by  Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) alumnus and acclaimed South African filmmaker Stefan Enslin has been nominated for two South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS).

His film War Dogs and I, which tells the gripping story of Kobus Olivier who refused to leave his four dogs behind as war broke out in Ukraine, has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature, while the inspirational Against All Odds: The Alwyn Uys Story, has been nominated for Best Achievement in Cinematography – Documentary.

The SAFTAS are held annually to celebrate and honour the creativity, quality and excellence of South African film and television talent and productions, and the winners for 2023 will be announced at Sun City on 30 September.

“I am incredibly proud to be nominated; it truly is an honour,” says Stefan. “However, I don’t make films to win awards, but to touch and hopefully change the hearts and lives of others.” This is why, he says, he felt compelled to tell these specific stories.

Stefan is a passionate filmmaker and storyteller with a deep love for people, and a desire to see them live their lives to the fullest. Originally, he studied theology at the University of Free State but soon realised it wasn’t his calling.

He then migrated to architecture and eventually earned his degree in urban regional planning from the NWU. In 2011, Stefan left his career as an urban planner to pursue his dream of storytelling.

Now an acclaimed filmmaker, screenwriter, director and author, Stefan’s journey has not been without obstacles. Each challenge, however, has led to eventual success. His first novel, Verskietende Ster, was published in 2013, with the film version following in 2015. It won the Audience Favourite award at the prestigious Silwerskermfees. He published Tweede Kanse, his second novel, in 2018.

He also has an impressive list of films to his name, including Strikdas, Nul Is Nie Niks Nie, Liewe Kersfeesvader and Klein Karoo, and he was one of the writers on Getroud Met Rugby. He wrote and directed Op Soek na Reënboë, a kykNET story film, and also worked as a line producer on an Emmy-winning documentary for CNN.

Viewers will be able to watch the awards ceremony on Saturday, 30 September 2023 as a simulcast on SABC 3 (DSTV 193) and Mzansi Magic (DSTV 161) at 19:00.

Stefan Enslin