SOUTH Africa’s biggest film and TV stars assembled at the Inanda Country Club in Sandton on Friday morning but they weren’t quite in their numbers.
For a famed event to announce the nominees of the 12th annual SA Film and Television Awards (Saftas), it was a bit of a disappointment to see that only a handful of the country’s A-listers pitched up.
The nominees’ dinner always draws a large number of stars, as does the awards night next month.
Numbers aside, guests were treated to a smorgasbord of delights in an appealing breakfast buffet before the official proceedings.
There were fruit kebabs, crispy croissants with scrumptious fillings aplenty, such as salty bacon with creamy scrambled eggs, juicy chicken sausages, salmon and cream cheese. Guests nibbled away while sipping flavoured tea and coffee.
The programme, hosted by TV producer and radio personality Masechaba Ndlovu, kicked off with attendees eager to hear who had been nominated.
National Film and Video Foundation chief executive Zama Mkosi seemed determined to lead from the front, both in appearance and disposition.
She wore a beautiful African print dress matching her head-wrap.
Actress Shoki Mmola also stood out in a sassy little white dress.
And then Basetsana Kumalo, as always, dazzled on the red carpet. This time she wore a soft, pink dress.
Actor Jerry Mofokeng’s appearance on the day was also appreciated.
Mkosi explained that the nomination process had been an audacious one that involved 266 judges.
“We engage with production houses that did not participate, and try to find out what their issues are,” Mkosi said.
“Are there issues or challenges that they are dealing which we can help with? I must say between Saftas 11 and now, myself and other chairpersons did quite a lot of roadshows and met with production houses,” she explained.
“Some of the personalities ultimately decided to enter, while some made the choice not to participate.”
The entry period for Saftas 12 was between August 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017, and this does not include reruns.
The content had to be screened to a paying audience for seven consecutive days.
There were 348 entries in total this year.
“It’s also important to let people know which productions qualify as there are time periods,” Mkosi added.
“Every year, we make sure that we review guidelines and categories.”
This year’s awards ceremony will be held in Sun City, in the North West. After the event, there will be a Saftas beach party, another attraction to thrill those who make the trek to the popular resort.
Mkosi said they have partnered with the North West provincial government to host the awards, as part of their efforts to develop and transform the film industry in provinces other than Gauteng.
The Saftas are held over two nights, with the first night dedicated to non-fiction categories and the second to fiction. The second night is a live broadcast on SABC2, which is repeated on Mzansi Magic at a later date.
@Lesegomakgatho