MultiChoice VUKA! Awards get a brand new take!

According to Staff Sithole, Executive Manager of the MultiChoice Africa Foundation, the challenge to entrants, both newcomer and professional, is to come up with positive messages that are in line with South Africa's first decade of democracy.

"Last year we had a record number of 216 entries. This year we would like to see even more entrants and challenge them to capture and celebrate the positive aspects of our great nation," Sithole added.

This year's Awards see the Department of Labour and the National Film and Video Foundation collaborating with MultiChoice Africa and other industry partners in the introduction of a new skills development programme. "This programme aims to give previously disadvantaged aspirant filmmakers the opportunity to hone their talents and potentially enter this challenging industry," she said.

Featuring again are the popular "Raw Talent Award" and the award for best use of humour to convey a message. Last year's Raw Talent winner, Fanney Tsimong, is about to commence his course at The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA). His winning entry about safe sex, "Everybody's Responsibility", bravely broke the taboo in some communities about speaking about sex.

Previous winner and owner of Faith Creations, Sunu Gonera, will share his directing expertise with participants at this year's workshops. Workshops are scheduled in Johannesburg, (3-4 May) Durban, (5 May) Grahamstown, (7 May) and Cape Town (10 May).

Aspirant and newcomer filmmakers can access entry forms that explain the competition at the workshops, tertiary institutions that offer film studies or from the organisers, Gecko Communications, on 021 426 0180 or .