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Anant Singh responding to Sarah Dawsons Open Letter

regarding her departure from the Durban International Film Festival


I am currently at the Cannes Film Festival and have just been made aware of Sarah Dawsons open
letter in which she outlines the reason behind her resignation which largely deals with the issues
surrounding the selection of SHEPHERDS AND BUTCHERS as the opening night film. As filmmakers
we are very proud of the film we created about a story that originated in Durban. We are equally
proud of the fact that it was celebrated at the Berlin Film Festival.
I was very surprised by the flurry correspondence and social media activity that emerged, and up to
now, had elected not to engage in the debate as we are purely focused on the ability to make films
and achieve excellence in filmmaking.
I would like to add that I have never met, nor have I spoken with Sarah Dawson over the selection
process, and neither did I engage with the university executive on the matter. In my 30-year
association with DIFF, I have always respected their decisions and never at any time tried to bring my
influence to bear. I feel that it is important to share with everybody the actual correspondence that
exchanged between us (attached hereto) in the interests of transparency and the fact that Sarah has
gone public with inaccurate assertions and information.
I have had films in the official selections of almost every major film festival in the world. In each
instance I have tried to get the best for our films, but the circumstances around this particular
process has been exceptionally unique and complex, and quite unexpected.
I outline a few points which I think are relevant to this matter:
1. Whilst Sarah commended the film, she indicated that she was concerned about the qualitative
experience of our guests, some of whom are compelled to be there, and who might find the
material difficult. For me, it did not make sense. The Durban International Film Festival has in
the past opened with films that are far more graphic and controversial and, importantly, all
these films had artistic merit. We have had films there like ONCE WERE WARRIORS, that dealt
with issues of family violence, rape etc. which was extremely well received. Obviously, everyone
is aware that I am the producer of SHEPHERDS AND BUTCHERS and, as with any filmmaker, I
want to try to do what is best for the film.
2. The process in trying to secure the opening night slot, was one that began with us screening the
film on 11 March 2016, and I was quite surprised that after Sarah and a colleague watched the
film, we received the response which is included in the trail of the correspondence attached.
I felt it insulting to the creative process and our ability to tell stories, and found this view stifling,
which was unexpected, especially from the film festival. Films featured in festivals are supposed
to be thought provoking and challenge boundaries. The film was already in the process of being
rated and a few weeks after Sarah watched the film, we were informed that it received a rating
of 16V, which we thought would be a factor that would make the film eligible for the opening
night. This added to my disappointment.
3. I felt compelled to write to Sarah to express my views and disappointment and solicit a response
as to the process followed and the rationale behind her decision. This, I copied to her colleagues
at the University. At no point did I ask, or force the action, to secure the opening night, this is a
position that every filmmaker desires but should remain at arms length in the selection process.

4.

As part of our offer to the Durban International Film Festival this year, we proposed a special
screening of SARAFINA! as the Festival opens on 16 June which will mark the 40th Anniversary of
the Soweto Uprising. We felt that as the film is based on this historic event in our history, it
would be a good opportunity for the Festival to commemorate this important occasion. We
were advised that there may not be a place in the programme for this film.

I considered the withdrawal of SHEPHERDS AND BUTCHERS from the Festival due the mire of
controversy, but believe that it would be counterproductive, and unfair to the team involved in the
production.
As the selection process for the opening night position is vehemently opposed and has become
controversial, I propose a fair process be adopted where an independent group of 5 or 6 people be
formed to view all of the films under consideration for the opening night slot, and have a fully
transparent process and whatever decision results, we should all accept.
I understand that every filmmaker may feel a sense of entitlement to that prestigious position but
only one film can prevail.
Lastly, I feel that I have been unfairly treated in the assumption that I enforced undue influence over
the university executive, and I am now being blamed for this situation which could have been
avoided.
This correspondence takes the position of an open letter and sets out our side of the story for clarity.

Anant Singh
13 May 2016

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