THE annual Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards took place at a glittering event on Saturday, 23 July, during the Durban International Film Festival.
The awards were hosted by South African singer-songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Khaya Mthethwa.
Under the theme Glam Night at the Sabelas, the awards were streamed live on the KZN Film Commission’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The awards were attended by government representatives and personalities, industry professionals, and television and film personalities including the economic development MEC Ravi Pillay, veteran actress Dr Thembi Mtshali, award-winning Mzansi actress Leleti Khumalo and international actor Jimmy Jean-Louis.
Grabbing the Best Actor and Best Actress for TV awards respectively were Thobani Nzuza for eHostela and Baby Cele for Uzalo.
Other TV actors and actresses that won awards in other categories were Khaya Dladla, Fundiswa Zwane, Khanyisani Kheswa and Nompumelelo Vilakazi.
Richard Green walked away with the award for Best Director in Film.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Junaid Ahmed posthumously. Junaid was an international award-winning filmmaker born in Durban, KZN, in 1959.
His passion was always in the creative industry, and he had a varied and prolific career in the arts.
He produced, workshopped, acted in, and directed many theatre productions at various community venues including the Asoka Theatre, the Market Theatre and the National Arts Festival.
Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards were established in 2013 with the aim of celebrating and recognising excellence within the KZN film and television industry.
They continue to shine the spotlight on the great strides being made by the many talented television and film practitioners by celebrating their outstanding achievements across South Africa, with a special focus on KZN.
