Ntsako Nkuna, Naledi Chai, Boipelo Khunou, Sharleene Olivier, Imameleng Masitha, Muhadi Muhadi, Mpho Mogaki, Mona Tron, Christel Liebenberg, Natalie Paneng, Robyn Viljoen, Boitumelo Motau, Anastasia Amy Vorisek, Anna sango, Gerald Genie, Rachel Ferriman, Ayla Simone Senekal, Mathroom, Anthony Obayomi, Hemali Khoosal, Ntando Tay Mtolo, Nkgopoleng Moloi, Phumelelokuhle Ngidi, Ithuteng Mabelane, Lebogang Mogul Mabisela, Letlotlo Mangope, Ncomi Nzimande, Koketso Tladi, Mpho Zawadi, Antonia Wetzel, Mosa Kaiser, Juliet Kamanga and Keneilwe Mokoena.
Shadowdance by Mona Tron
Opening – 2nd February – 12 till 4 pm
First screening and panel – 8th February – 12 pm
Second screening and panel – 15th February – 12 pm
Workshop – 22nd February – 12 pm
