Ricardo “Ricwa” Klassen Nominated for Directing at SAFTAs

Ricardo “Ricwa” Klassen has earned a prestigious nomination in the ‘Best Achievement in Directing’ category at the South African Television & Film Awards (SAFTAs) for his work on the beloved SABC 1 soap opera, Skeem Saam.

This nomination highlights his impactful contributions to the local television industry, where he has made a name for himself over the past eighteen years.

Skeem Saam, a popular drama series, chronicles the lives of three boys as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and the journey to manhood, reflecting the complexities faced by today’s youth.

Ricardo’s accolades extend beyond this recent nomination; he has previously been nominated for a Royalty Soapie Award and won a Next Gen Award. With an impressive portfolio that includes directing over 180 episodes and editing more than 400, his expertise continues to grow.

In addition to his television work, Ricardo made waves with his independent film debut, Die Hustle, released in 2022, which sold over 3,500 tickets across South Africa.

He has also produced notable television commercials for major brands like MTN and Assupol.

His career trajectory is particularly inspiring, emerging from a challenging upbringing in Johannesburg. Ricardo’s early life was marked by poverty and crime, and he became involved in gang activities at the young age of thirteen, earning the nickname “Ricwa.”

However, he managed to break free from that cycle, a feat not achieved by many of his peers. Today, he is committed to using his storytelling abilities to uplift and empower his community.

“I am determined and focused on continuously building a name for myself in the directing space,”

Ricardo said, expressing excitement over his nomination while aiming for further achievements.