As part of the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s commitment to optimise state assets and support the growth of the creative industry, the Strydom House in Bloemfontein has been handed over to the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation to use as a film studio.
According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure spokesperson, Mlungisi Maqubela, the house was one of the unused buildings identified under the department’s plan to re-use and re-purpose neglected or vacant buildings in the city. “Our plan towards that is in place, and we shall make a pronouncement of developments with regards to that before the end of August 2025,” he explained. Maqubela encouraged local businesses and organisations with ideas on how to use these properties to present formal proposals to the department, so that solutions can be discussed to benefit the local economy and community.
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation presented its concept through the relevant channels and was successfully awarded the property to use as a platform to promote storytelling and showcase local talent. “The building will most certainly be used to benefit our artists in line with our mandate, including considerations of a film studio,” said the department’s spokesperson, Tankiso Zola.
Local filmmaker, Mpho Tau from 1976 Films, said his initial reaction to the news was 50/50 because there has always been talks about local film development but it has not happened. On the other hand, he is positive to see the change it will bring as there is so much lacking in the industry currently.
“It is good to have a studio, but what should happen on the ground is the development of the industry in terms of cultivating and activating film development so that by the time the studio comes there will be mentorship for filmmakers and creatives,” he said. He added that the film industry should be active in creating platforms before the studio is completed. He called on the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation to be more open about their plans to encourage collaboration.
Locals who would like to submit ideas or proposals towards unused buildings can send an email to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure on [email protected].
What the community said:
Kabinett Motlogeloa: MEC, we appreciate and want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts in supporting our film industry, but we need to assist the MEC and give progressive inputs to take our sector forward. To be honest, the building is too small for a film studio, but it is suitable for a film hub. That building can be used as a film hub, not a film studio. A film studio requires a bigger building, like the size of two or four factories bigger, and there are many in Bloemfontein that the MEC can look at. Can the MEC kindly please consider such? Thank you.
Sam Sethuntsa: This is such an amazing initiative.
Teboho Mpopo: Keep up the good work.
Asicebise Mzay’fani Magidela: This is encouraging.
Gypseenia Lion
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