10 years of Saftas

Melrose Arch was buzzing on 25 February as all the glamorous people of the South African film and television industry attended the second Saftas nominee announcement event at The Venue.

Prominent TV personalities present at the gala included the likes of the MiWay Insurance ambassador and comedian, Mpho Pops, and Noot Vir Noot’s Johan Stemmet, among others.

More than just a night to mingle and announce the nominees of 90 categories of awards, the CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation, Zama Mkosi, took to the stage to let all those in attendance know what 10 years of Saftas meant to them.

“We’re also going to be making sure that this 10th edition aligns the awards to the national agenda,” Mkosi said.

“We want to make sure that we celebrate the country’s milestones because the film industry does not operate in a vacuum. We are part of South Africa, a South Africa that is celebrating great milestones as a democracy.”

She added that the theme of this year’s awards ceremony was, Imagine, because in 10 years of the South African film and TV industry they had made great strides, and the entire country should be eager to imagine what will come from the industry in the future.

Tumisho Masha, an actor and businessman, took to the stage to give thanks to all the individuals in the industry who, on a daily basis, take on a number of challenges associated with the industry.

“We celebrate these awards for those times when it was winter and they had to pretend it’s summer, for the production managers who have to deal with last minute change of venue, for those who deal with diva actors [sic] and actresses,” he said.

“So basically, the Saftas are to say that as much as you’re part of the circus, here’s an award that you can take home to your mom and dad to prove to them that you actually chose a real job.”

The winners will be announced on 18 and 20 March.

Details: www.nfvf.co.za