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.
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.
Award Categories & Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility:
- Open to South African and international feature films (60 minutes or longer).
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
- Directed by a DGSA member or a South African filmmaker.
Submission Fee: R750
Eligibility:
- Open to South African and international feature films (60 minutes or longer).
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
- Directed by a DGSA member or a South African filmmaker.
Submission Fee: R900
Eligibility:
- Short films under 40 minutes in duration.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
- Open to South African directors.
Submission Fee: R500
Eligibility:
- Open to feature-length (over 60 minutes) and short-form (under 60 minutes) documentaries.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
- Open to South African and DGSA-affiliated filmmakers.
Submission Fee: R750 (feature), R500 (short)
Eligibility:
- Open to episodic television content (fiction or non-fiction).
- Only one episode per series can be submitted.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R850
Eligibility:
- Open to commercial advertising campaigns, branded content, and promotional videos.
- Must be under 10 minutes in length.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R700
Eligibility:
- Open to officially released music videos.
- The director must be credited on the project.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R500
Eligibility:
- Open to animated short films, feature films, or series episodes.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R750 (feature), R500 (short/episode)
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.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R650
Eligibility:
- Open to directors making their feature film, short film, or TV debut.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R500
Eligibility:
- Awarded to a director whose work demonstrates an innovative and bold visual style.
- Open to feature films, short films, or TV episodes.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R750
Eligibility:
- Open to feature films, short films, or TV series episodes.
- The editor must be credited on the project.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R600
Eligibility:
- Open to feature films, short films, or TV series episodes.
- The cinematographer must be credited on the project.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R600
Eligibility:
- Open to actors/actresses in films, TV series, or digital content directed by DGSA members.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R500
Eligibility:
- Open to produced feature film, short film, or TV scripts.
- The script must be credited to the writer(s).
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R600
Eligibility:
- Open to filmmakers with no more than three directing credits.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R500
Eligibility:
- Honorary award recognizing a filmmaker’s contributions to the industry.
- No submission required; awarded by DGSA.
Submission Fee: N/A
Eligibility:
- Open to films and TV series showcasing strong South African storytelling.
- The primary language can be any South African language, with subtitles.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R750
Eligibility:
- Open to projects featuring collaboration between South African and international directors.
- AMENDMENT: All films and content are accepted for consideration, regardless of the year of production.
Submission Fee: R850
Submission Fee: R1000
Submission Fee: R1000
Submission Fee: R1000
Submission Fee: R1000
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!
