The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority has announced nominees for the annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards.
In its 12th year, the awards celebrate outstanding talent and creativity in KwaZulu-Natal’s ever-evolving film and television industry.
Under the theme Africa’s Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages, this year’s nominees reflect the vibrant, diverse and growing creative talent emerging from the province and beyond. With more than 30 categories, the awards continue to celebrate the actors, directors, writers and behind-the-scenes professionals who shape South Africa’s cinematic identity.
Leading this year’s nominations list is the acclaimed production Umjolo Film Slate, recognised across many film performance and directing categories. It is followed by the BET Original Production A Wesley South African Christmas and close behind are audience favourites Smoke & Mirrors, and Uzalo, which all showcase KwaZulu-Natal’s storytelling talent and production quality.
We look at the trailers for:
A WESLEY SOUTH AFRICAN CHRISTMAS
In the third instalment of the movie series, the Wesleys are jet-set to South Africa in the name of family and business. Todd (played by Terayle Hill) tries to secure a major merger, which comes to a halt, leaving him stranded in Durban for Christmas. To make sure it goes smoothly, J-Flo (Jesse Suntele) convinces him to bring his family to South Africa, where chaos ensues. The film is headed by small screen legends Dorien Wilson (The Parkers, The Steve Harvey Show) and Jasmine Guy (A Different World, The Vampire Diaries).
The movie is nominated for best Pan African film and best actor and actress in film.
UMJOLO: THE GONE GIRL
Another film series taking over at the awards this year is Umjolo, which looks at a couple's relationship from different perspectives. The springboard was the Gone Girl chapter which has earned the movie four nominations under best actress in film (Sibongiseni Shezi), best supporting actor in film (Ntando Mncube) and best supporting actress (Gugu Gumede and Thobeka Shangase).
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DURBAN
It's all about bubbly and drama in the fourth season of the much-loved The Real Housewives of Durban. The reality TV series is nominated in three categories for best production, use of filming location and cinematography. The fourth season saw tensions rise as the women juggled the aftermath of body shaming in its previous season and the menacing after effects of gossip among members of the group.
ITHONGA
Season one of the drama sees seasoned star Bonko Khoza playing twins in the thrilling series. While the show is focused on the lengths the twins will go to to protect each other, award-winning actress Nelisiwe Sibiya takes centre stage with a best actress nomination for the debut season.
The Simon Sabela Awards will be taking place on July 19 in Durban, KZN.
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