The biggest night in South African film and television took place last night in Johannesburg and all the stars came in numbers to attend the ceremony. The awards which celebrate the best of South African film and television talent were broadcast live on SABC 2 and hosted by the gorgeous Minnie Dlamini and Katlego Maboe (who was also nominated twice in the best presenter category).
I will admit right from the start that I was actually very impressed by the live broadcast. It was beautifully produced and properly executed. The lighting was just right; even though the audience section was dimmed a bit to allow the stage to be brighter, they made sure to brighten things up whenever a winner was making their way to stage. The was never a moment when I complained that I couldn't see something or someone clearly. All proceedings on stage were also very visible and it was just such a breeze to watch the whole event. The same went for the sound. It was absolutely clear, and all speeches, presentations and performances were clearly projected. The graphics were also very beautifully designed and displayed. Even going through the nominees was a refreshing experience. Everything was clear and colorful yet professionally portrayed. Not to throw any shade, but it showed that the broadcast was a product of the motion picture industry and not music (yes, I said it!).
However, I was not a fan of the chosen sound tracks for the background sound. The music sounded like something that would play at a soldier's funeral. It was very traumatizing and depressing. I understand that they might have been looking for a modern traditional sound, but something a bit "happy" and less dull would have been nicer. The opening sequence was also very dark and gloomy. You would have thought that a documentary about apartheid wars was being introduced. The same depressing music was played in the introduction and although clips from various local productions accompanied the sequence, the color grading and temperature gave it all a rather cold feel.
The hosts did a splendid job, though it was exactly what we expected of them. They are two of the best in the industry and they once again proved why. It was great to see Katlego deliver amazingly as host then go on to win best presenter. None of us even questioned how it happened. It was well deserved. He was very vibrant and fun to watch. He brought certain charisma and charm to the show, which totally made up for all the funny that a comedian host might have had (most award ceremonies are hosted by comedians lately). I even had absolutely no idea that the young gentleman was a great singer, yet when he busted onto stage in performance with JSomething and Fifi Cooper, I was immediately a fan. We have seen hosts introduce themselves through music performance before, but it is usually the ones that cannot even hold a note and the whole thing is meant as a parody to make audiences laugh. Not with Katlego. He slayed real good on that stage last night. Minnie on the other hand was a bit subtle in her deliverance (she certainly did not sing for us). She kept things at a minimal (except her numerous wardrobe changes) and had a particular manner of professionalism. Maybe we would have loved to see her loosen up just a tiny-insy-winsy-bit. However, there were a few moments where she would casually join Katlego for the party like during their on-stage living room chill out with the stars (which I absolutely enjoyed. It reminded me of Broadway).
The awards presenters were not really anything to write home about, but they I guess they carried out their duties just right...no wait!...except for Pro Verb and his partner, Candice Abrahams. I don't know what happened there. Did Pro Verb really miss his lines or was it all a really bad joke. I wasn't too sure if I should laugh or cringe. Then there was that festival founder who was awarded a special achievement award and went on and on in his speech. I thought these kind of winners were told before hand of their awards, yet he seemed to be unprepared and free styled his speech. And why wasn't he told about the time limit? It was embarrassing to watch him end his speech halfway like that.
Paring the "In Memoriam" segment with that performance by Shekhinah might not have been the best idea. Don't get me wrong, the lady had a magnificent voice, she rendered her performance beautifully and it was the right song; but with the display on screen, herself singing on the mic and the extras sitting on stage, we weren't too sure where to look. We wanted to watch her, we wanted to see her supporting cast and we also wanted to view the memoriam on screen. Too much going on for a moment like that one.
I also didn't approve of the way Zama Mkosi and Mmabatho Ramagoshi's speeches were edited. That green screen edit just looked tacky and poorly done. Even worse when they kept zooming them in for a close up and the out for a medium shot, they looked like the were floating somehow. Mmabatho was wearing an orange ensemble that seemed to be drowning into the orange-ish back drop. Totally poor quality!
Overall, I would say that even with all the criticism facing the SAFTAS in their judging process (like how did Rhythm City win over Isibaya and Ashes To Ashes), they definitely did a great job putting together the show.
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