SAFTAs Shifted to March 2026 With Exciting New Theme

The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) are moving — again. Instead of happening in October 2025, the big night has now been pushed to March 2026, and according to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the delay is actually part of a bigger plan to refresh and realign the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SAFTAs (@saftassa)

The NFVF explained that changes inside the organisation, including new leadership, meant things slowed down a little. But rather than rush, they decided to take their time and use the opportunity to rebuild. “The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) will now take place in March 2026, following a rescheduling from October this year due to organisational changes and a period of renewal within the NFVF,” the statement said.

There’s also another reason for the new date: March is when most of the big international award shows happen. By moving the SAFTAs back to that slot, South African talent can be celebrated at the same time as major global names. It also brings the ceremony back to its traditional calendar position — before the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAFTAs were always in March.

The change in date also means the eligibility rules are shifting. Usually, only projects from the previous year get nominated. But since this ceremony is now in 2026, the awards will look at a longer time frame: any films, series, or shows that aired, streamed, or screened between January 2024 and June 2025 will be considered. This is a once-off change. By SAFTAs20 in 2027, the eligibility period will go back to a normal 12-month cycle.

But it’s not just the timing that’s changing — the theme for SAFTAs19 is getting a fresh makeover: “One Story. One Industry. One Future – Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together.”

Here’s what it means:

·       One Story: Every South African has a story to tell, whether it’s through film, drama, comedy, or documentaries. This theme celebrates the richness of those stories that go beyond languages and borders.

·       One Industry: It’s about unity. The SAFTAs want to bring everyone together — actors, directors, producers, broadcasters, and the audiences who cheer them on.

·       One Future: This part is all about hope and growth. The SAFTAs want to show that the local film and TV industry is ready to keep rising and to shine brighter on the world stage.

So yes, the SAFTAs are arriving later than expected — but when they do, they’ll be bigger, more inclusive, and more focused than ever. March 2026 is shaping up to be a true celebration of South Africa’s storytelling magic.