Johannesburg - The local film industry is a major driver of economic growth and job creation, Arts Minister Paul Mashatile said on Friday.
"We are encouraged to note that the industry contributes R3.5bn annually to our gross domestic product, and that it provides employment to more than 25 000 people."
He was speaking at the release of a study on the economic impact of the South African film industry.
He said the last time the government conducted a study was in 2000.
The study included value chain analysis, the size of the industry, and economic multiplier effects, including the number of direct and indirect jobs created.
"This study lays the basis for our interventions to ensure that the film sector contributes directly to the goals of our Mzansi golden economy strategy."
He said the study would help build partnerships with the private sector.
"It will also strengthen our ability to advocate for more favourable incentives for the sector so as to attract investment."
He said that by using the findings of the study, the government would be in a better position to identify the best institutional structures and mechanisms to support the sector's growth.
Mashatile said it was in the process of converting the national film and video foundation into a national film commission, and establishing a national film fund.
"We believe that these initiatives will contribute significantly to the growth, development, and sustainability of the local film industry."