Students in the Film and TV Department in the Wits School of Arts (WSOA) are to benefit from a Netflix Creative Equity grant from the global streaming entertainment service. 

The Netflix grant will be used to develop creative digital infrastructure in the Department at Wits University and will provide students with state-of-the-art equipment in their learning and content-creation journey. 

This grant will advance the University’s mission to train industry-ready graduates with access to contemporary industry equipment, and Netflix’s goal to advance equity for emerging film and TV creatives through its Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. 

As a leader in the Global South, Wits University is training the next generations of creatives from the continent to produce and narrate authentic African stories. Over the past 15 years, the Department has grown to be a formidable player that is rated amongst the best in the world. Wits Film and TV students are already trail blazers in the industry; a Wits student film was recently accepted and will be screened at this year’s Durban Film Festival and will compete in the prestigious CILECT Award. Wits students also won the Best Student Film Awardat the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).

“These accolades are testament to the potential of our Department and students,” says Dr Yolo Koba, Head of the Film and Television Department. “This grant and the equipment will assist us in our commitment of digitalisation and training future creatives and industry leaders with critical and innovative skills.” 

“At Netflix, we are incredibly proud and happy to extend our partnership with the Wits Film and TV department by introducing this initiative aimed at nurturing and strengthening the pipeline of the South African film and TV industry. At Netflix, we not only invest in growing the production of local films and series, but we also want to continue our contribution to growing the ecosystem by investing in programmes that increase equitable access to training for the next generation of storytellers,” says Allison Triegaardt, Manager of Content for Africa.  

The collaboration between Wits and Netflix, administered by Tshikululu Social Investment, plays a significant role in assisting the University to achieve its centenary campaign goals. Corporate support and investment go a long way in advancing the University’s priority areas of driving digital transformation; catalysing digital innovation and entrepreneurship; and advancing society For Good, as well as developing the next generation of leaders.   

“Thank you to Netflix for the generous grant,” says Peter Bezuidenhoudt, Director of Development and Fundraising at Wits. “We believe that through this collaborative partnership and others like it, we can make a significant impact in the creative industries by producing the critical high-level skills required to grow this key economic sector. Once again emphasising our catalytic role as a leading educational institution in Africa”.