Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Film Historian wins 2017 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Lifetime Achievement Award


A night amidst the stars. The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala presented Dr Mikhail Peppas with the 2017 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Lifetime Achievement Award at The Playhouse Durban on Saturday 15 July. The spotlight shines on firsts for Africa originated by Dr Peppas: a film school called The Free Film School and a community TV station, Greater Durban Television – GDTV.

Film historian Dr Mikhail Peppas delivers his acceptance speech at The Playhouse Durban. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim 

Dr Peppas is working on a book project, ‘The History of the Moving Image in KwaZulu-Natal.’ The first volume focuses on the pioneering days of cinema in Natal and film-going as a social phenomenon. Topics covered range from filming on the Boer War battlefields to the opening of the first dedicated cinema in Africa, The Electric Theatre, in 1909.

Dr Mikhail Peppas. Photo Sanabelle Ebrahim

Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards is an initiative of the Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and is endorsed by the Sabela Family.



The Awards has since 2013 celebrated heroes, legends and veterans who have made a mark in the film and television industry. 



Simon Mabhunu Sabela was a legend in both the small and big screen. He was a revered actor, director and producer with a career spanning over four decades, resulting in over 34 movies locally and internationally.



The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards takes place during the Durban International Film Festival.

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