The anticipation for the 17th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) has reached a fever pitch as the nominees for this year’s prestigious event have been unveiled. In a show of strength, kykNET has emerged as the frontrunner with an impressive 63 nominations, closely followed by Netflix SA with an impressive 55 nods. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) took center stage in announcing the contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling celebration of South African creativity and storytelling.
Mark your calendars for the cinematic extravaganza set to unfold in Johannesburg from September 29th to 30th at the iconic Sun City. Bearing the theme “Our Stories Flow Together,” the SAFTAs will begin with a dazzling showcase of technical prowess, streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube channel on Friday, September 29th, with a subsequent broadcast on SABC channels. The pinnacle of the event, the main awards ceremony, is scheduled to captivate audiences on Saturday, September 30th, airing live on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and SABC 3 at 19:00.
The Wife
This year, the SAFTAs welcome back familiar faces, with Word of Mouth Pictures’ Muvhango on SABC 2 and Stained Glass TV’s Durban Gen on e.tv rejoining the fray after an absence in the previous edition. However, conspicuous by their absence are Ferguson Films, leading to the absence of any nominations for their hit show, The Queen, aired on Mzansi Magic. Another noticeable gap is left by the much-loved 7de Laan from Danie Odendaal Productions, which opted not to enter the SAFTAs due to financial constraints.
The coveted Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela category has been impacted by the absence of productions such as 7de Laan, The Queen, and Stained Glass TV’s Lingashoni. This public-vote category remains incomplete, highlighting the intricate balance between recognition and participation.
All the 2023 Saftas nomineesAll the 2023 Saftas nominees
The 17th SAFTAs nominations showcase the dynamic diversity of the South African film and television landscape. MultiChoice and M-Net’s Afrikaans channels division garnered an impressive 63 nominations, making an indelible mark with productions like the comedic TV series Hotel and the ecological horror fantasy film Gaia. Netflix South Africa seized the spotlight with 55 nominations, including the film with the most nods this year, Silverton Siege, and the third season of How to Ruin Christmas.
Showmax’s Tali’s Joburg Diary continued to make waves, securing eight nominations for its third season. MultiChoice productions also reigned supreme, with The River and Legacy securing 11 and 12 nominations, respectively. Amidst the excitement, the NFVF expressed its optimism about the resilience and growth of the South African film and television industry. The surge in submissions speaks volumes about the industry’s vitality, with fresh productions earning a place among the nominees. The event is not only a celebration of creative achievement but also an opportunity for industry peers to reunite, interact, and collectively rejoice in the triumphs of their craft.