UK And South Africa Film Co-Production Treaty Declared Operational At Cannes

On the one year anniversary of the signing of the UK / South Africa film co-production treaty Secretary of State Tessa Jowell and South African Deputy Minister Ntombazana Botha, joined forces in Cannes, to celebrate the completion of the constitutional procedures and to declare that the treaty is now operational.
The ministers were joined by Anthony Fabian and Margaret Matheson, whose new film 'Skin' will be the first film to use the new treaty and will be shooting in South Africa in September.
The new film co-production treaty will encourage closer working relationships between UK and South African producers and talent. The treaty creates a more conducive environment for talent to work together. It will also allow films to be certified as both British and South African qualifying, allowing films to be eligible for tax relief in both countries.
The first film to take advantage of the new treaty is Skin, a powerful South African drama based on the fascinating true story of Sandra Laing, will now go into production in South Africa. Directed by Anthony Fabian and produced in the UK by Margaret Matheson and in South Africa by Genevieve Hofmeyr, the film is a co-production between Elysian Films, Bard Entertainments (UK) and Moonlighting Films (RSA). In addition, Philippe Hellman of UGC PH of France will also co-produce. Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) is playing the lead role and will be supported by an international cast. The project was developed by Anthony Fabian through his company Elysian and is based on Sandra Laing’s biography, 'When She Was White', which was published by Miramax Books. The Little Film Company, which handled worldwide sales on 2006 Academy Award wining film from South Africa, Tsotsi, has acquired worldwide sales rights to Skin.
Secretary of State Jowell said: "I am delighted that Skin is the first product of our new co-production deal with South Africa. The pooling of talent, expertise and finance through co-productions is increasingly important in today's film industry. Our agreement with South Africa will help us produce first rate films on a global stage, benefiting both the UK and South Africa."
Deputy Minister Botha added: "We are excited that a co-production relationship between South Africa and the UK has been formalised. We hope that the practitioners will take advantage of this instrument that has been created to strengthen both political and cultural ties between our two nations."
(DS/SP)