The fifth annual Silwerskermfees (Silver Screen Festival), presented by kykNet, the
Afrikaans-language platform in pay TV giant M-Net’s bouquet of channels, was held
from 27 to 30 August at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town.
A remarkable array of varied, high-quality content was presented during the course
of the festival, ranging from light-hearted comedy to weighty drama and
documentaries of all persuasions. The eclectic programme stood as a testament to
the cultural diversity that exists within the Afrikaans-speaking world. From the
affluent suburbs of Johannesburg to the rich wilderness of the Karoo, to the
ganglands of the Cape Flats, the selected films showcased the many facets of South
Africa’s Afrikaans community.
Among the highlights of the festival was the long awaited premiere of Abraham, the
semi-autobiographical film by veteran director Jans Rautenbach, who has not
released a film for two decades. Another major talking point was the screening of
Glory Game, the documentary about rugby star Joost van der Westhuizen’s struggle
with Motor Neuron Disease. But perhaps most exciting was the latest batch of short
films, specially commissioned by kykNet to provide opportunities for young
filmmakers.
The festival ended with an awards ceremony which saw the acclaimed romance Die
Windpomp walk away with five awards, including Best Director (Etienne Fourie),
Best Supporting Actress (Marga van Rooy), Best Original Music Score (Johnny De
Ridder), Best Screenplay (Etienne Fourie) and Best Film.
The other award winners include:
Best short film: Vuil Wasgoed
Best director on a short film: Travis Taute and Nosipho Dumisa – Nommer 37
Best actor in a short film: Stian Bam – Tippie
Best actress in a short film: Nicola Hanekom – Tippie
Best short film script: Daryne Joshua – Nommer 37
Special award – New Icon: Albert Pretorius
Best supporting actor: Marius Weyers – Pad na jou Hart
Best actor: Louw Venter – Konfetti
Best actress: Anna-Mart van der Merwe – Stuur Groete aan Mannetjies Roux
Best editing: Dwaine Faria Carrao – Pad na jou Hart
Best non-Afrikaans language film – The Forgotten Kingdom
Critics’ choice award: Hollywood in my Huis
Audience favourite: Hollywood in my Huis
Audience favourite actress: Christia Visser – Hollywood in my Huis
Audience favourite actor: Deandre Reiners – Seun
