The awards are aimed at recognising outstanding achievement and talent in the film and television industry, with a particular focus within the KwaZulu-Natal province. The awards, named in honour of the late South African film legend and icon Mr Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela, are an initiative of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs are implemented by the KZN Film Commission will again be held during this year’s Durban International Film Festival.
The following are the nominees for the eighth Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards
Best Newcomer Actress
Rizelle Januk – Kings of Mulberry Street
Yola Plaatjie – “Dreams of Gommorah”
Nomakhwezi Becker – Emzansi in Orania
Best Newcomer Actor
Vuyo Tshambula – Saloon
Tristan Robertsons – Emzani in Orania
Aaqil Hoosen – Kings of Mulberry Street
Best Use of KZN in a Music Video (new category)
Duncan Feat. Prince Bulo – “AmaWeave”
Duncan Feat. Thee Legacy – “Sikelela”
Dj Tira Feat. Joocy - “Thank you Mr DJ”
Best Actress
Andrea Dololo – “Isidima”
Nqobile Khumalo – Uncovered
Maeshni Naicker – Kandasamys: The Wedding
Best Actor
Madhusan Singh – Kandasamys: The Wedding
Aaqil Hoosen – Kings of Mulberry Street
Robert Hobbs – Uncovered
Best Supporting Actor
Mfana Jones Hlophe – Dreams of Gomorrah
Tevin Kunene – “Thulile”
Brendan Cooper – Emzansi in Orania
Best Supporting Actress
Mariam Bassa – Kandasamys: The Wedding
Rizelle Januk – Kings of Mulberry Street
Annalisa Gxabu – Dreams of Gomorrah
Best Director
Zuko Nodada – Uncovered
Tewardkar Rajiv – Last Victims
Jayan Moodley – Kandasamys: The Wedding
Best Micro-Budget Film now known as Best Made For TV Film
Raphael Chillis Mhlongo – Anger
Siyabonga Godfrey Dlamini – Nomthawelanga
Happiness Mpase – Minenhle
Best Short Screenplay
“Isidima” – Mlingane ’Mli’ Dube
“Thulile” – Megan Van Der Merwe
“Dreams of Gommorrah” – Sithabile Mkhize
Best Feature Screenplay
Kandasamys: The Wedding – Jayan Moodley
Uncovered – Zuko Nodada
Kings of Mulberry Street – Judy Naidoo
Best Use of KZN in a Film
Kandasamys: The Wedding – Jayan Moodley
“Thulile” – Andre Cronje
Kings of Mulberry Street – Judy Naidoo
Izinyoni Zohlobo – Dr Nontethelelo Nxumalo
Best Film
Kings of Mulberry Street - Judy Naidoo
Uncovered - Thandeka Nodada
Kandasamys: The Wedding – Jayan Moodley
Best Short Film
“Isidima” – Mlingane ’Mli’ Dube
“Dreams of Gomorrah” – Sithabile Mkhize
“Saloon” – Dayakar Padayachee
Best IsiZulu Film
Igqubu Lothando – Sanele Maziya
Izinyoni Zohlobo – Dr Nontethelelo Nxumalo
Nomthawelanga – Msizi Khuzwayo
Best Documentary
Beyond the Headlines – Pragna Parsotam-Kok
Buddha in Africa – Nicole Schafer
Phefumula – Pragna Parsotam-Kok
Best Environmental Film
Phefumula – Pragna Parsotam-Kok
Part of the Pack – Emily Cross
Beyond the Headlines – Pragna Parsotam-Kok
Best Student Film
Emzansi in Orania – Sibongiseni Pearl Peter
Little Bump in the Road – Thabani Dhlomo
Thulile – Andre Cronje
