Hollywood Meets South African Splendor

_{Photographed during the Mossel Bay visit are back from left: Kate Beall (LMGI, New York), Azania Muendane (Locations Africa), Dulin Sinkfontein (Mossel Bay Tourism), Joseph Mennella (LMGI, New York). Front: Jennifer Farris (LMGI, Atlanta), Lwazi Mvusi (a writer from Rous House, South Africa), Khanyeza Khanyeza (writer), Thamebi Zikalala (SA Film Chronicles) and Shadley Lombard (Moonlighting/Know Associates). Absent: Sunni Faba-Gutu (writer, Rous House Films).}

In an electrifying rendezvous between Hollywood and the scenic wonders of South Africa, film location scouts, and industry aficionados embarked on a captivating journey through the Garden Route, with Plettenberg Bay as their enchanting epicenter.

From the 11th to the 18th of October, these passionate visionaries were welcomed with open arms by the Garden Route and Little Karoo local tourism offices, alongside the gracious hospitality of Mossel Bay Tourism.

This cinematic odyssey, orchestrated in collaboration with Locations Africa, the Garden Route District Municipality, and the Garden Route Film Commission, showcased the Garden Route’s most picturesque corners, painting a vivid canvas of potential movie magic. Locations Africa, a trailblazing private initiative dedicated to film locations, facilities, and expertise, spearheaded the charge. Originating in 2015 as an expo and discussion forum, this initiative aims to elevate African countries as premier filming destinations, complete with every essential element for seamless production.

Mossel Bay Tourism, a beacon of South African allure, played host to a diverse group of filmmakers from the United States and across South Africa. These filmmakers, deeply involved in both local projects and servicing international productions within South Africa, were joined by esteemed representatives from the Locations Managers Guild International (LMGI). LMGI stands as a bastion of professionalism, uniting location managers, scouts, and esteemed affiliates including film commissions, location services vendors, and filming venues.

The expedition led these cinematic pioneers through a mesmerizing tapestry of locations, spanning the charming streets of Mossel Bay, the cultural richness of Oudtshoorn, the sun-kissed shores of Plettenberg Bay, the untamed wilderness of Wilderness, and the vibrant heart of George. Amidst this breathtaking backdrop, Lieschke Steven-Jennings, Chief Operations Officer of Mossel Bay Tourism, articulated the immense potential of film tourism. “Film tourism possesses the transformative power to significantly boost our local economy,” Steven-Jennings emphasized. “The exposure of our stunning region through immersive experiences with key film professionals is pivotal. It ensures that filmmakers and producers alike are irresistibly drawn to our area, captivated by its allure and cinematic possibilities.”

In this fusion of Hollywood dreams and South African splendor, the Garden Route emerges as not just a destination, but a muse for filmmakers, where each frame tells a story, and every corner whispers of cinematic brilliance.

Source: Garden Route News