The next time you see Idols and think it is a badly made show, consider this: the budget for our entire season do not even come close to what the Americans have for a single episode. That is why I think it is necessary to have our own version of the Emmy Awards, namely the South African Film And Television (Saftas) Awards. At least our talented TV people will have a little statue to look at when they can’t afford electricity in their homes anymore. The awards, now in its fifth year will take place over two events in Joburg this month on 20th (non-fiction segment) and 27th (fiction categories). You can view the full list of nominees on the National Film and Video Foundation’s website. But here is the kicker: no one is willing to broadcast the ceremony on television, so the only places you’ll get to hear about it is in newspapers and on the internet. Ironic much?

You can read every broadcaster’s paper-thin reasons for not being able to show the awards live here – most of them involves a lot of “yeahbutnobutyeahbutnobutyeah”. That is simply not good enough. Most of these channels have shows nominated for awards. And people working for them nominated for awards.

A strong backbone and a strong pimp hand is needed in our television and film industry. Just sayin’.

[Source : IOL]