The 5th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) judging commenced on Wednesday 14 September 2010. The judging process will again be chaired by Paul Raleigh who also assumed this responsibility for last years awards.
“I feel very honoured to once again oversee the SAFTAS judging process. The 2009 judging phase took place efficiently, with all the category judges dedicating their time and working together to ensure the SAFTAS enjoy the respect they deserve,’ says Paul Raleigh, SAFTAS 2011 Chairperson.
Spearheaded by the National Film and Video Foundation, the SAFTAS annually recognise excellence in South African productions. This year the SAFTAS received 257 entries across 18 genres, a significant increase compared to last year’s 221 entries.
“The increase in the entry figures demonstrates that the film and television industries acknowledge the awards and take them seriously. We urge the youth to pay attention to this prestigious event and the film and television industries, in order to familiarize themselves with and embrace locally produced projects by South Africans,’ says Azania Muendane SAFTAS project Manager.
The judging panel comprises 85 specialists in the fields of television and film. Their main focus will be on excellence in scripts and/or content, creativity and execution. The judging panel does not include representatives from the NFVF, SABC, M-NET, e.tv and recently launched Top TV.
The 2011 SAFTAS nominees will be selected by 1 November 2010. As the entry closing date for feature films is on the 31 December 2010, the judging for this category will take place in January 2011.
The Life Time Achievement category open to the public for nominations. Nominees for this category must be individuals who have continued to surpass expectations and make outstanding contributions in the industry. Nominations for this category is still open and closes on 31 December 2010.
