Veteran stage and film personality John Kani was honoured at the inaugural South African international Film Awards (SAIFA) hosted at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City recently.
Kani was a Lifetime Achievement Awardee alongside veterans Leon Schuster and Katinka Heyns.
The internationally-renowned legend made a moving address about not perpetrating violence against women as he accepted the award, acknowledging that it was special because it was being made by his fellow citizens.
The brainchild of entrepreneur Arjun Malik, this first SAIFA was put together in just six weeks as a launch vehicle for next year’s event, which will be a public process of nomination in various categories.
The awardees this year were decided by a group of advisors connected to the entertainment industry because of the time constraint in presenting the event.
“The response to our concept has been amazing, and offers of assistance have been pouring in from many experts in diverse areas of the film industry, which we will definitely consider,” Malik said.
“This is very encouraging, because we want SAIFA to become an event where we recognise creativity and talent across all sectors of the South African, African and international film industry,” he said.
Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry was the African country awarded this year.
Other awardees included: BEST ACTRESS - Khanyi Mbau, Red Room; BEST ACTOR - Presley Chweneyagae, Tsotsi; and BEST BIOPIC FILM - Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
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