South African Filmmakers Are Protesting to Save Their Industry

South African filmmakers were seen protesting on the streets of Cape Town and Pretoria in late January with simple demands. Under the Save SA Film Jobs banner, South African filmmakers, actors, and industry workers protested against the deepening and entombing crisis that has pushed the South African film sector towards the cliff of collapse. To salvage their industry and creative economy, hundreds of  South African film professionals marched to voice several critical grievances. With limited productions taking place, South African filmmakers, who are mostly freelancers and rely on gigs, have been left unemployed and unable to carry out basic economic activities. Additionally, the scheme’s failure to convene adjudication meetings and approve applications has led to stalled productions, job losses, and a significant economic impact. The protest was against the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) whose mismanagement of the South African Film and Television Production Incentive Scheme had unfortunately exposed the South African film industry to significant economic decline. 

The DTIC was formed in May 2019, merging the former Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Economic Development. The department whose roots date back to 1910, when it was initially established as the Department of Commerce and Industries was created to develop and implement policies that promote economic development, industrial growth and foster competition. Its main goals include promoting economic growth by fostering a dynamic and globally competitive economy that creates decent employment opportunities and reduces inequality, industrial development, strengthening manufacturing and other sectors to increase value addition and competitiveness, trade and investment by enhancing trade and investment links with key economies and promoting African development.

In 2004, The Film and Television Incentive Scheme was initiated under the DTIC to attract large-budget foreign films and television productions, facilitate foreign capital inflow, and promote skills transfer.  The scheme had four programmes including the Foreign Film and Television Production and Post-Production Incentive, SA Film & TV Production and Co-production, South African Film and Television Production Incentive and The South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive. The scheme has, over the years, attracted foreign film productions and supported local film and television productions. The scheme has boosted the local film industry, attracted over R5.2 billion in foreign investment, created job opportunities and enhanced the country’s creative and technical skills base. Netflix has invested heavily in South African productions, creating jobs and showcasing the country’s talent and locations. The scheme has also led to increased international co-productions, with countries like Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Mauritius benefiting from similar incentives. 

However, since 2020, the scheme has been scarcely granted leading to production being stalled and filmmakers’ income drying up. Industry leaders, representatives from guilds and professional bodies and actors have detailed how the mismanagement has affected their livelihood. Their unified demands are for the commencement of adjudication meetings. “We want to get the wheels turning again so that the creative energy and economic benefits of the film sector can flow once more. We are advocating for the government to work together with industry professionals to rewrite the incentive guidelines. The fact that, months later, conditions remain dire underscores the need for continued pressure and collective support,” their petition reads. 

During the two-day march by film and TV workers on Thursday, industry leaders say stalled government incentives, delayed approvals and government inaction have left thousands without income. Additionally, the filmmakers warned that billions in investment and more than 100 000 jobs are at risk. The marchers have demanded urgent engagement, transparency and immediate reforms, warning that the demonstrations would otherwise continue.

According to the submitted petition, the SA film industry is facing a grim situation where “skilled workers, from actors to crew members, are hemorrhaging from the industry due to lack of work, and emerging talents are discouraged from pursuing careers in film.” This gloomy situation not just affects the livelihood of individuals but also threatens the collapse of local businesses reliant on the film sector. From caterers to equipment rental companies, the ripple effect is devastating, placing countless livelihoods in jeopardy.

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The current collapse of the scheme has led to the gradual collapse of the industry. The industry that once employed 60,000 full-time and freelance workers, supported over 100,000 indirect jobs, generated R8–10 billion in annual production value and had a young, vibrant workforce 67% were under 35 is now on life support. Since 2020, the sector has contracted by almost 50%. Thus, the protesting filmmakers aren’t demanding for the saving of the South African cinema and film industry. It’s a coordinated call for the saving of the creative economy and providing economic and financial independence for filmmakers who operate within the gig economy. Additionally, it’s  about saving the South African ecosystem as ongoing film production affects the economic lifespan of a community where production is occurring. Production employs the services of service providers (carpenters, chefs and hotels. This in turn leads to income generation. 

On 1st of February, the coalition submitted a petition to the DTIC with a ten-day response timeline. On 9th February, 2026, the DTIC responded by inviting the Save SA Film Jobs Coalition to formally present their case to decision makers on February 17th. DTIC is yet to respond the filmmakers petition despite the 10-day ultimatum elapsed and Parliamnent has responsed. However, the protesting filmmakers will be going to the Parliament to present their demands and hopefully get positive feedback. The response filmmakers get during the meeting will determine the fate and future of the SA film industry.