MAURITIUS FILM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MFDC) 25yrs

Silver Jubilee 1986-2011

Table of Contents

¬ Message from Minister of Arts and Culture 02 ¬ Message from Chairman, Mauritius Film Development Corporation 03 ¬ Message from General Manager, Mauritius Film Development Corporation 04 ¬ Appreciations from Stakeholders 05 ¬ Statutory Objectives and Regulations of MFDC 07 ¬ Vision and Mission of MFDC 09 1.0 Film Festivals 10 2.0 Cinema Mobile 14 3.0 Capacity Building in the film sector 15 4.0 Types of jobs in the film sector 17 CELEBRATIONS OF SILVER JUBILEE 20 5.0 Co- productions 22 6.0 Production of Corporate Film 23 7.0 Promotion of local productions 24 8.0 Workshops 31 9.0 Extra curricular activities in Schools 33 10.0 Film framework 34 11.0 Statistics - films shot in Mauritius 35 12.0 Other Activities 38 - Award Ceremonies - Participation in Float Defilé - 12 March 2011 13.0 Membership 40 02 Message from Chairman

Mauritius Film Development Corporation

It is my privilege and pleasure to be presiding over an institution which has reached a milestone in its history. 25 years ago, the Mauritius Film Development Corporation was set up by the government to provide the institutional framework for the development of the film industry in Mauritius. During this time, the institution has grown to become the strategic interface for film in the country, endeavouring to fulfill its three-pronged mission of acting as a 'One-Stop-Shop', providing production assistance, and nurturing local talent. Our aim throughout has been to create an enabling environment for the development of a vibrant local film industry as well as to market Mauritius as a leading destination for foreign filmmakers through various international road shows and exhibitions. The fact that we have by and large succeeded in attracting big production houses from Bollywood and Europe – along with marquee film stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Gerard Depardieu, among others – bear testimony to the success of our undertakings. Cognizant of the need to nurture capabilities from within our shores, the MFDC has also launched a professional training programme for aspiring artists and filmmakers. The Annual Mauritian Short Film Competition and the Mobile Phone Film Competition have further provided a much-needed outlet for local talent. Moreover, the regular film festivals sponsored by the corporation have proven to be immensely popular with the Mauritian public. As a maturing institution, the MFDC constantly strives for the development of the film industry in Mauritius with the view of making an even more significant contribution to the economy. While grappling with the numerous challenges of an increasingly globalized and competitive world, we will continue to accentuate our competitive advantages and address as best we can the impediments to growth with the primary objective of harnessing the attendant gains of the industry's success.

Christian NAYNA Chairman

03 Message from General Manager

Mauritius Film Development Corporation

The Mauritius Film Development Corporation stands proud to be celebrating this year its silver jubilee and can boast of having seriously pursued its vision and mission since its inception with a view to give a boost to the local film industry and to promote Mauritius as a destination of excellence for film makers around the globe.

The MFDC has over the years, under the leadership of several managers, steadily walked the path of success in its many endeavours to fulfil its obligations and today it is a matter of great pride and honour for me to have been given the opportunity to drive the organisation further in its quest to give a service of excellence within parameters fixed by the MFDC ACT.

I would like to seize the opportunity on this memorable day to pay tribute to all the employees of the organisation who usually go the extra mile in the delivery of their duties. Since I took office in March 2007, I have been engaged in several projects which I believe were imperative to further facilitate the local film industry in its stride to roll off the ramp.

Among numerous initiatives taken by the Corporation, in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, was the development of a programme for capacity Building in the Film Sector. Several training courses were organised in Acting Essentials Level I, II and III and Scriptwriting Essentials Level 1. Certificates were awarded by the prestigious learning institution, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. The Corporation also conducted a course in Film Direction leading to an attendance certificate. Several other training courses are in the pipeline.

One more recent initiative was to secure membership of the World prestigious Association known as “Association of Film Commissioners International” (AFCI) which regroups over 330 film commissions. Membership to AFCI will give Mauritius tremendous visibility within the world film production community and will we hope attract more film makers to shoot in the country.

