About SAFTA
Celebrating Creativity,
Encouraging Excellence
2005
In 2005 representatives of the South African Film and Television industry resolved to come together under the auspices of the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF) to establish the annual South African Film and Television Awards, the SAFTA AWARDS (SAFTAS).
The primary objective of the SAFTA Awards is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African Film and Television talent and productions, and to encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent within the industry.
Members of the SAFTA committee comprise of representatives from NFVF, SABC, ETV, Mnet, Sterkinekor, Nu-Metro, South African Screen Federation, the IPO and Black Filmmakers Network.
2006
The inaugural edition of the South Africa Film and Television Awards was held on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October 2006 at the Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg. Over 630 guests attended the Craft Student and Short Film Awards Ceremony on Friday and over 2200 guests attended the live broadcast ceremony on Saturday. A total of 76 Golden Horn Awards were presented to winners, 36 awards were presented on Friday 27 and 39 awards on Saturday 28.
2007
The second edition of the awards, SAFTA 2007 was held on Saturday 27 October 2007. During the awards three Life Time Achievement Awards were presented to individuals who made an outstanding contribution to the industry. The awards went to Mary Twala, Moosa Moosa and Kevin Harris.
The judging panels consisted of over 60 members of industry professionals and practitioners.
Sizwe Ntsaluba VSP was appointed to audit the whole judging process for the SAFTA.
2008/9
2008/9 Theme: The South African Story.
Announcing the new added awards:
- Best Original Music in a Documentary
- Best Original Script in Documentary
- Best Cinematography in a Documentary
- Best Editing in a Documentary
- Best Director in a Documentary
- Best Original Music in a Wildlife Programme
- Best Original Script In Wildlife Programme
- Best Cinematography in a Wildlife Programme
- Best Editing in a Wildlife Programme
- Best Director in a Wildlife Programme
And the introduction of a music programme award.
- Best Entertainment/Music
About the NFVF
The NFVF is a statutory body mandated by a progressive act of Parliament to spearhead the equitable growth and development of the South African film and video industry. The NFVF is guided by a council of twelve members, comprising highly respected film professionals with diverse expertise in the film and television industry.
Mission
To create an environment that develops and promotes the South African film and video industry domestically and internationally.
Vision
A quality South African film and video industry that mirrors and represents the nation, sustains commercial viability, encourages development and provides a medium through which the creative and technical talents of South Africans are able to reach the world.
Moral imperative
It is a national imperative to create facilities for ordinary South Africans to bear influence in the expression of their own images, thereby deepen democracy and create prosperity. The National Film & Video Foundation strives for the realization of this noble ideal.
Broadcast Partner
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is SAFTA's broadcast partner and sponsor. SAFTA awards ceremonies are broadcast live on SABC 2.
The Golden Horn
All SAFTA winners are presented with the Golden Horn, the official SAFTA Trophy. The creative concept behind the SAFTA Trophy, the "Golden Horn" is built on the strength of the collective effort and community that is inherent in the South African Film and Television industry of today and reflects the collective energy of the team and the recognition of the individual as part of a collective.
The faces on the statues are derived from artifacts of African heritage that date back to 800 AD and were discovered near Lydenburg in the North West Province, referred to as the Lydenburg Heads. The three figure heads are found on objects that recognize the stature of venerated members of African communities, those who are regarded as leaders in their fields and specifically represent excellence in visual creative arts, performance and drama.
All Nominees will be provided with one (1) personalized Nomination Certificate with their name in calligraphy on it. Winner's Certificates will be available for winners.
