Heritage, creativity and excellence shine at KZN Film and TV Awards
Image: Supplied
A movie about a dad taking his family to Durban - Disaster Holiday - took centre stage when film and television industry players gathered at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Saturday, July 19, for the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela KZN Film & TV Awards hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA).
The movie scooped the prestigious Best Feature Film award, in addition to winning in all three other categories it was nominated - Best Pan African Film, Best Production Design (Kagiso Malefane) and Best Use of KwaZulu-Natal as a Film Location (Burnt Onion Productions).
This year's theme - 'Africa's Giants of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages' - captured the spirit of a night rooted in heritage, creativity and excellence, with awards being presented in 25 categories.
The red carpet, hosted by Khaya Dladla, was awash with traditional attire, bold reds and sensational gowns, with guests playing up to the theme of 'dress as a giant of African storytelling'.
There were some wise words shared by those who came to heap glory on their colleagues in the creative sector. Poet Gcinamasiko Mhlophe told reporters that African storytelling had come a long way, and was finally being recognised.
Jackie Motsepe, KZNTAFA COO, said that the calibre of entrants in this year's awards - in its 12th year - stood out. She attributed this to technological changes and the dedication of mentors who helped hone the skills of newcomers enlisted in the authority's internship programme, which takes in 30 trainees each year.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, filmmaker Angus Gibson, pictured with Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, chairperson of the KZNTAFA board, Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
'The jury members have been here for a long time, and they noticed the quality has improved,' said Motsepe.
'They are making content through their own devices, and every single day, people in KwaZulu-Natal are working on productions; so we're seeing sharpened skills, whether in acting or script writing.
'We're proud to see KZN emerging as a strong player on the African and global film map. The Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Awards continue to honour excellence while driving the industry forward.'
Beacon of possibility
The Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Awards is the province's premier film event and forms part of Film Month's three pillars that also include the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) and the Durban FilmMart. Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, KZNTAFA board chairperson, said Film Month 'gives structure to our aspirations and momentum to our progress, and is a beacon of what's possible when a province commits fully to economic growth through the creative arts and film'.
The night belonged to Rethabile Ramaphakela, who accepted the Best Feature Film award for Disaster Holiday, which she wrote and directed. She told Daily News that the family romp movie had been trending on the Netflix top 5 in December and in the top 10 in the world.
"To win Best Feature Film is insane. When you make a movie, you wonder, will people watch it - and then this happens, where a movie about KZN wins Best Feature Film in KZN. It is absolutely incredible!
'It's not just a win for us — it's a win for the entire team, for the storytellers behind the scenes, and for the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which gave us such a beautiful canvas to work on," she said.
The movie was funded by KZNTAFA, which also funded five other projects that were nominated for awards.
KZN shines
In the television category, Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo took home Best Actor for his role in 'Scandal", while Nqobile Magwaza bagged Best Actress for her performance in "Smoke and Mirrors". In film, Ntando Mncube (Themba) and Sibongiseni Shezi (Umjolo: The Gone Girl) scooped the top acting awards.
Legendary filmmaker, Angus Gibson, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the growth and depth of African storytelling; with groundbreaking work on productions such as "Yizo Yizo", "Shaka iLembe" and countless documentary features.
Accepting the award, Gibson said: "For the last 12 years, with both 'Isibaya' and 'Shaka Ilembe', we have been immersed in a Zulu world; so it is from the KZN audience that we most want approval. This award is an affirmation that makes me very happy.'
Mbuso Khoza beams as he accepts the Best Supporting Actor in Film award for his standout role in Msinga: The Calling, Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Ndebele told attendees there was more to the event than just recognising artistry, achievement and storytelling. "We are celebrating a vision for what the future of our province can look like when culture, economy and innovation intersect.
"These awards carry the name of a true pioneer, Simon Mabhunu Sabela - a man whose legacy reaches far beyond performance. He was not just an actor or a filmmaker. He was a cultural bridge; an embodiment of possibility during times when our stories were either erased or sidelined," he said.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the evening was when Mbuso Khoza, who won Best Supporting Actor in Film for his part in Msinga The Calling took to the stage to sing a soulful and moving tribute as actors who had passed away in the past year were remembered.
The audience was treated to energetic performances by amapiano outfit, Babalwa M, as well as DJ Merlon.
Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo, winner of the Best Newcomer Actor award for his role in "Uzalo", said that just being nominated was enough. "It is the first time for me on this platform and it shows that the people of South Africa appreciate the work we do," he said.
In a televised message, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi said: 'KwaZulu-Natal is a province rich in heritage and culture; from the rolling valleys to the shores of our beautiful coastline, our land is full of stories that reflect who we are. Our languages, our traditions, our history and our pride. The creative work we celebrate tonight keeps that spirit alive and thriving.
'As the KwaZulu-Natal government, we are committed to growing this sector because when we support the arts, we support jobs; we support innovation and tourism, and a deeper sense of who we are.'
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