Input 2008 calls for programmes

The International Public Television annual showcase, which celebrates 30 years in 2008, is reportedly the only screening conference focusing solely on content and is aimed at broadcasters, independent producers, directors, writers and filmmakers. It is held in a different country each year and encourages the development of public service television by screening and debating the most outstanding programmes from around the world.

Next year, 4 – 10 May, the 2008 Input will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in partnership with the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF), the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), the African Broadcast Media Partnership (ABMP) and the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA).

All genres are eligible but programmes should not be older than two years. For a full list of criteria, go to www.input2008.org.za. In short, programmes should be provocative, innovative, creative, entertaining and could include the use of new technologies. If a programme elicits at least three good questions for debate, it stands a good chance of being Input material. Programmes should have been broadcast recently or at least have a commitment from a TV station.

After completing the programme registration form online, filmmakers may submit films in DVD format, by mailing them to:

Manuela Roos

Input 2008
PO Box 4936
Cresta
2118

Johannesburg

Or delivering them to:

22 First Avenue

Linden

Johannesburg

The deadline for submissions is 31 October and submission forms will be available on www.input2008.org.za from Monday 1 October. Note that submissions are made entirely at the filmmakers' expense and risk. Input will not return copies of programmes submitted for selection. Input will only contact those filmmakers and producers whose submissions are successful.

The winning programmes will be chosen by November 2007 and submitted to the international selection panel, which is run by the Input Shop Stewards, a jury of about 20 top industry professionals from around the world. The international selection will be held at Deutsche Welle in Berlin next year, as it has been a tradition of input since its inception 30 years ago.