kykNET Silwerskerm Festival honours three entertainment legends with lifetime awards

Three icons of South African entertainment will be recognised for their lifetime contributions to film, television and theatre at this year’s kykNET Silwerskerm Festival Awards in Cape Town.

Legendary filmmaker Koos Roets, acclaimed actor Ivan Abrahams and celebrated writer-director Willie Esterhuizen will each receive lifetime achievement honours during the 14th kykNET Silwerskerm Festival, which takes place from 19 to 22 August.

Roets will receive his award on the morning of Saturday, 22 August at The Bay Hotel, while Abrahams and Esterhuizen will be honoured during the Silwerskerm Awards for Film and Television later that evening at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Koos Roets recognised for more than six decades in film

At 83, Koos Roets has spent 64 years shaping South African cinema.

His passion for storytelling began as a child in Prieska, where he entertained other children using homemade projectors. His professional career started in 1962 as a camera assistant for Jamie Uys before he took on his breakthrough role as cinematographer on director Jans Rautenbach’s groundbreaking film Jannie Totsiens.

Roets later directed numerous productions for film and television, including PG du Plessis’ beloved television series Koöperasiestories. His career continues, with filming on his latest project, The Sky Trap, set to begin in October.

Reflecting on the honour, Roets said: “Because I have lasted 64 years in the industry? But I am very proud of and deeply grateful for the award!”

He also credited Jamie Uys with teaching him one of the industry’s most valuable lessons.

“Jamie was always my hero, not The Phantom or Tarzan.”

“It does you no good if you have made a clever, artsy thing and it lies on the shelf and no one wants to watch it! Rather win the viewer over with a bit of humour to bring your message home than with a lot of suffering! It will stay in your mind a great deal longer. PG du Plessis was a master at this. Just as you are having a good laugh, he sticks a knife in your stomach and gives it a twist!”

Ivan Abrahams honoured for a distinguished acting career

Award-winning actor Ivan Abrahams, 74, began acting in 1973 when he appeared as “the fifth tree from the left” in Adam Small’s Kanna hy kô hystoe while studying to become a teacher.

His professional acting career began in 1982 and has included acclaimed stage performances ranging from Shakespeare’s King Lear to Oscar Petersen and Heinrich Reisenhofer’s Suip!

Abrahams also played an important role in bringing theatre into education and helped pave the way for future generations of performers.

Television audiences know him from productions including Suidooster, Spinners and Kelders van geheime.

Although reluctant to describe himself as a legend, Abrahams said he deeply appreciated the recognition.

He said he was grateful for the acknowledgement of the years he had “served the industry with love and respect as a hardworking actor”.

Looking back, one moment stood above the rest.

“Every time I am called to play a role on stage or in television and film is a wonderful moment for me, but when Waldimar Pelser called me to say that kykNET and the Silwerskerm Festival wanted to honour me, I had to quickly swallow a few Calmettes to process the call.”

His advice to aspiring performers remains simple.

“Your talent must be accompanied by discipline, hard work, love, and respect for the industry, including fellow actors, directors, and everyone who is part of the production. Glitz, glamour, and fame will come looking for you.”

Willie Esterhuizen celebrated for making South Africa laugh

Few names are as closely associated with South African comedy as Willie Esterhuizen.

The 71-year-old writer, director and actor created some of the country’s most memorable television comedies, including Orkney snork nie, Vetkoekpaleis and Molly en Wors.

His work has entertained audiences for decades while highlighting the power of humour to bring people together.

Receiving the honour, Esterhuizen admitted the recognition left him feeling humbled.

“It is a great privilege that kykNET thinks I deserve to be honoured as a legend, because actually I am now more nervous about performing and writing than I was when I was younger.”

He described being cast as Faan in Faan se trein, directed by fellow recipient Koos Roets, as the defining moment of his career.

Esterhuizen also shared the best advice he ever received from writer PG du Plessis.

“When you are writing a screenplay, do not talk to everyone about it. You talk away the energy you need for writing, and then you can no longer write it.”

Festival celebrates South African storytelling

The 14th kykNET Silwerskerm Festival takes place from 19 to 22 August in Camps Bay, Cape Town.

Tickets for the festival films and the Silwerskerm Awards for Film and Television on Saturday, 22 August at 18:00 at the CTICC are available through Quicket.

The Saturday morning lifetime achievement awards ceremony begins at 10:00 in the Rotunda at The Bay Hotel.

Read Inbound SA online