Nominees for the Sou African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) Announced

It is official, the nominees for the 09th annual South Africa Film and television Awards (SAFTA) have been announced. The long awaited moment took place at a star studded ceremony at Atlas Studios in Johannesburg. Hosted by Kaya FM presenter Kuli Roberts, the nominees' announcement was attended by industry personalities from across film and television.

The SAFTA are the premier film and television industry awards under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). The award's main objectives is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African film and television talent, and encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent in the industry.

see the Full and Detailed List of Nominees at http://www.filmcontact.com/news/south-africa/and-2015-safta-nominees-are

Overall Judging Co-Chairpersons, Ms Roberta Durrant shared the work and effort that goes into SAFTA. She stated that the 2015 SAFTA received 438 entries, a 7.3% increase from last year. These entries were judged by 195 individuals from the industry. Ms Durrant extended the gratitude of her fellow Judging Chairperson, Mr Jerry Mofokeng and herself to all the judges who sacrificed their time to the process.

NFVF CEO and SAFTA Chairperson Ms Zama Mkosi could not attend the event as she is on official duty in Brazil with a South African delegation attending the Rio Content Market. Amongst others, the trip to Rio will assist with further building relations with our BRICS counterparts as well as extend Co-production treaty conversations that are already in place with Brazil.

During the announcement it was evident that the Best Soapie Category was highly competitive with Isibaya, Isidingo, Skeem Saam and 7de Laan receiving the most nominations. This highly contested category is sure to be an area of interest to see who will be the big winner. It is worth noting that Generations did not participate in the 2014 SAFTAS partly due to the soapie being off the televisions screens for a considerable amount of time.

The Best Feature Film Category saw film festival winners and nominees such as; iNumber Number, Four Corners, Faan se Trein, Hard To Get, Leading Lady and Winnie Mandela putting up a fierce battle. The calibre of work produced by these films and the quality of talent demonstrated will make this a hot contested category and one that will be eagerly anticipated.

This year the committee included a Best Presenter Award, which saw some of Mzansi's best being nominated. The list includes Thembi Seete, Bonang Matheba, Lungile Radu, Phat Joe and Jeremy Maggs.

All entries received under Animation Category were moved to Student Category, as they were made by Students. For us this is testament that the industry is indeed growing and we are reaching greater heights, says Ms. Roberta.

In conclusion Ms. Roberta said that, This year we're entering a new milestone, where we celebrate the past achievements of both the TV and Film Industries and look to the future growth of the industry. Our industries are receiving recognition both locally and internationally, and the way we are telling our stories has transformed to a new level, giving rise to our theme for this year's SAFTAs: Coming of Age!! .

The winners will be announced on the 20th and 22nd of March at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. The SAFTA are a Clive Morris Production.

See the full list of Nominees:

http://nfvf.co.za/home/22/files/SAFTAS_Large/SAFTAS%202015%20Nominees/No...

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