BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Spotify ‘Spotify Radar (Thakzin)’
Spitfire Films  | Katlego Baaitse

Awarded by Saf Sindhi

Judge’s comment: ‘This piece of film translates the artist’s music visually and beautifully. It could easily have been just another doccie-style endorsement, but instead, every frame mirrors the syncopated rhythm and experimental pulse of 3 Step Afro House. The texture, color grading, and lensing choices build a world perfectly suited to Thakzin’s story.

Nothing feels manufactured. It’s not trying to prove it’s African, or cool, or cinematic, it just is. That kind of quiet confidence is rare, especially in branded work.‘ – Saf Sindi, Founder & CCO at Bananas South Africa

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
‘Die Houtkapper’ Short Film
7 Films | Hayden Brown

Awarded by Slim

Judge’s comment: “The effect this film had on me is really hard to put into words, as it’s the culmination of so many narrative elements as a holistic craft package (but here goes…)

The craft in this short film started waaay before even rolling a camera, with the intention and effort of seeking out and finding such a uniquely authentic story. Christiaan’s story caught me completely off-guard, in the best way: within 30 seconds I was captivated – totally forgetting that I was watching the actions of a character with a disability, who has overcome a (probably horrific) experience and profound adversity. I just got swept up in the enjoyment of how this man and the film made me feel.

Christiaan’s contagious, child-like personality contrasts poignantly with the lived wisdom of his narration – all carried and guided by the delicate shifts in the soundtrack. The choice and handling of the music alone requires a masterclass. The edit and story construction reveal a simple, beautifully paced and fully satisfying experience. It would have been easy to rely on Christiaan’s detailed history to play on the heart-strings or sensationalise the film, but the understated decision to empower his resilient character creates a mood of uplifting intrigue that really lands the theme of overcoming against all odds. This speaks volumes to the depth, care and sensitivity of the director for both the story and his craft.

Most of all I love that as a short film, it just is. It doesn’t try to prove anything, make a personal statement, or be something other than a story I didn’t know I really needed to experience, until I did. Beautifully handled Hayden.” – Slim, Director at Darling Films

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Sanlam ‘Boss’
Gentlemen Films | Greg Rom

Awarded by Slim

Judge’s comment: “The casting and performances, together with the offbeat ‘little touches’ made this piece stand out: the stage setting, the oversized cup, the bosses’ snarky snort, the spokesman’s filing cabinet residence – all directorial choices that pull together with well-timed performance beats. Creating such a definitive tone for the brand immediately separates them from the rest of the expected financial services messaging out there.” – Slim, Director at Darling Films

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Gates Foundation & Goalkeepers 2025 ‘Storytellers 2-Counsellors‘ & ‘Storytellers 3-Doreen‘
Giant Films | Kyla Philander

Awarded by Slim

Judge’s comment: “These 2 pieces really stood out in their ability to incite and capture such powerful, emotionally human stories. They are testament to the director’s sensitivity and awareness to allow the cast (non-actors), the space to ‘go there’, eliciting authentic vulnerability – especially when camera, crew and gear are invading such intimate moments.

The bold choice of framing (I’m assuming conceived for the live event’s stage format), really stood out and immediately captured my interest as a visual statement, quite unexpected and unique to the campaign of individual stories.” – Slim, Director at Darling Films