The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) has appointed Mandla Langa to chair the SAFTA 2007 judging panels.
The second edition of the SAFTA awards will be held on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October 2007 in Johannesburg.
Widely respected as a writer and poet, newspaper columnist and editor, Langa’s professional history in media spans over two decades. He is currently Chairman of MultiChoice South Africa’s black economic empowerment initiative, Phuthuma Nathi, and is the former Chairperson of Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
Commenting on his SAFTA involvement Langa said: “The Awards are not only a platform to highlight celebrated South African talent and product to national and international audiences and industries but also an opportunity to encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent and skills pool within the industry.’
NFVF CEO Eddie Mbalo commented: “We are proud to have someone of Mr Langa’s experience and integrity to preside over a team of more than 70 judges made up of industry leaders, (producers, directors, casting agents, scriptwriters, actors) journalists and representatives of industry organisations, that will select the Nominees and winners of the SAFTA 2007 Awards. He brings with him a proven track record of leadership to the SAFTAs.’
Launched last year under the auspices of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the SAFTAs aim to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of local film and television talent and productions.
The SAFTA 2007 call for entries will close on 30 April 2007. Over 80 awards will be presented for the best feature, documentary, student and short films as well as TV dramas, soapies, comedies, reality, game, wildlife, talk, magazine and news and actuality shows.
Filmmakers, producers, distributors and broadcasters can still enter their programmes for SAFTA 2007. All entries should be submitted no later than Monday 30 April 2007. Entry forms and entry rules and regulations may be obtained at the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) offices or downloaded from the NFVF website www.nfvf.co.za.
The SAFTA 2007 judging process will take place from June to August. Audiences will be able to vote for their favourite soapie via a phone-in and SMS competition and stand a chance to win tickets to the SAFTA Awards Ceremonies. The judging process will be overseen and verified by independent auditors.
The SAFTA 2007 nominees will be made public at the SAFTA 2007 Nominee Announcement Junket on Friday 28 September 2007. The winners will be presented with the Golden Horn, the official SAFTA Trophy at the red carpet gala ceremonies on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October 2007.
