PICTURE: X/ 19TH SAFTAS
The highly anticipated 19th annual edition of South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) that was supposed to take place in October 2025, has been moved to March 2026.
According to a statement, this is due to organisational changes, and a period of renewal within the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
“After careful review and consultation, the NFVF has rescheduled the SAFTAs 19 to take place in March 2026. The decision to move the awards is the result of leadership changes within the NFVF and related unforeseen delays, which have now enabled a broader period of organisational renewal,” read the statement.
The foundation announced that they will share the specific date in December 2025, and the final judging will take place in January 2026.
This years’s theme is built around these three powerful ideas: One Story – Celebrating our shared passion for storytelling. One Industry – Uniting all creatives, producers, broadcasters, and audiences. One Future – Looking ahead with optimism and purpose.
Acting CEO, who is also the acting chairperson of SAFTAs committee, Dr Rirhandzhu Machaba said: ” The SAFTAs have always been about recognising greatness, and in 2026 we look forward to celebrating an industry that continues to rise, inspire and unite. SAFTAs 19 will mark a moment for the industry to come together, reflect on our journey, and reimagine the path ahead under the theme One Story, One Industry, One Future. It is both a celebration and a commitment: to tell our stories with pride, to stand together as one, and to work towards an even brighter future for South African Film and Television,” said Dr Rirhandzhu.
Also see: The SAFTAs came, saw and conquered and this is how it went