Universal Networks International Supports Focus Features’ AFRICA FIRST Initiative

Universal Channel Africa to air winning short films from program.

Submissions period opens today for 2011 entries.

Universal Networks International announced today its support for Focus Features’ unique Africa First initiative that brings African filmmakers to industry attention. Universal Channel in Africa will be promoting the initiative through an on-air campaign and on its website www.universalchannel.co.za.

The Africa First short film program, sponsored by Focus, annually awards five emerging African filmmakers $10,000 each towards pre-production, production, or post-production of their short film. This year, the submissions period begins today and runs through to Monday, 22 August, 2011.

Universal Channel Africa, which is available on DStv Compact & DStv Premium, will air a selection of the short films completed through the program including Un transport en commun (Saint Louis Blues), directed by Dyana Gaye (from Senegal), which follows a journey from Dakar with seven taxi passengers telling of destinies and lives through song.

The uniquely conceived initiative, with funds earmarked exclusively for emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence, is, for the fourth consecutive year offering eligible and participating filmmakers the chance to be awarded $10,000 in financing for pre-production, production, and/or post-production on their narrative short film made in continental Africa and tapping into the resources of the film industry there. The program also brings the filmmakers together with each other and with a renowned group of advisors, major figures in the African film world, for support and mentorship.

The five filmmakers selected this year will be notified in late September 2011 and will retain the copyrights and the distribution rights to their completed shorts, with the exception of North American rights; Focus retains those, as well as the right of first negotiation to productions derived from the shorts, such as a feature-length expansion.

Complete details on Africa First – including application information – can be accessed year-round at www.focusfeatures.com/africafirst.

Focus Features and Focus Features International (www.focusfeatures.com) comprise a singular global company. This worldwide studio makes original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company operates as Focus Features in North America, and as Focus Features International (FFI) in the rest of the world.

Current and upcoming Focus Features releases include Kevin Macdonald’s Roman epic adventure The Eagle, starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell; Cary Joji Fukunaga’s romantic drama Jane Eyre, starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender; Joe Wright’s adventure thriller Hanna, starring Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, and Cate Blanchett; Mike Mills’ comedy/drama Beginners, starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer; writer/director Dee Rees’ contemporary drama Pariah, which world-premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival; John Madden’s espionage thriller The Debt, starring Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, and Jessica Chastain; and Lone Scherfig’s romance One Day, based on the bestselling novel, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.