Anant Singh honoured at SAFTAs

The inaugural South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), which took place this past weekend, kicked off with the CEO of NFVF, Eddie Mbalo, presenting an award for Outstanding Contributor to South Africa's well-respected and internationally recognised producer, Anant Singh. Over 35 winners were conferred with a Golden Horn Award at the gala event hosted by the NFVF, the SABC and the City of Joburg.

During this ceremony, 39 awards were presented in the following categories: TV Drama, TV Soap, TV Non- Fiction, Comedy, Feature Film, Documentary, and Special Awards (Film of the decade and Outstanding Contributor).

Some of the winners include the following: Tsotsi (Best Feature Film), Isidingo (Best Soapie), City Ses'La (Best Comedy), Hard Copy (Best Drama) and The Mother's House (Best Documentary). For the full list of winners, go to www.nfvf.co.za/saftawinners-media.html.

Speaking on behalf of the Safta Executive Committee, executive producer Lebone Maema congratulated all winners and thanked broadcasters, producers and distributors for submitting entries into the first edition of the SAFTAs.

Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z. Pallo Jordan spoke highly of the local film industry's impressive progress thus far.

The objective of the SAFTAs is, among other things, to celebrate excellence with regard to talent and creativity in the South African film and television industry, encourage the development of new talent within the industry, and promote quality and excellence in South African film and television products.

Each winner of SAFTA is presented with "The Golden Horn" award. The creative concept behind the SAFTA Trophy, the "Golden Horn" is built on the strength of the collective effort and community that is inherent in the South African film and television industry of today and reflects the collective energy of the team and the recognition of the individual as part of the a collective.