The 8th South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF) that was hosted from 5 to 7 December at the Labia Theatre, the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in the country as well as the Bioscope cinema in Johannesburg, wrapped in style on Sunday night with an awards ceremony at the Gorgeous George Hotel in the Cape Town CBD.

The event, attended by all the nominees and industry icons such as Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Siv Ngesi, Keenan Arrison, Ian Gabriel, Clive Will, Raven Swart, Alastair Orr and Antonio Nunos de Mesa who flew in from Spain. The weekend-long festival celebrated the remarkable talent and creativity within the South African and international film industry.

The festival, showcasing a diverse range of indie films, highlighted the unique stories and perspectives of South African filmmakers and featured an impressive lineup of films with categories spanning various genres and styles.

The awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements across the board including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay and more. The winners were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the indie film landscape, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in South Africa.

SAIFF once again brought together filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts in an atmosphere of camaraderie and inspiration.

Says David Franciscus who organised the 8th SAIFF alongside Ryan Kruger, “As the festival grows, it continues to provide a vital platform for emerging talents and established filmmakers alike, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to the art of cinema.”

Panelists included Imran Hamdulay, Thabang Moleya, Khosie Dali, Grant Powell, De Ville van Niekerk, Christy Morcos, Rob dos Santos, Keenan Arrison, Jenna Cato Bass, Matshepo Maja, Sean Mongie, Suraya Rose Santos, Alastair Orr, Ian Gabriel, Clive Will, Antonio Nunos de Mesa, Marc Schölermann and more. 

THE 2025 WINNERS ARE:

Shorts

Best Student Film – Baleka

Best Animation – Nonameblade

Best Genre Short (Africa) – Hier

Best Horror (The Nicholas Vince Award) – The Pearl Comb

Best Stunt/Fight Sequence – Night Shift

Best Actress (Africa) – Anja Taljaard (Hier)

Best Actor (Africa)  – Brandon Matizanadzo (Amazeze)

Best Actress (International) – Ava Lalezarzadeh (Dandelion)

Best Actor (International) – Zack Elsokari (Largo)

Best Short Director (International) – Charles Meunier (Largo)

Best Short Director (Africa) – Sean Mongie (The House That Never Sleeps)

Best Documentary – Between Us and Silence

Best Editor – Mohamed El Manasterly & Max Burgoyne-Moore (Largo)

Best Cinematography (Africa) – Rick Joaquim (Amazeze)

Best Cinematography (International) – Dave Miller (The Pearl Comb)

Best Short (Africa) – Amazeze

Best Short (International) – Dandelion

Best Music Video – Pull Up (Internet Girl)

Audience Award – Draped in Tradition

Features

Best Director – Made in Africa – Ian Gabriel (Death of a Whistleblower)

Best Director – International – Nayla Al Khaja (Three)

Best Actor – Christopher Hadebe (Thus Spake Zolani)

Best Actress – Noxolo Dlamini (Death of a Whistleblower)

Best Feature Made in Africa – Thus Spake Zolani

Best Genre Film Made in Africa – Hunting Jessica Brok

Best International Genre Film – Bark

Best Cinematography – Leon Basler (Thus Spake Zolani)

Best International Feature – Santa Zeta

Best Stunts – 3 Cold Dishes

Audience Award – Thus Spake Zolani 

Screenplays (presented in association with WGSA)

Best Screenplay Made in Africa – Rombo (Cameron Scott Hadlow)

Best International Screenplay – Ice Cream for Sally (Clive Morris)

2025 SAIFF Legend Award – Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Winners received awards and sponsored prizes. For more information about the winners and highlights from the festival, please visit @saindiefilmfest. Submissions are now open for 2026 on filmfreeway.com/saindiefilmfest