The eThekwini Filmmakers Association is proud to announce the winners of its annual African Emerging Filmmakers Awards (AEFA). The awards were held in Durban on Saturday the 14^th of December, 2024.

Hosted by celebrated television host Nonkanyiso Laconco Congo and Sibusiso Shozi, the awards lived up to expectations, inspiring emerging filmmakers to tell their own stories. 

The awards recognise and celebrate emerging talent in the South African film industry. “We are thrilled to announce this year’s winners who represent the best of emerging talent in South African filmmaking. We congratulate all the winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements, said Mr. Andile Buwa, AEFA Founder.

The  theme for this year is “We are kings and queens - Reviving the spirit of ubuntu and making people aware of who and what they are as Abantu. We are passionate about preserving the humanity we know as ubuntu and find ways of sensitizing ourselves on this. It is finding ourselves again.”

The ceremony further honoured industry veterans who have played a critical role in the industry. These included: Jet Novuka who on behalf of the veterans said, “art is far deeper than what we see on the screens. It is important for the young talent to honour those that came before us as they paved the path for future creatives.” Other veterans honoured were, Mandla Ka NoZulu (Umkhokha, Cultural Specialist, Author, Play-Write), Edmund Mhlongo (Award-winning artistic Director) and Thabo Mnguni (Family Bonds, Uzalo)

The winners for the 2024 AEFA are:

·      Best Feature Film:

o   Axiomatic

·      Best Supporting Actress

o   Baby Cele - Ukhumbuzile

·      Best Supporting Actor

o   Jimmy Magubane-Amalootist

·      Best Actress

o   Marie Swanepoel – Axiomatic

·      Best Actor

o   Mthobisi Khanyile- Amalootist

·      Best Screenplay/Writer

o   Joe Spirit – Amathambo

·      Best Authentic/Artistic Film

o   Embizeni

·      Best Costume and Makeup

o   My Fathers Shadow

·      Best African Costume

o   Zokhal'lezonkomo

·      Best Film in Vernacular

o   Ingodizo Yami

·      Best Sound

o   Lindani Mjadu – Amathambo

·      Best Origional Music

o   Butterfly

·      Best Cinematographer

o   Sibusiso Masinga – Amathambo

·      Best Editor

o   Wounded

·      Best Director

o   Lungelo Ngcobo- Cash in transit

·      Best Short Film

o   Abalele

·      Best Student Film

o   My Winter Tears

·      Best Documentary

o   `Igida ngoma

Accepting his award for Best Cinematographer, Sibusiso Masinga showed gratitude by saying “it means a lot to receive this award, we appreciate the support of the industry at large.”

The awards concluded with a special recognition of the eThekwini Municipality and Durban Film Office for their contribution towards the KZN Film industry, and Stained Glass Productions for its production of Uzalo, which is the “pride of KZN” and the most watched soapie in Mzansi.

The eThekwini Filmmakers Association is an organisation that manages emerging talent, the organisation is deliberate about targeting the emerging talent.

The awards were made possible through the support of The Ethekwini Filmmakers Association and the KwaZulu Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Durban Film Office (DFO) and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

Issued by Sebabatso Media on behalf of The Ethekwini Filmmakers Association.