South Africa’s best emerging filmmakers were this weekend honoured by the 12th Emerging Filmmakers Awards (AEFA).
Durban was ablaze with creativity and inspiration this past weekend, as South Africa's best emerging filmmakers gathered to celebrate their craft at the 12th Emerging Filmmakers Awards (AEFA). Hosted on Saturday, 14th December 2024, the prestigious ceremony drew a crowd of some of the nation’s most celebrated actors and actresses, with the charming Nonkanyiso Laconco Conco taking centre stage as the host.
Andile Buwa, the founder of the AEFA, delivered an impassioned toast, reflecting on the importance of recognising new talent in South Africa's film industry. “We are thrilled to announce this year’s winners who represent the best of emerging talent in South African filmmaking. We congratulate all the winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements,” Buwa stated.
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,” underpinned the ceremony. The focus on the African philosophy of ubuntu highlighted the importance of connection and humanity in storytelling. “We are passionate about preserving the humanity we know as ubuntu and finding ways of sensitising ourselves on this. It is finding ourselves again,” Buwa elaborated.
The evening also paid tribute to industry veterans who have paved the way for the next generation of filmmakers. Jet Novuka, representing this esteemed group, remarked, “Art is far deeper than what we see on the screens. It is important for the young talent to honour those that came before us as they paved the path for future creatives.” Alongside Novuka, others that were honoured included Mandla Ka NoZulu (Umkhokha, Cultural Specialist, Author, Playwright), Edmund Mhlongo (Award-winning Artistic Director), and Thabo Mnguni (Family Bonds, Uzalo).
Winners of this year's awards showcased exceptional talent, with Axiomatic clinching the Best Feature Award. Baby Cele was awarded Best Supporting Actor for her performance in Ukhumbuzile, while Marie Swanepoel took home Best Actress for her role in Axiomatic. Mthobisi Khanyile achieved recognition as Best Actor for his role in Amalootist. The accolade for Best Screenplay Writer went to Joe Spirit for Amathambo, and Embizeni was awarded Best Artistic Film.
Sibusiso Masinga, who received the award for Best Cinematographer, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It means a lot to receive this award; we appreciate the support of the industry at large.”
The evening concluded with special accolades for the eThekwini Municipality and Durban Film Office for their steadfast commitment to the KZN film industry. Additionally, Stained Glass Productions was recognised for producing Uzalo, hailed as the “pride of KZN” and currently the most-watched soapie in Mzansi.
Importantly, the eThekwini Filmmakers Association continues its mission to manage and nurture emerging talent, emphasizing a commitment to uplift and showcase the next generation of filmmakers in South Africa.
The Star
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