Big Saftas battle looms with top talent facing off
Theme for the spectacular event says it all
SA’s got it – let’s celebrate it: That’s the theme of this year’s 11th annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).
And the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has big plans for this prestigious homegrown event that pays homage to the hard-working entertainment fraternity.
The 2017 nominees were announced at a breakfast at The Forum, hosted by veteran actress Nambitha Mpumlwana ( Ashes to Ashes), this week. Zama Mkosi, NFVF chief executive, shed light on the long-term plans for the Saftas, revealing that Sun City would be the host venue for the next five years.
The 181 judges have their work cut out for them with a noticeable increase in entries: 441 compared with last year’s 416. The new categories include Best Talk Show Host and Youth Achiever Award.
But who are the biggest contenders?
DOCUMENTARY SHORT
received five nods for Best Documentary Short, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Sound Design and Best Achievement in Editing.
WILDLIFE PROGRAMME
It’s going to be a close call with a favourite. Apart from Best TV Comedy, Best Achievements in Directing, Best Achievement in Post-Production Sound Design, Best Achievement in Art/Production Design, Best Achievement in Wardrobe, Make-Up and Hair, Best Actress (Chantal Herman) and Best Actor (Grant Swanby), the show has three of its actresses, Sylvaine Strike, Kate Normington and Robyn Scott, competing for the Best Supporting Actress accolade. Not far behind is
with eight nods (Best TV Comedy, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Scriptwriting, Best Achievement in Post-Production Sound Design, Best Achievement in Post-Production Editing, Best Achievement in Art/ Production Design, Best Achievement in Wardrobe, Make-Up and Hair and Best Actress – Hannah Barnard) and with seven nominations (Best TV Comedy, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Scriptwriting, Best Achievement in Post-Production Sound Design, Best Achievement in Post-Production Editing, Best Actor – James Borthwick and Best Supporting Actor – Graham Weir).
TV SOAP/TELENOVELA
THE biggest irony this year is that the soap that SABC3 decided to pull the plug on has made the biggest noise. bagged the most nods after
FEATURE FILM
Apart from reflecting the proliferation of local content, there are stand-outs in this category. Bagging 10 nods, takes the lead for Best Feature Film, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Scriptwriting, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Production Design, Best Achievement in Original Music/Score, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling, Best Actor (Dann-Jacques Mouton) and Best Supporting Actor (Abduraghmaan Adams). Not far behind is
with nine nominations, followed by with eight and with six.
IN OTHER NEWS
Radio and TV personality Anele is in the running for Best Talk Show Host for Real Talk with Anele. She goes up against Karen Zoid ( Republiek van Zoid Afrika) and Bonnie Mbuli ( Afternoon Express).
While (nominated for Best Current Affairs Actuality Programme) has been given a nod, the net has been widened on the small screen to include newer arrivals.
And this goes across all the different smaller categories such as Best Magazine Show, Best Variety Show, Best Reality Show and Best Youth Programme.
As for the Best International Format group, goes up against and
With all the nominees being strong contenders, it’s going to be a close call.
The 11th Saftas takes place at Sun City from March 16 to 18.