The cream of the crop in home-grown TV dramas, soaps and telenovelas have got the nod for the 10th South African Film and Television Awards, writes Debashine Thangevelo
THERE was a point in time when the industry derisively referred to the Saftas as the “SABC Awards”. At the time, it was largely motivated by the fact that most of the nominations failed to reflect the diversity of content on both the free-to-air as well as pay channels.
With this in mind, it could be argued that there was some justification, with the finger pointing at the National Film and Video Foundation, who are the curators of the awards ceremony. It could also be argued that those who were vociferous with their complaints were also guilty of not submitting their work for consideration.
That said, it really then becomes something of a double-edged sword upon closer investigation. However, there is no need for festering discontent anymore.
Ten years on, more TV channels and production houses have come to the party, so to speak. And this is evident when skimming through the nominees’ list this year.
For 2016, the best of the best in TV shows are in the running in the drama and soap categories.
And e.tv, who have been throwing their weight behind fresher, more pioneering and exciting local productions, have quite a monopoly in both genres.
Hence, it comes as little surprise to find Matatiele and Umlilo going up against Mzansi Magic’s Saints and Sinners for Best TV Drama. That each of these shows are set in very distinct and compelling worlds – and helmed by country’s acting giants – makes them worthy adversaries.
Matatiele, a rural love story, is also in the running for Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Art Direction/ Production Design, Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling and two nods for Best Supporting Actress (Motshabi Tyelele and Charmaine Mtinta).
High Rollers and Rockville 3 secured places for Best Achievement in Scriptwriting as well as Best Achievement in Original Score and Best Supporting Actress (Brenda Ngxoli), respectively.
SABC3 have also invested in the casino drama series, giving it three weekly slots, while the new season of Shona and Connie Ferguson’s Rockville is in production.
Meanwhile, e.tv’s gangster romantic drama, Z’Bondiwe, makes an impression with two nods (Best Achievement in Sound and Best Achievement in Editing).
Not to be outdone, Swaartwater (Best Achievement in Sound, Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design) and Vlug Na Egipte (Best Achievement in Original Score, Best Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling and Best Achievement in Costume Design) and Vallei Van Sluiers (Best Achievement in Scriptwriting, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Sound) also made the list.
Bongi Ndaba and Portia Gumede’s Shreds and Dreams II is in the running in the Best Actress in a Lead Role (Linda Sokhulu and Gugu Masondo) and Best Supporting Actor (Wayne van Rooyen) categories.
On the soap side, Ashes to Ashes – e.tv’s telenovela that went head-to-head with SABC1’s Generations – The Legacy – is making a big noise. It is up for Best TV Soap, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Supporting Actor (Richard Lukunku and Siyabonga Shibe) and Best Supporting Actress (Maggie Benedict).
Ironically, Generations – The Legacy, which has been largely a non-contender at the awards in recent years, is back with nods for Best Achievement in Scriptwriting, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Sound, Best Achievement in Art Direction/ Production Design, Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hair Styling and Best Achievement in Costume Design.
And Skeem Saam, SABC1’s fledgling soap, has managed to squeeze itself onto the list for Best Achievement in Directing.
Aside from the perplexing inclusion of Villa Rosa, which ended in March last year, for Best Achievement in Sound – all eyes are going to be on the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor wins.
Meanwhile, Scandal’s nonexistence will definitely get a few tongues wagging.