Eastern Cape film director Zuko Nodada won his first South African Film and Television Award (Safta) at the weekend.
The director from KwaBhaca, formerly Mount Frere, shared the award with co-director Rolie Nikiwe for their work on the Eastern Cape production Matatiele.
The production is a present-day love story set against the backdrop of a long-standing family feud between Xhosa and Sotho clans dating back to the 18th century.
Matatiele’s Charmaine Mtinta also won an award – best supporting actress for her role as NoRain.
Nodada is now in Durban shooting a drama series for e.tv, so Nikiwe received the award on Sunday.
Speaking with the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Nodada said it had been a long time coming.
“It feels great to be recognised. I have been around for a while now and I am honoured,” he said.
He said the timing of it was great.
“The award came at just the right time for me, while we are working on UKhaKhayi – The Kingdom, which is my first project under my own production company.”
Nodada joined the film industry in 2003 on the set of Tsha Tsha as a trainee.
The SABC1 youth drama series was directed by Nikiwe, who later became Nodada’s mentor and co- director.
He directed his first short film, The Secret, in 2007 for SABC1.
“I’ve learned a lot since then,” he said.
As production director, Nodada said his job was similar to that of a soccer manager.
“As a director you are a manager, you manage your cast and crew. You must make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Nodada said one could never say they had mastered the art of directing as there was a lot that was required.
The lifetime achievement award was given to Port Elizabeth actress Nomhle Nkonyeni, who has appeared on numerous TV productions over the years. She has been featured on Gaz’ Lam, Generations, Home Affairs, Ihawu, Mzansi, Society, Tsha Tsha and Zero Tolerance to mention a few.
The big winner of the Saftas was ZANews: Puppet Nation, which scooped six awards.
The show won best TV comedy, best make-up and hairstyling, best art and design, best costume design, best sound and the best original score.
Eastern Cape director walks away with Safta for ‘Matatiele’ series
The director from KwaBhaca, formerly Mount Frere, shared the award with co-director Rolie Nikiwe for their work on the Eastern Cape production Matatiele.
The production is a present-day love story set against the backdrop of a long-standing family feud between Xhosa and Sotho clans dating back to the 18th century.
Matatiele’s Charmaine Mtinta also won an award – best supporting actress for her role as NoRain.
Nodada is now in Durban shooting a drama series for e.tv, so Nikiwe received the award on Sunday.
Speaking with the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Nodada said it had been a long time coming.
“It feels great to be recognised. I have been around for a while now and I am honoured,” he said.
He said the timing of it was great.
“The award came at just the right time for me, while we are working on UKhaKhayi – The Kingdom, which is my first project under my own production company.”
Nodada joined the film industry in 2003 on the set of Tsha Tsha as a trainee.
The SABC1 youth drama series was directed by Nikiwe, who later became Nodada’s mentor and co- director.
He directed his first short film, The Secret, in 2007 for SABC1.
“I’ve learned a lot since then,” he said.
As production director, Nodada said his job was similar to that of a soccer manager.
“As a director you are a manager, you manage your cast and crew. You must make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Nodada said one could never say they had mastered the art of directing as there was a lot that was required.
The lifetime achievement award was given to Port Elizabeth actress Nomhle Nkonyeni, who has appeared on numerous TV productions over the years. She has been featured on Gaz’ Lam, Generations, Home Affairs, Ihawu, Mzansi, Society, Tsha Tsha and Zero Tolerance to mention a few.
The big winner of the Saftas was ZANews: Puppet Nation, which scooped six awards.
The show won best TV comedy, best make-up and hairstyling, best art and design, best costume design, best sound and the best original score.
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