SAFTAs18 Announces Date and Theme: Honouring Excellence in South African Film and Television with the theme Back to Basics

04/10/2024

Johannesburg, South Africa Wednesday, 2 October 2024 The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) are returning for their 18th edition, honouring the very best in South African film and television. With this year's theme, Back to Basics, Celebrating South Africa's Golden Narratives (Back to Basics), SAFTAs18 will focus on celebrating the fundamental pillars of creativity, quality and excellence that have shaped the industry since its inception.

This year South Africa is celebrating 30 years of democracy, while the SAFTAs is turning 18. This milestone marks a significant revolution in time, akin to an 18-year-old's experience of growth, maturity during this distinct period which opens doors to new opportunities. This, parallel the 30 years of democracy is a true pinch me moment!

To commemorate these momentous occasions, the theme Back to Basics: Celebrating South Africa's Golden Narratives reflects the SAFTAs commitment to the fundamental principles of storytelling and filmmaking while embracing innovation and creativity in the digital age. As we reflect on our rich heritage and cultural identity, we also look ahead to the future of South African entertainment.

The SAFTAs, established in 2005 under the guidance of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), continues to be a vital platform for promoting entrepreneurship and discovering new talent. By showcasing the achievements of both established and emerging voices in the industry, the SAFTAs strive to empower the future of South African film and television.

Black Swan Media, headed up by media maven Relebogile Mabotja and industry expert Bruce Townsend, has been appointed as the production company for SAFTAs18, selected through a competitive tender bidding process. Known for their high-quality productions and creative expertise, Black Swan Media will be bringing the SAFTAs18 vision to life, ensuring a spectacular celebration of the talent that drives South Africa's creative industries.

Black Swan Media's Executive Producer, Relebogile Mabotja, says, I have been pitching to work on the SAFTAs since 2013 before I became an Executive Producer and before joining Black Swan Media. It has been years of trying and not getting the gig. 11 years later, we finally got it! To produce for the first time this year as we celebrate 30 years of freedom and democracy and 18 years of SAFTAs is particularly special to us, on the back of winning our first SAFTA as a business last year. We are beyond excited to be working on an industry event that brings together our peers and celebrates them and all of their work under the leadership of the team at the NFVF and the great partners at the SABC and Multichoice. We look forward to producing a great project while bringing Mzansi along for the ride! The SAFTAs18 will take place over two days in two separate events:

Craft Awards: Friday, 25 October 2024, streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube channel.

Red Carpet: Saturday, 26 October 2024, simulcast at 19h30 on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and SABC 2..

Main Show Awards: Saturday, 26 October 2024, simulcast at 20h00 on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and SABC 2,

In keeping with the SAFTAs tradition, each award recipient will be honoured with the coveted Golden Horn' trophy, symbolising the collective effort and collaboration that is the cornerstone of the film and television industry. The three heads of the Golden Horn represent community, teamwork, and the recognition of individual talent within the broader industry framework.

As we go Back to Basics, SAFTAs18 aims to remind us of the importance of creativity, dedication, and unity within the industry, encouraging all stakeholders to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and storytelling. The SAFTAs Awards remain a beacon of recognition, honouring the brilliance that defines South African cinema and television.

For more information, visit the NFVF website https://www.nfvf.co.za/about-the-saftas/ or follow us on social media.

ENDS

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

NFVF Representative:

Lerato Mokopanele

Marketing and Communications Manager

National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)

leratom@nfvf.co.za

011 483 0880

Officials are also encouraged to support the SAFTAs

Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube.

Twitter: https://x.com/SAFTAs_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saftassa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saftassa/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/southafricanfilmandtelevisionawards

This press release is issued by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), celebrating South Africa's film and television industry through the SAFTAs.

LINK:	https://www.nfvf.co.za/saftas18-announces-date-and-theme-honouring-exc...
	See more stories from nfvf

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026