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Visual Voice Confest '95 will take place in mid-june at the
University of Natal, Durban campus and is hosted by the Centre for
Cultural and Media Studies.

The Visual Voice confests all have the 'cultural dimension of
visual communication' as a central focus but have different themes
each year. The '95 confest has two main themes:

1.  The Role of Community Access Media in Reconstruction and
    Development

2.  100 Years of Film

Visual Voice '95 includes the first South African International
Confest on Public Access/Community TV. We have been fortunate in
attracting as one of our keynote speakers Jesikah Maria Ross from
the University of California, Davis and Davis Community TV.
Jesikah will also be conducting seminars at the University and
holding training workshops at grassroots level covering the
setting-up and effective managing of Community TV stations.

Visual Voice '95 is certain to appeal to a wide cross-section of
delegates from Southern Africa where Community TV is a relatively
new area for discussion. These are very exciting times for
community media enthusiasts in South Africa -- the previous
government held a monopoly over broadcasting and it is only now in
the New South Africa that the airwaves are being opened up and the
local Independent Broadcasting Authority has a mandate to issue
broadcasting licences to community and commercial groups.

The first two days of Visual Voice '95 are devoted to Community TV
and Community Media Centres (including freenets). The next two
days cover Ethnographic/Intercultural film and how this type of
filmmaking can be linked to development. The final day is
concerned with Semiotics and how this discipline can be used to
beneficially explore TV, the Net and Development. The confest is
comprised of these three modules so delegates can select whatever
interests them.

Every night there will be film screenings and discussions linked
to the other main theme at Visual Voice '95 -- 100 Years of Film.

Pleasant accommodation is available within walking distance from
the University. The rate for a single room including breakfast is
approximately 25 dollars a night. The confest fee for
international delegates is approximately 50 dollars, with a
reduced rate for students.

Durban is a beautiful harbour city on the East Coast of Africa. It
is known as the "Gateway to Africa" and is a wonderful
kaleidoscope of vibrant cultures and natural splendours. It is
only a few hours drive from the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains
or the heart of Zululand.  Excursions to the famous historical
sites and games reserves are available to delegates who wish to do
some exploring while is South Africa.

Those interested in attending or presenting at Visual Voice '95
can obtain further information from:

Mikhail Peppas Visual Voice '95 Centre for Cultural and Media
Studies University of Natal King George V Avenue Durban South
Africa, 4001

Tel: (031) 260 2505 Fax: (031) 260 2214

E-mail: Peppas@mtb.und.ac.za