The creators and makers behind local shows broadcast and streamed on MultiChoice platforms scooped 32 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) on the first night (25 October), with Mzansi Magic’s Shaka iLembe picking up 10 Craft Awards and Showmax’s Outlaws, seven. Shaka iLembe became the most-nominated TV Drama in SAFTA history this year, garnering 17 nominations – and already having won 10 on the opening night, it could yet become the most-awarded drama series ever at the awards.
The first night of the SAFTAs recognises the talent behind the camera, while the second night (26 October – broadcast live on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161) focuses on the talent in front of the lens and the best shows and films in each category.
The Bomb Shelter Film Company produced Shaka iLembe was recognised in the TV Drama category for Best Visual Effects; Best Achievement in Editing (Sibongeleni Mabuyakhulu, Llewellyn Rice, and Megan Gill); Best Achievement in Cinematography (Zeno Petersen), Best Achievement in TV Scriptwriting (Thishiwe Ziqubu, Paul Grootboom, Catherine Stewart, Andrew Peterson, Daniel Zimbler, Angus Gibson, Desiree Markgraaff, Nhlanhla Mtaka, Jacob Ntshangase, Steven Pillemar, Hlonipha Mokoena & Benedict Carton); Best Achievement in Directing (Angus Gibson, Zeno Petersen, Adze Ugah, Mnqondisi Ngubane, and Catherine Stewart); Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling (Queen Motlatle); Best Achievement in Wardrobe (Shirley Masondo); Best Achievement in Art Direction (Dylan Lloyd and Nokuthula Sishi); Best Achievement in Sound (Athanasios Koundouris, Vaughan Phillips, Beyond Sound & On- Key Sound) and Best Achievement in Music / Original Score (Philip Miller).
Outlaws, produced for Showmax by Tshedza Pictures, won in the Telenovela category for Best Achievement in Editing (Natalie Varoy, Ebenhaezer Smal, Bongi Malefo, Siwelile Mbanjwa and Nandi Mehlomakulu); Best Achievement in Art Direction (Waldemar Coetsee); Best Achievement in Scriptwriting (Gwydion Beynon and Phathutshedzo Makwarela); Best Achievement in Original Music/Score (Brendan Jury); Best Achievement in Sound (Geoff Kock and Clark Fivaz), Best Achievement in Cinematography (Ntobeko Dlamini) and Best Achievement in Directing (Tebogo Malope, Thembalethu Mfebe, Nthabi Tau & Menga Nhlabathi).
Behind-the-scenes work on kykNET shows was received for Hans Steek die Rubikon Oor (Best Achievement in Costume Design – Feature Film, Marne van der Burgh); Blindelings (Best Achievement in Sound Design – Feature Film, Tim Pringle); ‘n Tyd van Waterpere (Best Made-For-TV Movie, Sonvelt Media); Binnelanders (Best Achievement in Sound – TV Soap/Telenovela, Eric McKechnie and Barry Gillot).
The platform’s documentaries received recognition too, with SuperSport and M-Net’s Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story picking up Best Achievement in Editing – Documentary (Ebenhaezer ‘Haezer’ Smal) and Best Achievement in Cinematography – Documentary for Sims Phakisi on Showmax’s Rosemary’s Hitlist, produced by Idea Candy.
1Magic’s Roomies won two Golden Horns in the TV Comedy category – for Yonela Nombewu in Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Achievement in Wardrobe (Thembelihle Buthelezi), while Kagiso Malefane’s work on Mzansi Magic ‘s Magaeng won Best Achievement in Art Directing in the same category.
There was a last hurrah for Tshedza Pictures’ beloved The River as it won Best Achievement in Original Song – Telenovela (Brendan Jury and Sindi Dlathu), The Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling – TV Soap/Telenovela went to Silindile Dladla and Refiloi Maphunya for 1802 – Love Defies Time and Earth Touch’s Legends of Venom: Viper – broadcast on NatGeo - won Best History and Environmental Program.
“Tonight, we are especially proud to see the people behind the scenes being recognised – their hard work and talent bring our stories to life. Congratulations to all the winners, and here’s to the second night, when the country’s very best content will be in the spotlight,” says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group.
The second night of the SAFTAs will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) on 26 October, the red carpet at 19:30 and the ceremony at 20:00.
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