The Corporation has nearly completed procedures to obtain ISO 9001:2008 which will underline the organisation's commitment to provide quality and efficient service.

With twenty five years behind us now, present needs press for the corporation to have its own locations and we are contemplating to build our headquarters which we hope will soon be a reality as soon as necessary funds are available.

I would like to reiterate my gratitude to all members of the staff who have always acted in the best interest of the corporation.

A special thanks to the Ministers who have been responsible for the Corporation from 2007 todate, the MFDC Chairman and all members of the Board for their continued support and guidance.

N. Ramyead (Mrs) General Manager

04 Mauritius Film Development Corporation

Appreciations from Stakeholders

1. Thank you very much in helping us putting by the MFDC made this a successful and this film together. The Kellogg's Film is finished memorable shoot and I look forward to returning now, the clients and the advertising agency are to Mauritius and working with you again in the very happy about the result. future.

You at the MFDC were a big help and made My best wishes. us proud about Mauritius. You always helped us in the highest professional way and we appreciated Kevin Harris Productions your help very much. Thanks for this. Now let's Producer/Director start a new production and start developing South Africa Mauritius as a firm and professional film industry. 3. We have finally arrived home. Even though Andreas Habermayer Identical Pictures we were happy to come home to our friends and United Kingdom family, we are heavy-hearted to have left the beauty of Mauritius. 2. I hereby express my thanks and gratitude to you and all at the Mauritius Film Development We would like to extend a huge thank you for all Corporation for your efficient and professional your help and support. You were a tremendous assistance in facilitating my location shoot in help to us and the MFDC was outstanding to deal Mauritius. with. You were all very professional and all eager to assist us in our filming process. Without the In particular, I wish to thank you for hastily help of MFDC, we would not have had such a swift organizing my shooting at Port Louis harbor at and easy shoot. We will definitely be back. such short notice. Angela Benneth This particular location is vital to the successful Navigator Films portrayal of the essence of the documentary. The South Africa assistance afforded to myself and my crew

05 25yrs

Appreciations from Stakeholders

4. Je tiens à remercier la MFDC pour avoir agit 6. The MFDC has been of utmost help in the grandement comme facilitateur de nos shoots of our film AMBAR in Mauritius. démarches de filmer sans aucun problème à l'île Maurice. Their coordinating support in realizing our shoots was something we could not do without. Toutes ces personnes nous ont réservé un accueil The MFDC has proven in the last twenty-five years chaleureux que nous ne sommes pas prêts that their support is invaluable for foreign d'oublier et nous nous confortons dans notre producers. grande amitié pour Maurice et les Mauriciens. Thank you so much MFDC from the bottom of our Philippe Minot hearts. Réalisateur France We wish you many more successful years to come in your service. 5. I take this opportunity to congratulate MFDC for successfully completing 25 years of Neha & Amit Shaan contribution towards developing Mauritius as a Shaan Creations International film shooting destination. As a filmmaker, I have Netherlands been shooting my films in Mauritius for the last 12 years. I am pleased to recognise that co-operation 7. Media Equipment Rentals in association with and guidance from MDFC has played a major role the Mauritius Film Development Corporation is for me and all filmmakers from all over. proud to be able to help grow and nurture an emerging Film Industry in Mauritius. I wish a great and glorious pathway ahead. Mauritius offers a unique and untouched location Mukesh Udeshi with good light, ideal for international filming Filmmaker requirements. This coupled with regular flights Baba Enterprise from Europe, Australia and Africa means that the India-Mauritius country offers a perfect, yet largely untapped resource. Richard Sysum Media Equipment Rentals Mauritius

06 Mauritius Film Development Corporation

Statutory objectives and regulations

The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC) was set up in August 1986 by an Act of Parliament (Act no 31 of 1986) and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture. It draws the totality of its budget from Government. The Corporation started operations 15th October 1986.

