By: Sethabile Bhekiswayo

Prominent people and celebrities gathered at the Durban ICC to give respect to award deserving film industry personnel on Sunday night.

This prestigious event was attended by various councillors such as eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo and KwaZulu-Natal MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, They both highlighted that the film industry is gradually growing in KZN and that people who have outdone themselves need to be celebrated.

One of KZN based soapies Uzalo had a number of their actresses and actors nominated in different categories of the night, which Khaya Dladla known as “GC” won the best supporting character and Khumbulani Sibiya won best newcomer.

Before the ceremony started, Mpumelelo Bhulose, nominee for the best actor award highlighted that being nominated in so many categories came as a surprise since Uzalo is still a new baby.

“This came as a shock to me that in a short space of time one would be given such a great platform under this great event,” Bhulose said.

And later during the ceremony Bhulose walked away with the Best Actor Award.

Under this atmosphere it would have been a mistake if legendary actors could be left out.Veteran actors such as the likes of Don Mlangeni, Ian Roberts and Thembi Mtshali-Jones were honoured with Lifetime achievements awards.

An honorary award was given to Euzhan Palcy and Trevor Jones received the KZNFC International Special Award.

People were pleased that not only well-established productions were recognised but also the people who worked with no budget to make their movies possible.

Break in Transmission won the Micro-Budget Award which goes to show that some productions companies worked a lot harder to execute their vision.

Thishiwe Ziqubu, lead actress in a 2014 South African blockbuster titled Hard to Get was overwhelmed when she was announced as the winner of the best female newcomer.

“I would like to thank my producer, Junaid Ahamed for giving me the opportunity to prove myself and for believing in me,” Ziqubu said.

The awards are believed to inspire young and upcoming performing artists.