KZN set to host Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film Awards

The awards, an initiative of the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism which is implemented by the newly-established KZN Film Commission and named in honour of the late South African film legend and icon Simon Mabhunu Sabela, are aimed at recognising outstanding achievers and excellence within South African and international film.

The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, said the awards had been planned to coincide with the 34th Durban International Film Festival, and the Durban FilmMart.

Honouring pioneers, legends and veterans

"As we all know, Simon Mabhunu Sabela, in whose honour the film awards are named, was one of the doyens of both the big screen and television. Not only was he South Africa's first black film director, he also had a long and successful career which saw him feature in over 34 movies, both internationally and locally," said Mabuyakhulu.

Simon Mabhunu Sabela starred alongside such well-known actors as Roger Moore, Lee Marvin, Anthony Quinn, Burt Lancaster and others. He died in 1994 at the age of 63.

Mabuyakhulu said the awards would be an annual event that would attract both an international and local audience but were also aimed at unearthing new talent from the province. "This year's instalment of the awards will concentrate on honouring and celebrating pioneers, legends and veterans of South Africa's film industry. We deliberately took this position because we felt that there was embarrassing backlog in terms of recognising those who have, and continue, to work to build our country's burgeoning film industry," said Mabuyakhulu.

The 2013 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film Awards evening will be a glamorous and star-studded affair which will be attended by the who's who of the film industry. Among those who will be honoured are actors, producers, directors and various film technicians.

For more information contact, Siyabonga Maphumulo on +27 (0)82 303 4243 or e-mail az.vog.dednzk@SolumuhpaM.