In a statement released by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the 8th
Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) will take place on 5 and 6
April 2014 in Johannesburg.
The nominees for the awards will be announced in February 2014, but the exact date
has yet to be confirmed.
During the filtration phase of the judging process, the judges met for a briefing
session on 28 November 2013, which marked the beginning of the final judging
process to select nominees.
“The judges understand the critical nature of the process and we are committed to
do everything in our power to ensure that the integrity of the SAFTAs is not
compromised in any way,’ says Jerry Mafikeng, overall judging chairperson and
SAFTAs Lifetime Achievement award recipient.
He continues: “Our role is to ensure that the awards deliver on what they stand for,
which is to recognise and celebrate excellence in the industry. We are very honoured
to have been entrusted with this responsibility and we can assure the industry as
well as the SAFTAs committee that this is one responsibility we will carry with a lot
of diligence.’
Roberta Durrant, director and producer of the award-winning South African film,
Felix, joins Jerry Mofokeng as overall judging co-chairperson and is also a SAFTAs
Lifetime Achievement award recipient.
Zama Mkosi, NFVF CEO and SAFTAs chairperson, is satisfied with the progress of the
judging process. She comments: “I am very happy with the manner in which things
are coming together. The final judging process commences at the same time as we
announce the dates for the awards ceremonies next year and I think that is a clear
indication that the countdown has begun.
“We are calling upon the industry as well as the nation as a whole to save the dates
and look forward to another prestigious industry showpiece.’
Thanking the judges for their commitment to the SAFTAs, Mkosi concludes: “On
behalf of the SAFTAs committee, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all
the judges. We understand the sacrifice they are putting in from their busy
schedules, their contribution is highly appreciated.’
