Countdown begins for the 10th SAFTAs

Published Feb 12, 2016

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Johannesburg - The countdown to the announcement of the nominees for the 10th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) has begun.

The adjudication process officially closed yesterday, on Wednesday 10 February 2016, following a gruelling three months of sifting through 468 entries by the judging panel.

Judging was held in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with 2016 Jury Chairpersons Zanele Mthembu, Jerry Mofokeng and Robbie Thorpe overseeing the process and guiding the panel of judges.

This year saw a 60% increase in entries, a positive indication that the industry is not only growing in size but also how craft and finesse are now as critical as the delivery of world-class film and television productions.

Post the adjudication completion, Zanele Mthembu said, “Each year, the standard of work submitted for consideration makes me proud to be a filmmaker. We are seeing such varied narratives and superior delivery of the South African story. We are definitely developing a noteworthy industry.”

Nominees will be announced at the SAFTAs 2016 Nominee Announcement on Thursday, 18 February 2016; with the award ceremonies taking place on Friday, 18 March and Sunday, 20 March 2016.

“We are very pleased with the response we have been receiving over the years. More so this year considering that it marks the 10th anniversary of the SAFTAs and we are celebrating a decade of excellence and growth within the industry under the theme ‘Imagine!’” states NFVF CEO, Zama Mkosi.

“2015 was a glorious year for the industry, with stories and characters that will live forever. The theme celebrates the achievements of the past and gives a nod to the vast possibilities that lay ahead. As the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) our commitment to the growth and development of the industry is encouraged by the quality of work that is constantly produced. We are certain that in 2016 the industry will continue to have a positive impact on creativity and the economy of the television and film industry.”

A call has been made to the industry to nominate the 10th South African Film and Television Awards Lifetime Achievers.

The SAFTAs Committee presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to individuals who have been instrumental in giving insight into different areas of the South African film and television sectors. These are people whose life experiences have in various ways shaped what ordinary South Africans have come to know as excellent acting, filmmaking, producing, directing and entrepreneurship.

Submissions should include a profile of the person being nominated as well as their CV. All submissions are to be sent to the NFVF by 16h00 on Wednesday, 17 February 2016 and must be addressed to [email protected].

The SAFTAs, managed under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, are an industry initiative governed by the SAFTAs committee and the body of industry representatives comprising of the broadcasters, SASFED, and other key stakeholders.

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