Honoring the Masters of South African Cinema

The Directors Guild of South Africa (DGSA) Creatives Awards is a groundbreaking event that sets a new gold standard for recognizing and celebrating the brilliance, innovation, and artistic excellence within South Africa’s film and television industry. This prestigious platform honors the visionaries who shape our stories, the creatives who redefine storytelling, and the cinematic pioneers whose work stands on par with the world’s best.

This is not just an awards ceremony—this is a movement.

Official Timeline

Submissions Open – 25 March 2025

The call for entries officially opens! South Africa’s finest filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, editors, writers, and creatives are invited to submit their work across multiple categories. Every frame, every scene, and every story told is a testament to our industry’s evolution.

Final Submission Deadline – 31 July 2025

This marks the final cut-off for all entries. No extensions, no exceptions. The stage is set, and only the best will rise.

Nominee Announcement – 30 September 2025

The industry holds its breath as the official list of nominees is unveiled. This moment separates the contenders from the legends, as South Africa’s most exceptional talents take center stage on the road to greatness.

The Grand Celebration

Opening & Media Day – 28 November 2025

The journey to cinematic glory begins with an exclusive Introductory & Media Day, setting the tone for an unforgettable awards experience. This day will feature:

  • High-profile press conferences featuring industry leaders and global media
  • Exclusive filmmaker panels & discussions with the biggest names in cinema
  • Film showcase screenings of select nominee works, celebrating the art ofstorytelling
  • Networking sessions bringing together creatives, executives, and stakeholdersshaping the future of our industry

A stage will be set. The world will be watching.

The Main Awards Ceremony – 29 November 2025

The pinnacle of the DGSA Creatives Awards. An electrifying night where legends are made and history is written. Expect:

  • The ultimate red carpet experience – a dazzling showcase of South Africa’s elite talent.
  • A spectacular awards presentation – honoring excellence across multiple categories, from directing and cinematography to screenwriting and production
  • Tributes to industry icons – celebrating those whose work has shaped our cinematic legacy
  • Live performances and entertainment – fusing film, music, and artistry into an unforgettable spectacle
  • A post-awards gala – where the industry’s finest come together to celebrate, network, and pave the way for the future of South African cinema

Be Part of History

This is more than an awards show. This is a defining moment for South African cinema. The DGSA Creatives Awards will elevate our industry onto the world stage, proving that our talent, our stories, and our vision stand alongside the best in the world.

The countdown has begun. Will you be part of it?

Official Website: www.dgosa.org.za
Contact: awards@dgosa.org.za
Follow us: @DirectorsguildofSa on Instagram

South Africa. The world is watching. Let’s show them what we’re made of.

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Members of DGSA are entitled to 50% Off

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Award Categories & Eligibility Criteria

Best Feature Film

Eligibility:

  • Open to South African and international feature films (60 minutes or longer).
  • Must have premiered or been released between 2023 - 2025.
  • Directed by a DGSA member or a South African filmmaker.

Submission Fee: R750

Best Director – Short Film

Eligibility:

  • Short films under 40 minutes in duration.
  • Must have premiered or been released between 2023 - 2025.
  • Open to South African directors.

Submission Fee: R500

Best Director – Documentary

Eligibility:

  • Open to feature-length (over 60 minutes) and short-form (under 60 minutes) documentaries.
  • Must have premiered or been released between 2022 - 2025.
  • Open to South African and DGSA-affiliated filmmakers.

Submission Fee: R750 (feature), R500 (short)

Best Director – TV Series

Eligibility:

  • Open to episodic television content (fiction or non-fiction).
  • Only one episode per series can be submitted.
  • Must have aired or streamed between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R850

Best Director – Commercial & Branded Content

Eligibility:

  • Open to commercial advertising campaigns, branded content, and promotional videos.
  • Must be under 10 minutes in length.
  • Must have been released between 2024 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R700

Best Director – Music Video

Eligibility:

  • Open to officially released music videos.
  • The director must be credited on the project.
  • Must have been released between 2024 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R500

Best Director – Animation

Eligibility:

  • Open to animated short films, feature films, or series episodes.
  • Must have premiered between 2022 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R750 (feature), R500 (short/episode)

Best Director – Web Series & Digital Content

Eligibility:

  • Open to independently produced web series or digital content.
  • Must consist of at least three episodes with a minimum of 5 minutes per episode.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R650

Best First-Time Director

Eligibility:

  • Open to directors making their feature film, short film, or TV debut.
  • The project must have premiered or been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R500

Outstanding Cinematic Vision

Eligibility:

  • Awarded to a director whose work demonstrates an innovative and bold visual style.
  • Open to feature films, short films, or TV episodes.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R750

Best Editing

Eligibility:

  • Open to feature films, short films, or TV series episodes.
  • The editor must be credited on the project.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R600

Best Cinematography

Eligibility:

  • Open to feature films, short films, or TV series episodes.
  • The cinematographer must be credited on the project.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R600

Best Performance in a DGSA-Directed Project (Actor/Actress)

Eligibility:

  • Open to actors/actresses in films, TV series, or digital content directed by DGSA members.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R500

Best Screenplay

Eligibility:

  • Open to produced feature film, short film, or TV scripts.
  • The script must be credited to the writer(s).
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R600

Outstanding Emerging Filmmaker

Eligibility:

  • Open to filmmakers with no more than three directing credits.
  • The project must be an original work released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R500

Lifetime Achievement Award in Directing

Eligibility:

  • Honorary award recognizing a filmmaker’s contributions to the industry.
  • No submission required; awarded by DGSA.

Submission Fee: N/A

Excellence in Storytelling – South African Narrative

Eligibility:

  • Open to films and TV series showcasing strong South African storytelling.
  • The primary language can be any South African language, with subtitles.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R750

Best International Collaboration

Eligibility:

  • Open to projects featuring collaboration between South African and international directors.
  • Must have been released between 2023 - 2025.

Submission Fee: R850

Submission Guidelines

  • All entries must be submitted via the official DGSA Creatives Awards portal.
  • Submission Deadlines: 31 July 2025
  • Projects must be accompanied by a director’s statement, proof of release, and a high-resolution poster/still image.
  • DGSA reserves the right to verify all submitted materials.
  • Submission fees are non-refundable.

For inquiries, email: awards@dgosa.org.za

More details coming soon!

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