The objectives of the Corporation as enunciated in the Act are: ¬ To import, export, exhibit and produce films; ¬ To establish relationship with foreign and international persons or bodies for the promotion of Film activities; ¬ To hold or promote the holding of film shows festivals to cater for the cultural and linguistic need of the people of Mauritius; ¬ To give such assistance, financial or otherwise, as the Board may determine to persons or bodies engaged in the productions or exhibition of films; and ¬ To provide one stop shop services to film crews both locally and internationally ( as per Regulations 2001)

REGULATIONS

Legal Supplement made by the Minister under Section 7 of the Film Development Corporation Act 1986 provides for the following:

1. These regulations may be cited as the Mauritius Film Development Corporation Regulations 2001. 2. (a) Every film producer who intends to shoot a film or part of a film in Mauritius shall apply to the Corporation for authorization. (b) The application shall be submitted to the Corporation - (i) in the case of an advertisement or commercial film- 1 week; (ii) in the case of a documentary film – 2 weeks; (iii) in the case of a feature film - 3 weeks; before shooting is due to start.

07 25yrs

Statutory objectives and regulations

(c) The application shall be accompanied by a synopsis of the film, detailed information on the proposed dates and locations of shooting, the names of the crew members, and the equipment and props to be used.

(3) (a) No film producer shall start shooting a film in Mauritius before he has obtained – (i) The authorization of the Corporation under regulation 2 (ii) Any permit required under any other enactment, and in particular, the appropriate permit to import any firearm, ammunition, special vehicle, electronic equipment or animal to be used as prop in the film. (b) The film producer shall bear any cost incurred in obtaining any prop or private facility in Mauritius.

(4) Every film producer who has obtained authorization from the Corporation under regulation 2 shall – (i) submit a shooting schedule to the Corporation for approval; (ii) notify the Corporation as soon as he becomes aware of any change in the shooting schedule.

(5) (a) The Corporation shall provide coordinating support and service to a film producer who starts shooting after his shooting schedule has been approved.

(b) Any cost incurred in the course of the shooting of the film shall be borne by the Film producer.

08 FUTURE Vision & Mission

VISION

A dynamic image industry

MISSION

To develop the image industry by creating opportunities in all relevant fields.

09 25yrs

Activities 1.0Film Festivals The Mauritius Film Development Corporation has organised different film festivals in collaboration with Diplomatic missions present in Mauritius. Some forty festivals have been organised namely Egyptian, Indian, African, Chinese, Children, Russian, Japanese, Australian and Spanish. Some of the festivals held were retrospectives of famous artists/film directors such as Kamal Hassan, Raj Kapoor, Gautam Ghose, Guru Dutt, Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam, Satyajit Raj and a few others. The artists/directors who were present for the retrospectives were Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam and Gautam Ghose, Shabana Azmi, Simi Garewal, Farook Sheik, Mr and Mrs Kamal Hassan, Dimple Kapadia, Saeed Jaffrey and Sujit Kumar.

10 Delegation from Maharashtra - Minister of Arts and Culture and General Manager MFDC- 2008

Marathi Film Festival

Film Festivals present tremendous opportunities to discover other countries cinemas that serve as landmarks for aspiring and professional filmmakers as well as the general public.

Book Release – Lata Mangeshkar – “Voice of golden era” by Hon.Mrs Sheilabhai Bappoo, Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare and Hon. Mukeshwar Choonee, Minister of Arts and Culture (2011)

Late Ajay Sarpotdar remitting a trophy to the General Manager of MFDC, Mrs N. Ramyead (2008) 11 Chinese Film Festival

12 THE CHILDREN FILM FESTIVAL 2010

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14 25yrs 2.0Cinema Mobile The Corporation since the beginning has been organising film activities on a regular basis to cater for the cultural needs of the population. The Corporation has chosen to reach the local population and that of Rodrigues through different projects namely: “cinema mobile”, “cinema sous les etoiles”, “cinema kot nou” and “family cinema”. The screenings were held in different locations around the island. The project is still being carried out with “cinema mobile”.

Film projection at Le Morne Community Centre

14 Film projection at Trianon Shopping Park 3.0 Capacity Building The Corporation has since year 2009, embarked in a programme of Capacity Building in the film sector with the collaboration of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. The students who have taken the examination courses in Acting Essentials Level lll have been awarded a Certificate in Acting by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.

