With the excitement surrounding the upcoming 12th annual African Emerging Filmmakers Awards (AEFA), celebrated South African actress Baby Cele has expressed her delight at receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The ceremony, organised by the Ethekwini Filmmakers Association, is set to take place on Saturday, December 14, as the industry gears up to recognise and celebrate the emerging talents of South African cinema.
Baby Cele has garnered a nod for her compelling performance in the feature film, Ukhumbuzile, joining a prestigious list of nominees that includes Nompilo Maphumulo, recognised for her role in Amathambo, Samkelisiwe Nzimande for Thulebona, and Cabangile Gumede, nominated for her work in Cash in Transit.
The AEFA is more than just a celebration of talent; it reflects the growing landscape of South African storytelling. Each year, the event seeks to inspire emerging filmmakers to explore and share their unique narratives, thereby connecting the film and television industry within Ethekwini. This year, the awards committee is proud to showcase a diverse range of films and filmmakers, highlighting the richness of South African culture.
Andile Buwa, the founder of the AEFA, shared his enthusiasm for this year’s nominees, stating, “We are thrilled to announce this year's nominees who represent the best of emerging talent in South African filmmaking.” He added that the awards have seen substantial improvements in submission quality since its inception 12 years ago, with this year's event receiving nearly a thousand entries across all nine provinces.
Reflecting on the impact of the AEFA, Buwa noted, “In the history of the awards, we have witnessed a transformation in the quality of submissions, which speaks volumes about the progress of our industry. We look forward to celebrating their achievements on the 14th of December when the winners are announced.”
This year's theme, “We are kings and queens - Reviving the spirit of ubuntu and making people aware of who and what they are as Abantu,” underscores the commitment to preserving cultural identity and humanity. The AEFA aims not only to celebrate achievements in filmmaking but also to create awareness of the significance of ubuntu in shaping community and storytelling.
The nominated films will also be featured during the Mzansi Reel Film Festival, another initiative by the Ethekwini Filmmakers Association, which serves as a platform to expose and nurture new talent in the film and television industry. As the awards night approaches, anticipation grows for the recognition of South Africa's vibrant voices in film, paving the way for future storytellers in the industry.
Saturday Star
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za