Top honours for Indian films at Sabela awards ceremony
THE Indian film fraternity left its mark at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and TV Awards in Durban at the weekend.
An initiative of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and implemented by the KZN Film Commission, the awards recognise outstanding achievers and excellence in the South African and international film industry.
Eubulus Timothy won best director for Deep End, while the movie scooped the big award – best Feature film. Sans Moonsamy and Keru Kisten won the best screenplay for Red Room. Pranesh Maharaj and Indian movie veteran Lillete Dubey won best supporting actor and actress for 3 Days to Go.
Deep End producer Jacintha Timothy said she was thrilled the movie took top honours.
“The film was long in the making and there were inherent challenges around funding… Without the support of the KZN Film Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry, it would not have been possible,” Timothy said.
“The award is also an acknowledgement of the talent that exists among black female film producers in the country, and I am honoured to be counted among them.”
Eubulus Timothy added: “It is an honour when your home town acknowledges
your work. It means our peers support and uplift us.”
Commenting on his unexpected win, Maharaj joked: “I went there for the food.”
He said fellow cast member Rahul Brijnath, who was up for the same award, had a bigger role and there was no question in his mind that Brijnath would win.
“I went to the awards to support the cast and the movie – and then my name got called up.”
Moonsamy said that although winning awards did not validate what they did, “the appreciation is very welcome”.
He said Kisten inspired him to write the original story and they spent two years developing the script.
Kisten said she loved the direction South African cinema was taking. “We are evolving and growing, film by film.”
● For the full list of winners, visit www. kwazulunatalfilm.co.za