2016 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards winners announced

They recognise outstanding achievers and excellence within the South African and international film industry.

This year’s awards were themed ‘Sarafina’, paying homage to the iconic South African movie that paved a new way for the South African film industry and catapulted it onto the global stage. Critically, these awards celebrated the passion of young filmmakers in this country and their courage to use this medium as an instrument to take the amazing South African story to the world. The theme was also in line with the commemoration of 40 years since the Soweto uprising, where the youth of South Africa took to the street in protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction, ushering in a new chapter in the history of South Africa and catapulting the struggle for political change to another level.

The chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission Board, Welcome Msomi said, “The KZNFC is glad to provide a platform which enables the youth of this province to showcase their talent and grow in film.”

Winners

1. Best Actress in a Microbudget Film - Mandisa Nduna “Ms Msomi”- iLungelo
2. Best Microbudget Film - iLungelo - Durban Motion Pictures
3. Best Newcomer Actress in a Microbudget Film - Nomalanga Ndaba “Noma” - Isihlangu Somntanami
4. Best Newcomer Actor in a Microbudget Film - Ntokozo Sibisi “Mnqobi” - Konke Kufeziwe
5. Best Student Film - Davids Winter- Mathew Couperthwaite and Liana Hassim
6. Best Use of KZN as a Location - Imbulu - Zulu Hut Productions
7. Best Actor in a Microbudget Film - Scelo Gasa “Phanta” – Uk’shizila
8. Best Supporting Actress in a Microbudget Film - Bongekile Mpisane “Qhamukile” - Luthando 2
9. Best Director in a Microbudget Film - Philani Sithebe - iLungelo
10. Best Documentary Full Length - Triangle of Faith - Jayan Moodley
11. IsiZulu Film - Isihlangu Somntanami - Zulu Hut Productions
12. Best Screenplay in a Microbudget Film - Philani Sithebe - iLungelo
13. Best Documentary Short - The mystical powers of water- Tekweni Productions
14. Best Actor - TV - Vusi Kunene - Isibaya 3
15. Best Actress - TV - Dawn Thandeka King - Uzalo
16. Best Supporting Actor - TV - Bheki Mkhwane - Isibaya 3
17. Best Supporting Actress - TV - Celeste Ntuli - Isibaya 3
18. KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission Special Awards - Phindile Dhludhla
19. MEC Discretionary Award - Thoko Ntshinga; Somizi Mhlongo