SAFTA nominees announced

Mandla Langa, overall chairperson of the SAFTA judging panel, said, “We are happy to have completed the judging process within the allocated time. Our aim is to build the South African film and television awards to a level that is on par with the best in the world. In doing so we have to bring integrity to the judging process, which lies at the core of the SAFTAs. I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the judges who gave their time to this important process, without their commitment and dedication these awards would not be what they are.”

245 entries

The SAFTA 2007 team received 245 entries for this year's awards competition. The entries' eligibility period was 16 months prior to the opening of the “call for entries”, November 2005 to 31 January 2007. Judging took place 7 June – 31 August 2007 in the categories of feature film, documentary, student and short films, as well as TV dramas, soapies, comedies, reality, game, wildlife, talk, magazine and news and actuality shows.

The judging panels this year consisted of over 60 members of industry professionals and practitioners. Sizwe Ntsaluba VSP was appointed to audit the whole judging process for the SAFTAS and it will be on board up until the evening of the awards ceremony on 27 October.

Download the list of SAFTA judges here.

Eddie Mbalo, CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and chairperson of the SAFTA committee said, “We are happy that the judging process went smoothly without any glitches. The SAFTA judging process has been an all inclusive and collaborative process and we are thankful to Mandla Langa who brought wisdom, guidance, and a sense of certainty to the process. We hope he will respond positively when we call on him in 2008.

“We would like to congratulate all nominees, and wish them good luck for the awards on 27 October 2007.”

Special awards

Life Time Achievement and Outstanding Contribution awards are special awards that are given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the growth of the industry. Life Time Achievement nominees should be individuals who have practiced in the film and television industry for a period of at least 15 years; Outstanding Contribution nominees who have made a valid contribution but have practiced in the film and television industry for less than 15 years. Nominations must be emailed to Azania Muendane at the NFVF on .

The South African Film & Television Awards is a partnership of the NFVF and the SABC

Full list of 2007 nominees: