Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards

The recent conclusion of the Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards judges’ briefing by Overall Judging Chairperson Dr. Janet van Eden, signaled the commencement of the Filtration judging process set to conclude on the 29th of  August 2021.

Established in 2013, with the aim of celebrating and recognising excellence within the KwaZulu-Natal film and television industry, the Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards continues shining the spotlight on the great strides being made by the many talented television and film practitioners by celebrating their outstanding achievements across South Africa, with a special focus on KwaZulu-Natal.

Among those honoured through these awards, are actors, scriptwriters, directors, producers and various film and television technicians and crew members. The Awards are hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, with the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.

The inaugural Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television awards ceremony took place in July 2013. This year (2021), marks the 9th year of honouring South Africa’s premium talent that includes legends and  those that continue to play a crucial role behind the scenes.

With the country and the industry battling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Janet van Eden says an understanding of the filtration judging process is crucial. “It is critical that we ensure that everyone who is on the panel understands how the process works and what to look for when going through submitted projects. The Filtration process is key to us as it begins a process that will ultimately celebrate excellence in both television and film industries. We are looking for three of the best projects in each category,” remarks Dr. Janet van Eden, the Awards’ Overall Chairperson.

This year the Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards received 174 entries, 38 of which were television and 136 films.  “We continue to be amazed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the industry to the prestigious Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards and look forward to hosting them on the 23rd of October 2021 in a virtual event that will adhere to the Covid-19 regulations in order to ensure the safety of our filmmakers and talent,” adds Carol Coetzee, KZNFC CEO.

Ms. Coetzee adds that during the filtration process, the judges look and search for projects that qualify based on the criteria highlighted on the entry guidelines and during the call for entries.

The final judging session has been scheduled to commence on the 31st of August 2021. All the sessions will culminate in a nominees’ announcement event due to take place virtually on the 22nd of September 2021.

The Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards recognises and celebrates the life of the big screen and television legend, Mr. Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela, whom the awards were named after. As a revered actor and director in the early days of the local film and television industry, Sabela became South Africa’s first Black Director with a successful career which saw him feature in over 34 movies both locally and internationally.

About the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission

The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission is a provincial state entity, under the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal South Africa established in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Commission Act, 2010 (Act No 3 of 2010). Its mandate is to facilitate support throughout the value chain to the local and international film industry through creating opportunities and also growing the KwaZulu-Natal film industry.