Best in Craft awarded to Zee Ntuli from Darling Films and Sanaa Mothabisa from Sanaa Films

This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were in excellent hands, judged by two of the industry’s finest: Sbu Sitole, Chief Creative Officer at The Odd Number, and director Zwelethu Radebe from Egg Films. A massive congratulations to this month’s top crafters, directors Sanaa Mothabisa from Sanaa Films and Zee Ntuli from Darling Films, for work that the judges thought stood out. Nice one gents!

‘What are the IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards?’ Every month we team up with ad industry leaders to award the finest in South African film and production craft across these different categories: Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Animation and VFX, Online, Original Sound, Sound Design and Final Mix. It’s just another way that we make it ridiculously easy to stay up-to-date with who’s doing the best work in the country. 

     BEST IN CRAFT 

KFC ‘Rossa Festive Campaign’ (Director’s Cut)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Awarded by Sbu Sitole

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Awarded by Zwelethu Radebe

Judge’s comment: ‘Beautifully crafted commercial. Love the textures, love the performance, the cinematography. ‘ – Sbu Sitole, Chief Creative Officer at The Odd Number

Judge’s comment: ‘The KFC festive campaign weaves an engaging narrative that captivates us through the characters’ journey and intriguing encounters combined with the magical realism of the bottomless KFC, creating an enchanting film.’ – Zwelethu Radebe, Director at Egg Films

VW Golf ‘Forever Golf’
Sanaa Films | Sanaa Mothabisa

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Awarded by Zwelethu Radebe

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Awarded by Sbu Sitole

Judge’s comment: ‘It’s about time there was a tribute to the legendary Golf. This feels real, with grit and honest accounts of how loved this car is in the country. Love the textures and styling.’ – Sbu Sitole, Chief Creative Officer at The Odd Number

Judge’s comment: ‘The Forever Golf piece showcases the seamless collaboration from initial concept to the director’s vision, creating an authentic campaign that resonates across generations. Forever Golf reflects golf’s identity through various cultural backgrounds an visual styles, resulting in a genuine feel that captures the essence of SA VW Golf culture’ – Zwelethu Radebe, Director at Egg Films

      CRAFT MENTION

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Nike x Spotify ‘The Alchemist’
SHIBOBO! | Monde

Awarded by Sbu Sitole

Judge’s comment: ‘This is fresh! It’s simple! It’s a treat in how it’s been put together. Enjoyed watching it.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Momentum ‘Journeys to Success’
Triple Story Content | Thina Zibi

CRAFT MENTION (CINEMATOGRAPHY)
Momentum ‘Journeys to Success’
Triple Story Content | Adam Bentel (Entered on behalf of Adam Bentel by Triple Story Content)

Awarded by Sbu Sitole

Judge’s comment: ‘I think it’s a beautiful ad, great concept. The visuals were beautifully shot, and a VO well written.

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Flying Fish ‘Surprisingly Good’
Gentlemen Films | Jono Hall

Awarded by Zwelethu Radebe

Judge’s comment: ‘A nod to the comedic performance direction of the ensemble cast, blended with the right balance of hitting the story beats and world-building.’

IDIDTHAT GUEST JUDGES:

Sbu Sitole, Chief Creative Officer at The Odd Number
Sibusiso ‘Sbu’ Sitole is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Odd Number, a 100% Black-owned South African advertising agency founded in 2015. Under his leadership, the agency has won numerous accolades, including Independent Agency of the Year at the 2024 Loeries.

Sbu began his career after receiving a bursary from Ogilvy & Mather to study at the Red & Yellow School. He later joined FCB and rose through the ranks from art director to creative leader. At The Odd Number, he has led award-winning campaigns for major clients like Nedbank, BBC Entertainment, and Brand South Africa, earning recognition at the Loeries, Pendorings, and The One Show.

Sbu has served as chairperson of the Loeries Board (2022–2024) and was named runner-up for Agency Leader of the Year by MarkLives in 2023 for his dynamic leadership and mentorship of emerging talent. In 2025, Sbu celebrated a D&AD Pencil win for the agency, further cementing his impact on South Africa’s creative landscape. His work champions powerful storytelling and a more inclusive industry.

Zwelethu Radebe, Director at Egg Films
Zwelethu spent his youth on a BMX, with an 8mm camcorder making films. After a brief venture as Lance ‘Zulu’ Klusener, filmmaking stuck.

His work has earned a Gold Loerie, Best Foreign Film at the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts Fest, and in 2019, a Cannes Lions shortlist and a One Show Merit Award. He’s also been featured in Shots UK and named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans. Zwelethu is a partner and shareholder in Egg Films, where he is represented for commercials and films.

     ALL CRAFT ENTRIES 

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Romance
Director: Justice Mukheli

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Darling Films
Director: Zee Ntuli

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Romance
Director: Emilie Badenhorst

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Triple Story Content
Director: Thina Zibi

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: SHIBOBO!
Director: Monde

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Cake
Director: Johann ‘Vossie’ Vorster

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Spitfire Films
Director: Paul Ramaema

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Sanaa Films
Director: Sanaa Mothabisa

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Bioscope Films
Director: Lazola Gola

Craft to Judge: Direction

ENTRANT:
Company: Gentlemen Films
Director: Jono Hall

Craft to Judge: Cinematography Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Sanaa Films
Cinematographer: Josh Levi

Craft to Judge: Cinematography

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Triple Story Content on behalf of Adam Bentel
Cinematographer: Adam Bentel

Craft to Judge: Editing Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Triple Story Content on behalf of Post Modern
Editor: Wil Kalmer

Craft to Judge: Editing

ENTRANT:
Company: Mushroom Media
Editor: Jo Gibbon

Craft to Judge: Online Grade Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Spitfire Films
Grade: Jaryd

Craft to Judge: Online Grade Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered on behalf of Triple Story Content on behalf of Mushroom Media
Grade: Terry Simpson

Craft to Judge: Online VFX Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Triple Story Content on behalf of Mushroom Media
Online VFX: Sarah Kwan

Craft to Judge: Online VFX Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Spitfire Films on behalf of Fresh VFX
Online VFX: Fresh VFX

Craft to Judge: Sound – Final Mix Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Triple Story Content on behalf of Lovemore Nkuna
Sound Engineer: Lovemore Nkuna

Craft to Judge: Sound – Final Mix Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Sanaa Films on behalf of Kalu Media
Sound Engineer: Sean Jefferis

Craft to Judge: Sound – Original Music Craft

ENTRANT:
Company: Entered by Triple Story Content on behalf of Post Modern
Music Composer: Wil Kalmer