Established in 1995, the Southern African International Film & Television Market, Sithengi, is a Section 21 company mandated to promote the development of, and trade in, African and more specifically South African television and film product to a global market. This is accomplished by the hosting of 2 major annual events, the Cape Town World Cinema Festival, this year taking place from the 12th to the 20th of November and the 9th Sithengi Film & Television Market , from the 16th to the 19th of November, respectively being held at Cinema Nouveau, screened by Nedbank, V&A Waterfront and the Artscape theatre complex in Cape Town
Sithengi's region comprises the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe but increasing numbers of broadcasters and producers from the rest of Africa also attend. There are significant delegations from Nigeria and broadcasters from many other African countries. As a result Sithengi aims to become the market place for Africa as a whole.

In addition to African broadcasters and producers from around the continent, delegates include sales agencies from South African, European, and European-based American studio networks and television channels, a number of international buyers and co-producers plus many independent producers, directors and film professionals from throughout the world.

Sithengi 2003 drew over 1400 delegates from 57 countries internationally with large delegations from Italy, Germany, Canada, Nigeria and Kenya. The market exhibition boasted 76 stands. Over 10 conferences were held on topics ranging from finance opportunities and threats in the UK, Europe, North America and Africa to “What are Broadcasters Buying – the trends in Europe, North America and Africa” and “How to get diverse programming on mainstream television”. Master Classes were conducted, including one by awarding winning director John Boorman – Director of “Country of my Skull” and “Deliverance”. Read the full 2003 Report for more.

The Sithengi Film & Television Market provides a platform whereby industry leaders; decision-makers, entrants and aspirants can convene in an environment that promotes the African industry identity in a sustainable, profitable and internationally recognizable way. The Market offers a trade/exhibition show alongside a diverse tapestry of targeted industry-related activities such conferences, workshops, master classes, co-production forums, market screenings, gala events and many networking functions.

Sithengi's core programmes are the Product Market, which deals in the buying and selling of completed product and the Co-production Market which aims to bring about the buying and selling of ideas around film and television programmes yet to be made, which may require development or co-production partners, or a combination of investment and pre-sales.

Sithengi thereby provides a unique platform for the trade in film and television programming, allowing industry practitioners from around the world to forge new relationships and to buy, sell and promote their products on an international scale in an African context.

The Cape Town World Cinema Festival is a festival of films from “southern regions” as well as Independent European and American film within the context of “World Cinema”. The Festival showcases film from Africa and more specifically South Africa, South America, Asia as well as films from the Black Diaspora and a special focus on films from indigenous peoples i.e. Aborigine, Maori, Native American, Inuit etc. In this context films need not be solely from these regions, but could also include co-productions or participation with people from these regions or be based on subject matter about these regions. Through the promotion of top quality international films, we hope to simultaneously place value on African films.

These world class events have positioned Sithengi as the premier site for the development of the growing film and television market on the African continent and it is becoming increasingly recognised as such by global players and decision-makers within the industry. Sithengi forms an integral part of the international Market and Festival circuit and promotes the South African film industry at prestigious events around the world.

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