South Africa’s glittering award ceremonies for film and
television enthralled audiences over two star-studded evenings on March 20 and
22 when big names from film and television, celebrities, entertainment industry
leaders and prominent officials honoured the winners of the 9th annual South
African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).
The show was hosted by the talented SAFTAs winner and Emmy
nominee Loyiso Gola, while his co-hosts, SABC 2’s Ayanda Paine and well-known radio
personality and socialite, Jen Su, featured the red carpet. Loyiso had the
crowd in stitches with his comedy, while his glamorous co-hosts highlighted
some of the fashion on display on the red carpet.
From the arrival and red carpet to the talented
entertainment and the celebration of the winners, the SAFTA’s honoured the ‘Coming
of Age’ theme which celebrated the industry coming into its own and telling its
own stories. Entertainment for both evenings was a mix of legends like Abigail
Kubeka and Trompies and current stars like AKA, The Soil and DJ Fisherman.
Speaking of the two successful nights, SAFTA’s Committee
Chairperson and NFVF CEO Ms Zama Mkosi said the industry has really come of age.
“We experienced the best of South Africa’s content competing for the ultimate
industry treasure, the Golden Horn. From emerging to advanced filmmakers,
makeup artists to sound engineers, the quality and excellence displayed on the
nights indeed attest to the fact that our industry has arrived. We are grateful
for our legends and experienced producers, who continue to ensure that our new
talent and entrants in the industry receive the correct guidance in their
careers.”
The excellence of local productions was made evident in the
first installment of #SAFTAs15 held on Friday 20March, setting the tone for the
rest of the awards. Some of the highlights from the first night were Thierry
Cassuto and Alex Fynn winning the Best Directing in TV Comedy for ZANews: Puppet Nation, and Picture Perfect Heist winning Best Short
Film.
Four Corners won Best
Achievement in Cinematography for a Feature Film, and Best Achievement in
Original Score - Feature Film, Best Achievement in Sound - Feature Film, as
well as the coveted Best Feature Film . That does not include the talented work
done by its actors with Jezriel Skei winning Best Actor in a Lead Role –
Feature Film and Brendon Daniels winning the Best Supporting Actor - Feature
Film.
The hotly contested Soapie awards saw Isibaya winning the best Soapie award and Masasa Mbangeni winning Best
Actress in a Lead Role-TV Soap. The Best Actor in a Lead Role- TV Soap went to Jamie
Bartlett for his role as David Genaro in Rhythm
City.
This year’s Life Time Achiever Award went to Marius Weyers. This
well-known actor has been in the industry for nearly 50 years and has appeared
in over 35 feature films, numerous television productions and 115 theatre
productions. Some of his appearances include Andrew Steyn in The Gods Must Be Crazy and Rudolf Van de
Kaap in Blood Diamond.
Special thanks go to all the partners that came on board to
support the SAFTAs this year. Sustainability of the SAFTAs depends on the will
of all to invest resources into the industry and to continue working together
to ensure its further growth. For a full list of winners please see www.nfvf.co.za or the SAFTAs Facebook page.
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