I spent the final fifth week of my break from AFDA by doing the following: I watched the first cut of our short film ‘Is’Thuthi’; I posted my September newsletter online, I cleaned out my home office, I unpacked my summer clothes, I got a few concept ideas for my short film submissions for the …
I did my first and only motivational talk this year at Oase Gemeente in Jeffrey’s Bay, on Thursday morning the 31st of October. You can view the photos here, as well as listen to the audio recording.
So far, I’ve had four weeks of vacation, with just one week left. My fourth (and final) term at AFDA officially starts again next week, Monday the 7th of October. An update on what I’ve been up to: WEEK 1 It’s my first week of vacation, and I’m tired after a busy (but short) third …
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, a scriptwriter is “a person who writes the words for films or radio or television broadcasts.” (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023) While writing for books tends to be an abstract practice, writing for film is known as a practical visual. These two strong opposite tensions then collide and have to co-exist somehow. …
WEEK 1 MONDAY It’s the new week, and after an incredibly stressful weekend sorting out issues with my brother and his family, I am ready to jump back into my studies. TUESDAY We have a Zoom session with Dr. Semege, but I am unable to join as I have a chiropractor appointment in Port Elizabeth. …
Vicki Fourie – also known as Vix or Vicki Kricki to her family – is 35 years old. She was born in Bloemfontein and spent most of her life in the Free State. Vicki’s major for this year is screenwriting. WHY AFDA? Last year, I applied to 10 universities, and all rejected me – except …
The following components were needed for the Writing Treatment for our Honours Film: 1. Research and generate in writing an Engaging Narrative Concept for the screenplay 2. Generate in writing visible and dynamic Event Development for the Narrative 3. Research and generate in writing relevant and credible Character Development for the Narrative 4. Research and …
Onika Vapi, otherwise known as Onyxx to her friends, is a 23-year-old young woman who hails from Motherwell, Gqebera. Her major for this year is Character Design and Styling, with a minor in Production Design. STUDYING AT AFDA Onika’s reason for studying at AFDA GQ was because of its location. ‘It was the closest school …
I ended my last newsletter by stating my plans for the July holidays. I had a list of things that I wanted to tick off before I left for Russia. I’m so glad that I managed to do all of them (except for writing my second script and watching BBC Maestro). It’s now the end …
Read Part 1 of my travel blog HERE. * Kazan Mall & Photoshoot It’s the beginning of our second week in Kazan, and we go to another mall. We eat at the most amazing restaurant again, which is called Milovita Organic Kitchen. We each order a pasta on the menu (spaghetti bollonnaise, lasagne, etc.). We …
From 2021 to 2022, my sister Zoë and her husband Ryno worked as teachers in Vietnam. Last year, they wanted a change of country – and colder weather – so they moved to Kazan, Tatarstan, in Russia. My mother visited them last year, and she returned with wonderful stories of how she experienced the country. …
Chulumanco Pakade is known as Chulu to his friends and Chusta to his family. He was born in East London but raised in the heart of Queenstown. Chulu’s major for this year is live performance. ACTING QUALIFICATION Before coming to AFDA to get his acting degree, Chulu already had a diploma in acting. This proved …
As part of my Honours studies, I have to write a 30-page research paper on a topic of my choice. It also has to be connected to the film industry in some way. I did my first PowerPoint presentation in front of my peers and lecturers during the first term, and my second one this …
Seraya Eve Mentor is a 22-year-old young lady who comes from Windhoek, Namibia. Nicknamed ‘Ray’, her major for this year is producing, with a minor in screenwriting. AFDA STUDENT Seraya decided to study at AFDA because she is ‘passionate about film’ and decided at the last minute to apply. She loves studying at AFDA. ‘Here …
WEEK 6 MONDAY I arrive early on campus, only to find out that our conceptual VALA’s aren’t scheduled for this morning, but only this afternoon at 14:30. Conceptual VALA’s are where we present the concept for our short film in front of a panel of experts. I spend the morning updating my May newsletter for …
Today is a special day for Stella Waithira Mbiyu. It’s her birthday, and we celebrate her 24th year on this planet. Stella was born and raised in the rural town of Ng’araria, which is located in Murang’a County, Kenya. Her major outcome for this year is cinematography and her minor is data & colour grading. …
As part of my Honours studies at AFDA, I had to write a 3,000 word narrative forms analysis based on the film Hiroshima, Mon Amour (1959). * HIROSHIMA, MON AMOUR Narrative Forms Vicki Fourie “Narratology isn’t just about what’s being told—it’s about how it’s told and why it resonates.” (Crawford, M., 2024) When we look …
Xabiswa Sutukazi Ndodana – nicknamed Xabi to her friends and Manono to her mom – is 21 years old and comes from Kimberly. Her major for this year is screen acting, with a minor in stage acting. UNIVERSITY BURSARY Xabi’s motivation for studying at AFDA all began in Grade 10. ‘AFDA visited my school on …
WEEK 1 MONDAY It’s the start of a brand new term – eight weeks of hustling and grinding at AFDA. I feel well-rested and ready to take on this term. During the holidays, I still had to finish my research proposal and send it in. Done and dusted. I also received feedback regarding my Textual …
Andrina Randeleen – or Leen, as she’s known to her family and friends – is a 90’s baby. Born and bred in Port Elizabeth, she currently lives in Helenvale. Andrina’s major for this year is screenwriting, with a minor in producing. STUDYING AT AFDA The moment Andrina read about AFDA, she just knew it was …