2nd Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Film Awards in Durban
The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission is proud to announce the 2nd Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Awards.
The awards are an initiative of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and are implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission. The Film Commissions’ objective is to ensure the promotion of KwaZulu-Natal province as a choice location for film. It is therefore with great pleasure that we bring you the Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Awards as they celebrate and recognize outstanding achievement and excellence within the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Mr. Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela, in whose honour the Film Awards are named, was a legend in film and television. Not only was he South Africa’s first Black film director, he also had a long and successful career which saw him feature in over 34 movies, both nationally and internationally.
The theme for the awards this year will be ‘Passing the Baton and Keeping The Fire Burning’. Among those who will be honoured at the awards are actors, producers, directors and various film technicians.
The awards will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban at a gala event that will take place during the 35th Durban International Film Festival, on Saturday 19 July 2014 at 8:00pm.
The awards show is directed by the acclaimed director, Josh Lindberg, choreography will be by celebrated choreographer, Somizi Mhlongo and produced by the company Asiboni Mbala. The show will be hosted by Bonnie Henna and Nick Rabinowitz and will feature talented guest presenters such as David Kau, Gavin Hood, Jack Devnarain, Zikhona Sodlaka, Clint Brink, Marc Lottering, Lungile Radu, and Ndabe Ngwane.
The entertainment for the night will be provided by Zonke Dikana, Ringo, Danny K, Nqobeko & Ntokozo Mbatha, The Clermont Choir, Somizi Dancers as well as the Tribanghi dance group.
The awards will be awarded in three categories:
Heroes and Legends
- Mr Zamokwakhe Ngcobo who is a writer, director, producer and editor from Clermont, Durban. He is dedicated to creating a platform for the disadvantaged youth who aspire a career in the media industry.
- Prof Keyan Tomaselli is a Senior Professor and Director for The Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS), a Research Leader: Culture, Health and Communication for the School of Applied Human Science at the University of Kwazulu-Natal and is one of the leading communication theorists in the world.
- Mr Tonie Van der Merwe is a producer who is one of the most prolific filmmakers in South Africa’s history, having built a legacy of over 400 films for African audiences during the height of Apartheid. He is happiest when behind the camera.
- Ms Sandra Herrington is a producer, editor and scriptwriter. She has been involved in TV production for the past 25 years and is the Head of Tekweni TV productions.
Professionals
- Zuko Nodada’s main interests lie in directing, scriptwriting and acting. His more popular work includes Single Gals and Intersexions 2. He has also worked in over 25 film productions, and assists in training youth in the film industry
- Ryley Grunenwald is a director and cinematographer. The Dawn of a New Day being one of his most recognized work. She serves on the board of the Documentary Filmmakers Association as well as the board of the South African Screen Federation.
- Nolwazi Shange is a former DUT student and SAFTA award winner who works as an actress, casting director and production coordinator. Her projects include Otelo Burning, Intersexions 2, Nothing for Mahala and A Place Called Home.
- Vusi Mthembu is an editor who works at Impucuzeko Film Productions.
- Mayuri Naidu is an actress who is very passionate about the film industry and has worked on Muvhango, Soul City and Snake Park.
- Edmund Mhlongo is a producer, director and Development Consultant who has worked on projects such as Still My Home, and is the founder of KZN Community Film Festival – KCAP
- Thabani Mthembu, this is a filmmaker and producer of Iphupho “The Dream” and Between Friends. He is currently the CEO at Impucuzeko Film Productions
- Sharon Karoka is a Film Producer, Film Workshop facilitator and scriptwriter who’s worked on Iphupho “The Dream” and Between Friends alongside Thabani Mthembu. She is also the In-House Film Producer at Impucuzeko Film Productions
- Noxy mavundla is a producer, director and filmmaker from Richards’ Bay. Her projects include, The Zulu Maiden and currently holds the position as Manager at Zulu Coast Film Officer
- Xolani Cele is the director and editor of Cart Riders and has been honing his skills as a video editor for eTV
- Elle Matthews is a writer and producer of Oil On Water which has been nominated 10 international film festivals. She also owns of Tidalwave Productions
- Madoda Ncayiyana is an internationally known filmmaker, director and producer. He has worked on projects such as Izulu Lami “My Secret Sky” and is the Founder of Vuleka Productions
New Entrants
- Mlamuli Khoza who is a 3rd year Movie Technology student who specializes in Cinematography and Special effects at Creative Arts College and has worked on projects such as a 24 minute pilot called, Imfihlo and Izwi Lika Baba
- Lungelo Ngcobo is a script supervisor and an Acting Graduate in Drama Studies from DUT who has worked on projects such as Zabalaza, Intersexions II, Room 9 and Between Friends.
- Constance Zulu is a scriptwriter and producer who work includes Colour Me, Poverty, Inxuluma Lansondo. She is currently teaching film & television in her community
- Thamsanqa Mthiyane is the writer, producer and director of Mtanami Kwamabanga. He is The founder of African Century Television (ACE TV). He and Constance have worked together on Inxuluma Lansondo
- Siphamandla Ngcobo is a writer, producer and director of Zwelihle, which won the best short film award at Ugu Film Festival. He is the founder of Zero Three One Films.
- Ndaba Ka Ngwane is an actor who has had roles in Rhythm City, When we were Black, Kowethu and Mbalemnyama. He is also the writer, director and producer of multi-award winning Uhlanga “The Mark”.
- Lance Lutge is a former Video Technology DUT student who works as a producer, camera operator and director. He is currently a director at Rite Studios and has worked on the Emerald Cup and North East Cooking
- Dumisani Khoza is a filmmaker, producer and director who has been writing movie script from the age of 17. His works include, Imfihlo “My Secrets” and My Chance. Grant Thompson focuses on producing, editing and is a camera operator who has worked on, Tour Durban 2014, Put Foot Rally USA Promo 2013, Manline Mega Teaser 2014. He launched his own film production company Project1977 Film in 2013.
- Andile Buwa is a director, camera operator and filmmaker whose work includes, The Puzzle. Andile has 10 years’ experience in the film industry and is a founder & chairperson of the Ethekwini Film Makers Association
- Mzwandile Ndaba is a final year Video Technology student at DUT. His main interests are filmmaking, producing, and directing. His projects includes, No Where To Run.
- Philani Khowa is a director and a 3rd year student at DUT, who is passionate about film and is inspired by everyday living and people surrounding him.
The honourable MEC Mabuyakhulu will be the guest of honour at the event.
The awards were judged by an eminent judging panel and previous Simon Sabela award winners Welcome Msomi (Chairperson of KZN Film Commission), Cynthia Shange, Mbongeni Ngema, Leleti Khumalo, and Sean Daniels.