WoS interviews JIHAN EL-TAHRI - Woman on top of her game 
By Karen van Schalkwyk 

Jihan El-Tahri is a producer/director who has been working in the television industry for over 20 years. She has directed and produced acclaimed feature documentaries for various broadcasters around the world, including: Behind the Rainbow, House of Saud and Cuba’s African Odyssey.
El-Tahri says that the key to making great films is being able to work with people from all over the world. “I have worked with the BBC, ARTE, American broadcasters and various funding organizations like the European Media Fund. It is critical in this day and age to be able to obtain financing from various sources.”
Regarding funds, El-Tahri maintains that it is vitally important that filmmakers know what is available and how to access these funds. “I think that South African filmmakers must become aware in this regard. If you want to do big films or feature documentaries you cannot do it just locally, you have to source other finance.”
El-Tahri elaborates that initially she was just a director, “however I realized I wanted more control over my projects so became a producer. I think it is important for filmmakers to control their copyright.”
El-Tahri is adamant that filmmakers must make films for the right reasons. “I think there is a lot of misdirection at the expense of what filmmakers should focus on. I have often been asked how to go about financing a film and I believe that the product will dictate what you must look for in terms of investment.”
International markets are different and require different formats. “A challenge with doing co-production is that each territory requires different things. On the House of Saud, I ended up with a 2 x 1 hour documentary for America, but the UK wanted a 2 x 58 min. This means you have to re-cut you film and cutting two minutes off your film can be a disaster. You must go into the business with your eyes wide open.”
Regarding the SABC and local broadcasters, El-Tahri is less than complimentary. “The SABC has done some good work but there are some major issues that we are all aware of, for instance, IP etc. I must also stress that commissioning editors must never confuse their roles. Some want to be directors but this is not the role of a commissioning editor. They are there to guide and offer input in the project and when they do this they are extremely valuable.”
El-Tahri is also adamant that filmmaking requires balance, conviction and compromise. “You have to believe in what you are doing. Also when someone has something to say you have to listen. However if you do not agree and you have listened to their point of view, then it is usually time to put your foot down.”