The 8th South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF) wrapped in style last night with a glittering awards ceremony at the Gorgeous George Hotel in the Cape Town CBD. Running from 5 to 7 December, the festival was hosted simultaneously at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town – the country’s oldest independent art-repertory cinema – and The Bioscope in Johannesburg.
The closing event was attended by all nominees and a host of industry icons, including Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Siv Ngesi, Keenan Arrison, Ian Gabriel, Clive Will, Raven Swart, and Alastair Orr. International guest Antonio Nunos de Mesa also flew in from Spain to attend.
Showcasing a diverse array of indie films, the weekend celebrated the remarkable talent within the local and international industry. The awards ceremony recognized excellence across the board, presenting trophies for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay. These accolades highlighted the unique perspectives of South African filmmakers and the vital importance of storytelling in the region.
“As the festival grows, it continues to provide a vital platform for emerging talents and established filmmakers alike, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to the art of cinema,” said David Franciscus, who organized the event alongside Ryan Kruger.
The festival also featured a robust lineup of panelists, including Imran Hamdulay, Thabang Moleya, Khosie Dali, Jenna Cato Bass, and Marc Schölermann, among others. The organizers extended their gratitude to key partners, including the National Film & Video Foundation, the Writers Guild of SA, Bang Broek, Unclaimed Bar, and the venue hosts.
The Winners
Shorts
Best Student Film – Baleka
Best Animation – Nonameblade
Best Genre Short (Africa) – Hier
Best Horror (The Nicholas Vince Award) – The Pearl Comb
Best Stunt/Fight Sequence – Night Shift
Best Actress (Africa) – Anja Taljaard (Hier)
Best Actor (Africa) – Brandon Matizanadzo (Amazeze)
Best Actress (International) – Ava Lalezarzadeh (Dandelion)
Best Actor (International) – Zack Elsokari (Largo)
Best Short Director (International) – Charles Meunier (Largo)
Best Short Director (Africa) – Sean Mongie (The House That Never Sleeps)
Best Documentary – Between Us and Silence
Best Editor – Mohamed El Manasterly & Max Burgoyne-Moore (Largo)
Best Cinematography (Africa) – Rick Joaquim (Amazeze)
Best Cinematography (International) – Dave Miller (The Pearl Comb)
Best Short (Africa) – Amazeze
Best Short (International) – Dandelion
Best Music Video – Pull Up (Internet Girl)
Audience Award – Draped in Tradition
Features
Best Director – Made in Africa – Ian Gabriel (Death of a Whistleblower)
Best Director – International – Nayla Al Khaja (Three)
Best Actor – Christopher Hadebe (Thus Spake Zolani)
Best Actress – Noxolo Dlamini (Death of a Whistleblower)
Best Feature Made in Africa – Thus Spake Zolani
Best Genre Film Made in Africa – Hunting Jessica Brok
Best International Genre Film – Bark
Best Cinematography – Leon Basler (Thus Spake Zolani)
Best International Feature – Santa Zeta
Best Stunts – 3 Cold Dishes
Audience Award – Thus Spake Zolani
Screenplays (presented in association with WGSA)
Best Screenplay Made in Africa – Rombo (Cameron Scott Hadlow)
Best International Screenplay – Ice Cream for Sally (Clive Morris)
2025 SAIFF Legend Award
Hakeem Kae-Kazim