15 The following courses were held:-

SN Courses Start Date End Date Contact Output Type of Certificate Hrs

Acting Essentials – 37 successful March 2009 Sept 2009 60 Award Certificate 01 Level I participants

Acting Essentials – 21 successful 02 April 2010 Oct 2010 60 Award Certificate Level II participants

Script Writing 47 successful 03 Essentials – July 2010 Nov 2010 60 Award Certificate participants Level I

Film Direction 38 successful 04 Essentials – Feb 2011 July 2011 60 Attendance Certificate participants Level I

Acting Essentials – 18 successful 05 Feb 2011 July 2011 60 Award Certificate Level III participants

Those who have followed courses in Scriptwriting were awarded a certificate by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.

16 4.0Types of in the jobs Film Sector

A few grades of jobs are as per below:

Producer day budget by managing operating costs such as A Film Producer creates the conditions for salaries, production costs, and everyday making movies. The Producer initiates, equipment rental costs. The PM often works coordinates, supervises, and controls matters under the supervision of a Line Producer and such as raising funding, hiring key personnel, directly supervises the Production Coordinator. and arranging for distributors. The producer is Screenwriter involved throughout all phases of the film The Screenwriter, or Scriptwriter, may pitch a making process from development to finished script to potential Producers, or may completion of a project. write a script under contract to a Producer. A Executive Producer Writer may be involved, to varied degrees, with An Executive Producer (EP) is a producer who is creative aspects of production. not involved in any technical aspects of the film Casting Director making process, but who is still responsible for The Casting Director chooses the actors for the the overall production. Typically an executive characters of the film. This usually involves producer handles business and legal issues. inviting potential actors to read an excerpt from Line Producer the script for an audition. The Line Producer is the liaison between the Director Studio or Producer and the Production The Director is responsible for overseeing the Manager. creative aspects of a film, including controlling Production Manager the content and flow of the film's plot, directing The Production Manager supervises the the performances of actors, organizing and physical aspects of the production (not the selecting the locations in which the film will be creative aspects) including personnel, shot, and managing technical details such as the technology, budget, and scheduling. It is the positioning of cameras, the use of lighting, and Production Manager's responsibility to make the timing and content of the film's soundtrack. sure the filming stays on schedule and within its Though the director wields a great deal of budget. The PM also helps manage the day-to- power, they are ultimately subordinate to the

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13 Mauritius Film Development Corporation

film's Producer or Producers. Some Directors, per the Directors requirements. especially more established ones, take on many of Camera Operator the roles of a Producer, and the distinction The Camera Operator uses the camera at the between the two roles is sometimes blurred. direction of the Cinematographer, Director of First Assistant Director Photography, or the film Director to capture the The First Assistant Director (1st AD) assists the scenes of the film. Generally, a Cinematographer Production Manager and Director. The ultimate or Director of Photography does not operate the aim of any 1st AD is to ensure the film comes in on camera, but sometimes these jobs may be schedule while maintaining a working combined. environment in which the Director, principal Steadicam Operator artists (actors) and crew can focus on their work. A Steadicam Operator is someone who is skilled at They oversee day-to-day management of the cast operating a Steadicam (trademark for a camera and crew scheduling, equipment, script, and set. stabilization rig). This person is usually one of the A 1st AD may also be responsible for directing Camera Operators on the production. background action for major shots or the entirety of relatively minor shots, at the Director's Location Manager discretion. The Location Manager oversees the Locations Cinematographer Department and its staff, typically reporting directly to the Production Manager and/or The term Cinematographer has been a point of Assistant Director (or even Director and/or contention for some time now. It is usually Executive Producer). Location Manager is synonymous with Director of Photography, responsible for final clearing (or guaranteeing though some professionals insist this only applies permission to use) a location for filming and must when the Director of Photography and Camera often assist Production/Finance Dept(s) in Operator are the same person. maintaining budget management regarding Director of Photography actual location/permit fees as well as labor costs The Director of Photography, DOP, is the chief of to production for himself and the Locations the camera and lighting crew of the film. The DOP Department at large. makes decisions on lighting and framing of scenes Location Scout in conjunction with the film's director. Typically, Does much of the actual research, footwork and the Director tells the DOP how they want a shot to photography to document location possibilities. look, and the DOP chooses the correct aperture, Often the Location Manager will do some filter, and lighting to achieve the desired effect as scouting himself, as well as the Assistant Location Manager.

