In the world of film, television, and performance, transformation is more than a technique — it is the heartbeat of storytelling. It is the way a character becomes real, how emotion becomes visible, and how imagination steps onto the screen with conviction. Few brands understand this art of transformation as deeply, or as consistently, as Kryolan.
For over 75 years, Kryolan has stood at the intersection of creativity and science, shaping the visual language of cinema, stage, fashion, and broadcast media across the world. In South Africa, that legacy continues with a vibrant force — one that not only supports artists but drives the evolution of the craft itself.
As the 3rd Annual National Film & TV Awards (NFTA) 2025 takes place at the State Theatre in Pretoria, Kryolan South Africa proudly joins the celebration as an official sponsor, honouring excellence where it matters most. This year, the brand sponsors two of the evening’s most prestigious categories: Best Actress in a Film and Best Actress in a TV Series — a tribute to the women whose performances shape the cultural heartbeat of the nation.
A Legacy Rooted in Precision and Imagination
Founded in Berlin in 1945 by Arnold Langer, Kryolan began as a visionary brand built for professional artists. Its mission was clear: to create products that perform flawlessly under the demands of theatre lights and camera lenses.
What started as a post-war supply of theatre makeup soon evolved into a global powerhouse, trusted in more than 100 countries — including South Africa’s thriving film and television landscape.
Kryolan’s formulations are defined by meticulous research, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. From iconic HD foundations to groundbreaking SFX tools, the brand has become synonymous with transformation at the highest level.
“Makeup isn’t merely about beauty. It’s about storytelling,” says Cuan from Kryolan South Africa. “Every brushstroke builds character, dimension, and emotion.”
Innovation Designed for Today’s High-Definition World
The rapid evolution of imaging technology — from HD to 4K, 8K and beyond — has reshaped the demands placed on makeup. Higher resolutions reveal what the human eye cannot: texture, pigment, structure, reflectiveness, even the ingredients that make up a foundation. In a world where details are magnified, the role of professional-grade makeup becomes indispensable.
Kryolan pioneered one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years: Digital Complexion, a vegan, high-performance range engineered for the unforgiving scrutiny of ultra-high-resolution cameras.
The formula, enriched with ceramic microspheres, creates a subtle blurring effect — a natural, soft-focus “Photoshop” look that enhances skin without masking reality. After years of testing with makeup artists, cinematographers, live broadcast teams, and professionals across climates and media formats, the Digital Complexion line redefined what foundation could be in the digital age.
This dedication to innovation is why Kryolan remains a trusted partner to filmmakers, makeup artists, broadcasters, fashion creatives, and performers globally.
Empowering South Africa’s Creative Ecosystem
Kryolan’s commitment extends far beyond supplying world-class products. The brand plays an active role in shaping the future of the industry through professional training and workshops, collaborations with film and TV productions, education initiatives for emerging artists, and partnerships with makeup schools and creative institutions.
“We believe creativity thrives where skill meets innovation,” says Cuan. “Supporting the artists behind the lens is just as important as celebrating the stars in front of it.”
This ethos is what makes Kryolan’s involvement in the National Film & TV Awards so meaningful.
A Sponsorship That Celebrates Excellence
At the 3rd Annual National Film & TV Awards 2025, Kryolan South Africa takes centre stage not only as a contributing partner, but as a champion of exceptional talent.
Their sponsorship of the Best Actress in a Film and Best Actress in a TV Series categories underscores the brand’s commitment to recognising the power of performance — the emotional depth, craft, and subtlety that makeup helps amplify.
From red-carpet radiance to on-set endurance, Kryolan products play a part in shaping every moment of visual storytelling. Their support of the NFTA is a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between makeup artistry and performance.
The Art of Transformation Continues
As South Africa’s film and television industry expands its global footprint, the demand for elevated artistry grows alongside it. Kryolan stands firmly at that frontier — a brand where tradition meets technology, where creativity meets science, and where every product tells a story.
On the NFTA stage, in the makeup rooms of major productions, and in the hands of artists across the country, Kryolan continues to prove one truth: In cinema, transformation is an art — and Kryolan is its enduring signature.
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