The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority took center stage at the Joburg International Film Festival in Gauteng, promoting the province as a prime location for filmmakers.
The festival brought together industry professionals from across the globe, fostering collaboration and innovation in storytelling. Jackie Motsepe, Chief Operations Officer of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, described the experience as electrifying, noting the enthusiasm among participants eager to learn and connect.
The festival featured a diverse lineup, with contributions from Nollywood, Hollywood, and Canada, alongside a strong South African presence. Discussions included representatives from major international festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival and Hollywood Shorts Film Festival, creating a platform for global engagement while spotlighting local narratives.
As part of the festival’s initiatives, the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards, now in their 12th year, opened its call for entries. The awards continue to recognize excellence in South African filmmaking, with last year’s submissions surging from just over 100 to more than 300. The rigorous three-month judging process ensures fairness, with each entry evaluated by multiple expert panels before finalists are announced.
The awards ceremony is set for July, coinciding with the Durban International Film Festival to maximize exposure for South African filmmakers. The 2025 edition embraces the theme, ‘Africa’s Champions of Storytelling – From Piers to Pages,’ celebrating the continent’s rich storytelling tradition and fostering unity in African cinema.
A key feature of the awards is the pan-African category, allowing filmmakers from across the continent to compete and gain international recognition. Emerging talent is also given a platform, with the Best Newcomer category serving as a launching pad for young filmmakers to establish their careers.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority remains committed to nurturing both industry veterans and fresh talent, reinforcing the province’s reputation as a filmmaking hub. To be eligible for the awards, entrants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, and productions must feature key creative team members from KwaZulu-Natal. Co-productions are accepted if certified by South Africa’s Competent Certification Authority.
Submissions are open for feature films, short films, student films, soapies, telenovelas, series, miniseries, and documentaries. Eligible productions must have been publicly broadcast, distributed, or screened between March 29, 2024, and March 27, 2025. The submission deadline is March 28, 2025, with online entries closing at 23:59 and physical submissions accepted until 16:30.
