28 October, Durban, South Africa – On 26 October, Durban’s Cinecentre at Suncoast played host to a monumental event in the filmmaking calendar as the Durban Chapter of the 48 Hour Film Project crowned its emerging film stars. The awards ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including industry icons such as Sandile Dlamini (known for his role as Phakade in Imbewu) and Edmund Mhlongo, the legendary director and founder of KwaMashu K-CAP Theatre Company.
The evening opened with a powerful performance by K-CAP dancers, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Former Mr. South Africa, Shaun Starter, guided the evening’s program, and Siphiwe Ngcobo, SABC’s Head of Regions, Strategy, and Governance, delivered a heartfelt message on the power of storytelling, urging filmmakers to stay committed to their craft. Fezile Pheko, Project Manager for the Film Office, pledged continued support for the 48 Hour Film Project, while Nerusha Maharaj-Sadapal, City Producer for the Durban Chapter, noted Durban’s impressive growth within the project: “Durban has become one of the largest 48 Hour Film Project chapters among 126 global cities. You are all winners, bringing incredible stories to life in your spaces.”
With a vibrant crowd of parents, young filmmakers, and guests from South Africa and Lesotho, the event celebrated 30 winners across local categories, each film bringing unique themes and voices to the forefront. The ceremony was live-streamed, expanding its reach to an international audience.
Highlights from the Award Winners:
• Best Mobile Film: Authentic by Ark Films, exploring depression and LGBTQ+ themes.
• Best School Team: I Gave You Life, produced by a Grade 8 team, tackling peer pressure and mental health.
• Unseen and Unheard: A captivating sign language film that deeply resonated with audiences.
• Overall Best Film: Burgundy by T.N.W. Entertainment, a Gauteng-based team. Burgundy will represent Durban internationally at the Filmapalooza Film Festival in March 2025.
About Burgundy and T.N.W. Entertainment
T.N.W. Entertainment is an independent filmmaking team dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. Their award-winning film Burgundy, inspired by action classics like Mr. & Mrs. Smith, follows an assassin couple as they uncover a human trafficking operation masquerading as a lodge. Their victory in Durban has motivated the team to further bring South African narratives to a global audience.
View Event Photos and Winner Images:
• Award Ceremony Images: https://we.tl/t-Arz7pvsX0C
• Best Film Winners: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XJFG2XaPMmCxBV6gWFjTyKPp79ZKNZEw
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Prince Gumede
Phone: +27 67 186 3060
Email: officialb4g@gmail.com
