Celebrating the industry giants, Netflix in partnership with South African Film and Television Awards hosted a toast brunch for the SAFTAs nominees in style this past weekend. The 17th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs17) nominees were announced last month under the custodianship of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). Streaming platform Netflix SA has more than 50 nominations for this year’s instalment of the awards.

The star-studded affair saw renowned celebrities grace the stage, celebrating a plethora of South African film and television storytellers who have been enthralling viewers for years on and off screens. Hosted by the sensational broadcaster Azania Mosake, the event showcased a tantalising glimpse into the future of the South African creative industry. Moreover, Shekinah gave a stellar performance that had everyone dancing! 

Marang Setshwaelo says it was a massive endeavour on their part and praised her team for managing to make the event such a success. “We are always thinking of ways to go bigger. There’s always enough room for that. I knew the energy and excitement would be outstanding, but I could have never imagined it would be as amazing and passionate as it was,” says the Netflix Publicity Director of Sub-Saharan Africa Marang Setshwaelo. 

How To Ruin Christmas was nominated for 11 of 12 categories. We caught up with one of the lead actresses Thando Thabethe who was enthused about how the South African film industry is progressively recognising and celebrating the talent that we have in South Africa. “I think this truly marks a beacon of hope in the film industry and outside of it. We’re moving in the right direction and I’m very excited to see more of such events,” says the media personality Thando Thabethe. 

Also in attendance were A-listers with Netflix projects, including Kgomotso Christopher (Fatal Seduction), Connie Ferguson (Kings of Jo’burg), Rosemary Zimu (Savage Beauty), Thando Thabethe (How To Ruin Christmas), Buntu Pebetse (Miseducation). Rami Chuene, Sphesihle Ndaba, Relebogile Mabotja, Tony Kgoroge, Fana Mokoena, Ferry Jele, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Bonnie Meslane, Lorna Maseko are some of the stars that were in attendance. 

The official SAFTAs will take place on September 30 at Sun City. Catch the live broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) and SABC3 (DStv channel 193) at 7 p.m.