Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
SA’s got it, so let’s celebrate it! Saftas judges have work cut out choosing from multiple top shows and performers
“SA’S GOT it, let’s celebrate it” – that’s the theme of this year’s 11th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).
And the National Film and Video Foundation has big plans for this prestigious event that pays homage to the hard-working entertainment fraternity.
The 2017 nominees were announced at a breakfast event hosted by veteran actress Nambitha Mpumlwana (Ashes to Ashes), this week.
Zama Mkosi, the chief executive of the foundation, shed light on the long-term plans for the Saftas, revealing that Sun City would be the host venue for the next five years. She also touched on the partnerships with McCafe and Ster-Kinekor for this year.
The 181 judges had their work cut out, with a noticeable increase in the entry submissions – 441 to last year’s 416.
New categories include best talk show host and youth achiever awards. The best animation category has fallen away. But who are the biggest contenders?
In this category, The Silent Form 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.
For the wildlife programme honours, it’s going to be a close call with Africa’s Trees of Life – Camelthorn Tree, Brothers in Blood: The Lions of Sabi Sand and Soul of the Elephant pitted against each other in most of categories.
It seems Heist ( best TV drama, best achievement in directing, best achievement in cinematography, best achievement in post production editing, best achievement in post production sound design, best achievement in art/production design, best achievement in wardrobe, make-up and hairstyling, best actor and best supporting actor) and Bloedbroers (best TV drama, best achievement in directing, best achievement in cinematography, best achievement in post production editing, best achievement in post production sound design, best achievement in post production original music/ score, best achievement in art production design, best achievement in wardrobe, make-up and hairstyling, best actor) left an equally indelible impression on the judges.
Sober Companion (best TV drama, best achievement in directing, best achievement in post production original music/score, best actress – Tiffany Barbuzano, best actor – Trevor Gumbi) and Saints and Sinners 2 (best achievement in cinematography, best achievement in post production editing and best supporting actor – Tumisho Masha) are also in the running.
Those Who Can’t seems to be a favourite. Apart from best TV comedy, best achievement 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 Sylvaine Strike, Kate Normington and Robyn Scott competing for the best supporting actress.
Not too far behind is Puppet Nation ZANEWS! 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 Hotel 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 Wier).
The biggest irony is that the soap that SABC3 decided to pull the plug on has made the biggest noise. Yes, High Rollers bagged the most nods after Isibaya.
Ashes to Ashes and Gold Diggers are contenders with Generations – The Legacy getting two nods for best achievement in art direction/production design and best achievement in wardrobe, make-up and hair. It’s also in the running for the public vote for most popular TV soap.
Bagging 10 nods, Noem My Skollie 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 (Dan Jaques Mouton) and best supporting actor (Abdurahgmaan Adams).
Not far behind is Shepherds and Butchers with nine nominations, followed by Sink with eight and Modder en Bloed with six. Radio and TV personality Anele Mdoda is up for best talk show host for Real Talk with Anele, going up against Karen Zoid (Republiek van Zoid Afrika) and Bonnie Mbuli ( Afternoon Express) and for best TV presenter. While Carte Blanche (nominated for best current affairs actuality programme) has been given a nod, the net has widened to include newer arrivals. And this goes across all the smaller categories like best magazine show, best variety show, best reality show and best youth programme. In the best international format group: Clash of the Choirs goes against The Great South African Bake Off and The Voice South Africa. Planning for red-carpet weekend is on. ● The 11th Saftas ceremony will take place at Sun City from March 16-18.