The MultiChoice VUKA! Awards 2003: What matters most to South African filmmakers?

A number of professional production houses used this opportunity of making a Public Service Announcement (PSA) commercial for a charity or good cause to mentor newcomers.

Among professionals, the natural environment was the most popular topic, with 10 of the entries dealing with sustainable development, conservation and the international trade in animals. The welfare of children and infants was the second-most popular topic, with HIV/Aids awareness, social development issues and woman abuse third. Drug abuse, poverty alleviation, cancer, smoking and depression were other causes highlighted by professionals.

Among students and newcomers, the welfare of children and infants was the most popular topic, with 19 PSAs focusing on welfare societies, call centres for abused children and sanctuaries for abused or HIV-positive children.

Disability, mental health and other health issues are clearly important to students, too (16 PSAs), as is raising awareness about cruelty toward animals (13 PSAs), poverty and housing (10 PSAs), violence (8 PSAs) and family life issues (8 PSAs).

The finalists will be posted on the MultiChoice VUKA! Awards website on Monday 27 October and the winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 27 November. For further information, please visit http://vuka.multichoice.co.za.