For Immediate Release
SAFTAs 12 Post Review
Johannesburg – The much-anticipated South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), have come and gone and people are still reeling over its success.
The SAFTAs weekend kicked off on a high at the scenic Sun City resort in the Bokone Bophirima on Thursday, 22 March with the second night held on Saturday March 24, 2018.
The glitzy awards show is hosted under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture. Collaboration is key to the execution of the awards, with the North-West Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA), McCafé, Ster Kinekor and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) being some of the partners who made the awards possible.
The partnership with CATA, is part of a longer commitment towards developing the film and television industry in Bokone Bophirima. The school’s outreach programme during the SAFTAs 12 weekend which focused on audience development at rural schools in the province will be complimented by a year-long programme that will include a Masterclass series, training on the business of film, engagement with women and youth in film with a particular focus on Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD).
The SAFTAs 12 red carpet this year was cheery, optimistic, and impassioned, with presenters Kuli Roberts and Rorisang Thandekiso. The duo welcomed celebrities including the likes of Nomzamo Mbatha who was clothed in a bold, yet feminine champagne coloured evening gown by David Tlale. Up and coming actress, Lunathi Mampofu honoured the invitation with her androgynous take on the modern-day black tuxedo. Kuli and Rorisang were also graced by the presence of Emmy nominee, Thuso Mbedu, who wore African print, fit for a South African celebration.
The first night of the awards celebrated the technical craft of the industry and the people who make some of our favourite shows happen.
After a night of awards and merriments, the industry celebrated pioneering women who continue to excellence in film and television. Game-changers were invited to a high tea where discussions lead by Sthandiwe Kgoroge focused on increasing women participation across the value chain of the industry. The event brought together high-profile panel of women such as NFVF CEO Ms Zama Mkosi, the legendary Black Panther Actress, Connie Chuime, and SAFTAs 12 nominee for Best Achievement in Cinematography Gaopie Kabe. The event was also used to commemorate the centenary of Albertina Sisulu, and Nontsikelelo Sisulu-Singapi, was a special guest representing the family. Creating opportunities for women and ensuring their full participation in the industry has always been and remains a crucial strategic objective for the NFVF. The adoption of the SWIFT Pledge against sexual harassment during awards emphasized the shared responsibility and importance of creating safe spaces for women to work in.
The live event, which started at 20h00 on Saturday, was under the theme ‘Our Stories Are Gold’. The prestigious event was hosted by television personalities Phat Joe and Thando Thabete.
Transformation remains a key challenge in the South African film and television industry. It was encouraging to see an increase in the number of black filmmakers receiving Golden Horns. The NFVF is particularly proud of the creators of Tjovitjo and Skulls of My People, Vincent Moloi and Lodi Matsetela who took home nine Golden Horns. The duo are recipients of the NFVF’s Documentary Slate Programme, under which Skulls of My People was produced, aimed at giving small black owned production companies an opportunity to consistently create content, while remaining sustainable and viable. Skulls of My People winning 3 Golden Horns is a full circle achievement.
A film that made a clean sweep is Inxeba/The Wound which took home 6 Golden Horns. Inxeba/The Wound’s success is a true testament of the SAFTAs celebrating world class South African productions.
Topping the public vote for Most Popular Soap was Uzalo and Best TV Presenter went to Lerato Kganyago. Discretionary Award recipients included Shelly Barry for Outstanding Person with a Disability, Ayanda Sithebe as the Youth Achiever, and the two Lifetime Achievement awards went to Thoko Ntshinga and Johan Stemmet.
The National Film and Video Foundation, CEO, Ms Zama Mkosi said that winners were an integral part of translating South Africa’s golden stories into entertaining and thought-provoking conversation pieces, adding that the NFVF were extremely proud of the contribution the industry makes in South African Film and Television.
The SAFTAs live show paid tribute to Nelson Mandela with a heartfelt acknowledgement to his centenary, which consisted of a medley of songs, and the surprise of the night was Leleti Khumalo who delivered an emotional monologue from the Broadway Musical Sarafina! The Tribute was concluded by a dance performance featuring Somizi who starred in Sarafina! at the age of 13.
SAFTAs 12 brought about a successful night with everyone looking forward to another favourable year in South Africa’s Film and Television Industry locally and internationally.
**Ends**
Media contact person:
Peter Kwele
Head Marketing and Communications
peterk@nfvf.co.za and xolelwan@nfvf.co.za
Tel: 011 483 0880
Website: www.nfvf.co.za
Social Media: @nfvfsa
Appointed PR Agency, Mason Communications
Tel: +27 11 325 2605
Micaela Soliani, Director of PR I micaela@masonco.co.za
Nompumelelo Mngqibisa, Publicist I nompumelelo@masonco.co.za