The 13th annual SAFTA Awards took place this past weekend, and we were thrilled to see how many local film and TV productions took to the spotlight. The local awards focus on celebrating our proudly South African talent and include awards for everything from best directing and screenwriting to a lifetime contribution to the industry.
Here’s our list of the SAFTA-winning films and TV series you need to see:
TV series
- Tali’s Wedding Diary
This hilarious comedy series won a host of awards, including Best TV Comedy and Best Actress in a TV Comedy for Tali herself, played by Julia Anastasopoulos. A mockumentary series about one woman’s journey towards her big day – selfies and gym sessions, included. If you’re looking for a binge-worthy show that’ll instantly lift your spirits, this for you.
Available to stream on Showmax. - The River
Actress Sindi Dlathu is remarkable in this whirlwind drama about two families and their fight to control the mining community in Cullinan. The series took home awards for Best Telenovela as well as the coveted Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela prize.
Available to stream on Showmax.
Sindi looking fierce and fabulous on the SAFTAs red carpet on Saturday.
- Lockdown
A gripping drama set in a woman’s prison, and following the lives of several inmates and their various internal and external battles. It was the well-deserved winner of the award for Best TV Drama.
Available to stream on Showmax.
ALSO SEE the full list of Oscar-winners here: Oscars 2019: All the winners
Films
- Sew The Winter To My Skin
Amidst rave reviews from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter, this western-style drama definitely puts SA film making on the international map. Set in the 1940s and following the tale of John Kepe, a hero reminiscent of Robin Hood, the film covers everything from murder and sheep farming to legend and myth. It took home the award for Best Feature Film.
Watch the trailer here:
- Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story
The story that shook the nation back in 2007, when it was discovered that Ellen Pakkies had murdered her drug addict son, Abie. This drama covers the relationship between Ellen and Abie, shedding light and insight into a complex and poignant tale of addiction and parenthood. Celebrated local actress Jill Levenberg stars as Ellen and won the award for Best Actress in a Feature Film.
ALSO SEE more about the Oscar-winning documentary: Free Solo
Jill also looked phenomenal at the awards ceremony on Saturday.
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
