AFDA alumni power-couple Corne and Rene van Rooyen’s new film, “Hans steek die Rubicon oor”, walked off the blue carpet at the 11th Silwerskermfees Awards with the Best Feature Film Award with Corne also taking the Best Feature Film Director Award.
AFDA alumnus Edward George King hit the top of the charts taking two awards in the soundtrack category; Best Short Film Original Soundtrack for the film “Volle Bors”, produced by fellow alumni Jordy Sank and Best Feature Film Original Soundtrack for the film “Old Righteous Blues”, directed by fellow alumni Muneera Sallies.
AFDA alumnus Frankie Opperman was also in on the act picking up the Best Documentary Director Award for the film “Langafstand”..
The kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival is an esteemed South African and Afrikaans film festival that has nurtured, developed, and empowered the local industry for more than a decade. It has proven to be a seminal platform for seasoned and emerging filmmakers alike. Alongside the world or South African premieres of the latest feature films, the Silwerskerm Film Festival showcases the work of young talent with a series of short films in a variety of genres. These short films are produced with the festival’s financial backing and mentorship. Besides the cinematic delights and shorts in the running for the coveted Silwerskerm Film Festival Awards, which honours outstanding performances in front and behind the scenes, the packed festival line-up includes panel discussions, workshops and industry-focused masterclasses. These classes are presented by renowned local and international experts sharing their knowledge and experience.
The first Silwerskerm Festival, hosted in the Karoo town of Prince Albert, featured only one film with the apt title, ’n Saak van geloof [A Question of Faith]. Since these humble beginnings, more than 170 short films and 50 prominent feature films have debuted at the festival. The list of success stories linked to the festival is impressive. Apart from creating new job opportunities, Silwerskerm films have garnered several international accolades, and some of the country’s most respected producers, directors and screenwriters entered the industry as winners of the short film project.
