Katinka Heyns

Katinka Heyns (born 20 September 1947) is a South African actress, director and filmmaker in the South African film industry. She is known for including feminist perspectives in her films, as well as for commenting on South African politics and culture. Her work includes the film Paljas which was selected as the South African entry, but eventually not nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 70th Academy Awards.

Biography Katinka Heyns was born on 20 September 1947.

Film style Heyns has been influenced heavily by filmmaker Jans Rautenbach who gave her a start for her career in film. Her films attempt to portray political and cultural experiences that are specific to South Africa, while other directors of her time focused on reproducing American style films. Through her films, Heyns tries to bring lesser known issues and ideas into the global conversation, such as mental illness and female empowerment, while consistently doing so in the context of South African culture.

Filmography

Awards and nominations The film Eendag op 'n Reendag (1975) won the Rapport Oscar for Best Actress The South African Academy of Arts and Science Medal of Honour. Received the Legendary Award for Women in Film and Television at the International Crystal Awards. Honorary doctorate from the University of Pretoria, for her contributions to dramatic arts. Selected to be the South African entry for an Academy Award for the category of Best Foreign Language Film for her film Paljas (1997). Eventually it was not nominated for the award. It was the first time a South African film had been entered in such a division.