KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority Opens Entries For Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority is proud to announce that entries for the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards will officially open on the 8th of June.
The prestigious awards ceremony will take place in Durban on 10 October 2026, aligned to the Durban FilmMart which will take place from 10-12 October 2026. The alignment of the awards with the Durban FilmMart will further strengthen collaboration, networking and market engagement opportunities within the sector. The convergence of filmmakers, producers, investors, broadcasters, streamers and creatives during this period is anticipated to contribute towards positioning Durban and KZN as a leading centre for African film and television engagement.
Named in honour of the legendary South African actor, filmmaker and cultural pioneer Simon Mabhunu Sabela, the awards continue to honour outstanding achievement across the film and television industry while advancing KwaZulu-Natal’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s creative and production hubs.
The awards recognise filmmakers, producers, actors, technical professionals and storytellers who continue to shape the cultural and creative identity of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, said the opening of entries marks another significant moment in the continued growth and international positioning of KwaZulu-Natal’s audiovisual sector.
Gumbi said:
“The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards have become one of the most important platforms for recognising and advancing African storytelling within South Africa’s creative economy.”
“At a time when KwaZulu-Natal is strengthening its position within the global audiovisual sector and attracting growing international industry attention, these awards play an important role in showcasing the depth of talent, creativity and production excellence emerging from our province.”
“The awards are not only about recognising achievement on screen. They reflect the growth of a dynamic industry that continues to contribute towards investment, job creation, skills development, tourism promotion and the broader economic development of KwaZulu-Natal.”
“As the province continues to expand its international footprint through strategic engagements with global film markets, production partners and industry stakeholders, we remain committed to creating platforms that elevate local creatives and position KwaZulu-Natal as a globally competitive destination for film, television and commercial production.”
The province’s film and television sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, supported by increased production activity, emerging local talent, infrastructure development and strategic investment initiatives aimed at strengthening the industry value chain. KwaZulu-Natal has increasingly become home to productions that continue to receive recognition both locally and internationally, further cementing the province’s role within the African creative economy.
Beyond storytelling, the film and television sector is a powerful economic catalyst that supports jobs, investment and tourism across KwaZulu-Natal. Continued investment in film infrastructure and industry development will be essential to unlocking further growth and strengthening the province’s position as a leading production destination.
Beyond recognising excellence on screen, the awards form part of broader efforts to support sector development, market KwaZulu-Natal as a world-class production destination and create sustainable opportunities within the province’s creative economy.
The awards also continue to contribute towards positioning KwaZulu-Natal as attractive destinations for industry events, productions and cultural tourism. Through film and television, the province’s diverse landscapes, heritage sites, coastal attractions and communities continue to reach audiences across Africa and global markets, strengthening the province’s tourism and destination profile.
“Through film and television, we are not only telling authentic African stories, but also positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a destination of choice for international productions, investment and tourism. The continued growth of the sector presents significant opportunities for local businesses, hospitality establishments, service providers and communities that form part of the broader film and tourism value chain,” said Gumbi.
The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards remain central to the continued growth of the province’s audiovisual sector, serving as an important platform for recognising industry excellence while creating visibility and opportunities for both established and emerging creatives.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority encourages filmmakers, producers, actors, production companies and creatives from across the industry to prepare their submissions and participate in what promises to be another landmark celebration of African storytelling and cinematic excellence.
Entries will close at the end of July 2026. For more information or to submit an entry, visit the website here.
About KZN Tourism and Film Authority
It is a new entity merging KZN Film and Tourism KZN. Its main goals are to promote and market the tourist and audio-visual sectors, facilitate sector development, provide sustainable growth and job opportunities, and address historical infrastructural, skills, and resource inequalities.
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