TAKE 32

CAMERA 1

18 Types of in the jobs Film Sector Production Designer Hairdresser Also known as the Creative Director, the The Hairdresser, or Hair Stylist, is responsible Production Designer is responsible for creating for maintaining and styling the hair of anyone the physical, visual appearance of the film - appearing on screen. They work in conjunction settings, costumes, character makeup, all taken with the Makeup Artist. as a unit. The Production Designer works closely Boom Operator with the Director and the Cinematographer to The Boom Operator is an assistant to the achieve the look of the film. Production Sound Mixer, responsible for Art Director microphone placement and movement during The Art Director reports to the Production filming. The Boom Operator uses a boom pole, a Designer, and more directly oversees artists and long pole made of light aluminum or carbon craftspeople, such as the Set Designers, Graphic fiber that allows precise positioning of the Artists, and Illustrators who give form to the microphone above or below the Actors, just out production design as it develops. The Art of the camera's frame. The Boom Operator may Director works closely with the Construction also place radio microphones and hidden set Coordinator to oversee the aesthetic and microphones. In France, the Boom Operator is textural details of sets as they are realized. called the Perchman. Re-recording Mixer· Film Editor The Re-recording Mixer balances all of the The Film Editor is the person who assembles the sounds prepared by the dialogue, music and various shots into a coherent film, with the help effects editors, and finalizes the films audio of the Director. There are usually several track. Assistant Editors. Composer Visual Effects Editor The Composer is responsible for writing the The Visual Effects Editor incorporates visual musical score for a film. effects into the current cuts of live action Make-up Artist sequences, producing multiple versions of each shot. Altered scenes are then evaluated by the Make-up Artists work with makeup, hair and Visual Effects Supervisor and Creative Director special effects to create the characters look for for aesthetic and technical direction, and by the anyone appearing on screen. Their role is to Producers for review and final editing. manipulate an Actor's on-screen appearance whether it makes them look more youthful, Compositor larger, older, or in some cases monstrous. There A Compositor is a Visual Effects Artist are also Body Makeup Artists who concentrate responsible for compositing images from their abilities on the body rather than the head. different sources such as video, film, computer generated 3-D imagery, 2-D animations, matte paintings, photographs, and text. 19 20 Silver Jubilee 5yrs 1986-2011 2

21 5.0

CO productions

Two films have been co-produced with the Children Film Society of India and Padam Rag International, Bangalore namely “ Ankur Maina aur Kabutar” and “Stone Boy”.

1. Ankur Maina aur Kabutar (Operation Pink Pigeon) a story written by Mr Ramesh Ramdoyal

The film was entirely shot in Mauritius with a Mauritian Varsha Rani Bissessur as the lead female artist and other Mauritian Junior artists in 1990. Ankur, Maina and Kabutar- 1990 2. Stone Boy

The 14-episode serial was shot in 1990 and had local artists in junior roles.

Stone Boy – TV Serials

22 Mauritius Film Development Corporation

6.0 Production of

Corporatefilms With a view to increase revenue generating activities using a concentric diversification strategy, the Corporation is now producing corporate films for Ministries and para statal bodies.

23 7.0 Promotion of Local Production

“Rouzblezonnver” directed by Mr. Wassim Sookia- 2008

From 2003 to date the Corporation has produced 34 short films directed by local directors under the different following projects:-

24 “La Ronde du Bonheur” directed by Mr. Stephane Bellerose - 2008

“Le chant du dodo” directed by Late Mr Satish Khorugdharry - 2008

25 “La Bourse ou La Vie” directed by Mr Thierry Françoise - 2008

“Desh ki Shaan” 26 directed by Mr Sachin Jootun- 2008 “Aret Rever Camarade” directed by Mr Mamode Beekawoo - 2010

“La Cite d'Eden” directed by Mr Leslie Athanas - 2010

27 “Kass Yen” directed by Mr Feroz Nabeebaccus - 2010

“La Vie Konfetti” directed by Mr Krishna Lutchoomun - 2010 28 “L'horreur, l'horreur” directed by Mr Sabir Kadel - 2010

“Un Jour Un Destin” directed by Mr Wassim Sookia - 2010

29 “The Teacher” directed by Mr Patrice Canabady - 2010

“La Dérive” directed by Mr Jay Bhunjun- 2010

30 8.0 Workshops

The Mauritius Film Development Corporation always seizes the opportunity when visiting guests are in Mauritius to conduct workshops in different fields of the film sector. The main objective is to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and advices between professionals of the industry and the local participants.

