(Above: Andile Sinqoto)
Final Entry Deadline:
July 31 2025
The DGSA launches Annual Creatives Awards to spotlight local visionaries
Lights, camera, legacy: submissions open until July 31, 2025
For too long, directors have been the unsung architects of South Africa’s most iconic stories. Now it is time to celebrate the visionaries behind the camera. This year, the Director’s Guild of South Africa (DGSA) has launched the first Annual DGSA Creatives Awards, which will finally give local filmmakers their moment in the spotlight and the recognition they deserve.
Submissions are open to directors working in film, television, or commercial production to showcase their talents to the world. Because the awards are by directors for directors, they are not just another industry back-patting session, they’re about celebrating the people who shape South African film and television culture.
A chance to change lives:
“Directors are the backbone of this industry, but they don’t always get the credit they deserve. The DGSA Awards aim to change that and in doing so put local talent on the international map,” says Andile Sinqoto, DGSA Executive Committee Member.
More than just a trophy
For DGSA, this is about more than awards. It’s about pushing the industry forward. Unlike other awards, the DGSA Creatives Awards are created by directors, ensuring that the categories, judging criteria and recognition truly reflect the realities and achievements of those behind the camera.
“We are creating a space where talent is actively uplifted and respected. It's time to celebrate the vision, hard work and the future of a group of people who have contributed so much to South African history,” says Sinqoto.
The categories span across feature films, series, commercials and digital content, making sure every type of storytelling genius gets a shot. Plus, with South African directors making waves internationally, this is the perfect moment to put local talent work on the map:
Nominees announced: September 30 2025
Awards open day: November 28 2025
Awards ceremony: November 29 2025
DGSA, founded in 2024, is a membership-driven non-profit
dedicated to advancing the craft of directing and advocating for the rights of
directors. With a rapidly growing membership base of industry professionals,
the organisation works to elevate directors’ economic standing, provide mentorship
and training and foster international collaborations. The DGSA Awards further
this mission by spotlighting excellence in directing and offering a platform to
celebrate the industry’s finest talent.
For the full list of categories, entry criteria, and fees, head to https://www.dgosa.org.za/annual-dgsa-creatives-awards/
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