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.
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| 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.