Mr Pierre Argo- French Photographer

Mr Shyam Benegal Indian Director and 31 Screenwriter 1995: Yves Angelo is a French cinematographer and film director. Angelo has won the César Award for Since the inception of the MFDC has organised several Best Cinematography three times: in workshops conducted by famous film directors as follows: 1990 for Nocturne indien, in 1992 for Tous les matins du monde, and in 1994 for Germinal.

2006: Shyam Benegal is a prolific Indian director and screenwriter. With 2007: Shirley Barrett is an his first four feature films Australian film director were Ankur (1973), and screenwriter. Her Nishant (1975) Manthan film “Love Serenade” 1995: Agnès Varda is a French film (1976) and Bhumika won the Caméra d'Or at director and professor at the European (1977). the 1996 Cannes Film Graduate School. Festival.

2005: M.K. Raghavendra is a film 2005: Goutam Ghose is one 2009: Rolf de Heer is a Dutch researcher, scholar and critic. of the most acclaimed film film director, writer and directors of modern India. producer living in Australia.

32 9.0

ExtraCurricular Activities in Schools The Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources has participated in extra – curricular activities in the context of a broad- based education for the healthy and logistic development of young learners.

Three activities mentioned below were carried out in 24 schools both primary (standard lV) and secondary ( form lll ) schools as per below:-

1. Scriptwriting :-

This programme was essentially designed to guide youngsters to learn the basic principles of the craft of scriptwriting and had as the main objectives:

£ To encourage students to explore their individuality £ To discover their own stories and £ To develop their own narrative style

2. Familiarization in front of camera:-

This programme was developed to familiarize the students with camera work and aimed at discovering and developing their talents and creativity.

3. Film Culture: -

Films were screened in schools and at the end of the screening, discussions were held with the audience. The main objectives were to promote cinematographic culture and to learn about the different types of movies, directors and actors. It was also an opportunity to make the students aware of the number of categories of jobs which exist in the film sector. 33 10.0 Film

The Parent MinistrFrameworky with the collaboration of the Board of Investment is working on a new framework for a sustainable local film industry. Several meetings were held with stakeholders.

34 11.0 Statistics of Film Shooting in Mauritius

“Armaan” - 2003 “Kuch na Kaho” - 2003

35 “Agneepath” - 1989 “Hum” - 1990

“Bazigaar” - 1993

36 “36 China Town” - 2006

“Short cut- the con is on” - 2009

Shooting of “Short cut- the con is on” - 2009

“No Entry” - 2003

“Josh” - 1996

“Mon Père ce hero”

“Mujse Shaadi Karogi” - 2004

“Mujse Shaadi Karogi” - 2004 37 25yrs 12.0 Other Activities

Amongst other activities organised by the Corporation were: - Participation in the float defile – 12th March 2011 - Award Ceremony – First Mobile Phone Film Competition 2009 - Award Ceremony – 14th March 2008

Float Defilé 12 March 2011

38 Award Ceremony - 2008

39 13.0 Membership The MFDC is now a member of the World Prestigious Association known as the “Association of Film Commissioners International” (AFCI) which regroups over 330 film commissions worldwide. Membership of AFCI will give Mauritius tremendous visibility within the world of film production community and we hope to attract more filmakers to shoot in the country.

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25yrs

MAURITIUS FILM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts & Culture M6, Government Quarters, Hugh Otter Barry Street, Floreal, Mauritius ( (230) 696 3137 & 698 6013 7 (230) 698 5093 & 697 9688 e [email protected] w www.mauritiusfilm.org