Collins Khumalo, MultiChoice South Africa CEO, said: “The film industry in South Africa is one of our country’s most dynamic industries, mostly because of the passion and commitment of our filmmakers. They are the ones that bring our stories to life, and that allow each of us to reflect on the beauty of our country and its people. We are pleased to contribute to talent and industry development in this important sector.”

Through its Film Skills Development programme, DStv has added 90 filmmakers to the industry. The training programme has been running for 5 years and it offers participants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds exposure to experiential training, mentorship and real life film production. The films produced by graduates will be broadcast on the DStv platform.

As part of contributing to industry development, DStv has introduced a short film competition. The competition aims to recognise and showcase some of the country’s best short films. It is a nationwide search for the best short filmmakers South Africa has to offer, with short films defined as being between three to ten minutes in length. Over 300 entries were received.

“We’re thrilled that our first competition attracted so many entries. It is through initiatives such as this that we wish to lift the profile of our new and seasoned filmmakers in South Africa.” says Collins Khumalo, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges who are well respected and have extensive experience in the industry: Kgomotso Matsunyane an Independent Filmmaker, Helen Kuun of Indigenous Distribution, Eve Rantseli of Women of the Sun, Teboho Mahlatsti of The Bomb and Steven Markowitz Co-director of the Encounters Film Festival.

Steven Markowitz commented: “This competition represents a unique platform for filmmakers to show their talent and win great cash prizes. It will raise the profiles of the winning filmmakers significantly and give them an opportunity to get cash for their short films.”

There were six categories in the competition – Best Director, Best Editor, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Newcomer and overall winner for Best Production. Three nominees were shortlisted in each category. The winners were:
1. Sakhumzi Mati, Best Director for Ibhayibhile – The Bible ;
2. Kabelo Molefe, Best Editor for Thandeka Faku;
3. Tim Apter, Best Sound for Astray;
4. Michael Matthews, Best Cinematography for Fortabt – Loss of Love ,and
5. Christopher Bisset, Best Newcomer for A procura de Pancho (Looking for Pancho).

The overall winner for Best Production went to Vukile Ngcingwana, Sakhumzi Mati and Siyabonga Jim for their film Ibhayibhile – The Bible.

The winners’ short-films were screened at the DStv Film Celebration event, which was attended by delegates representing key stakeholders within the industry including the Department of Arts and Culture and representatives of the National Film and Video Foundation.

-END-