As the fifth edition of the Joburg Film Festival, presented by Multichoice, nears its close, the official awards ceremony was held last night at The Theatre on The Square in Sandton, Johannesburg. The international jury named the Egyptian feature film “Feathers,” directed by Omar El Zohairy, as ‘Best Film’ of the festival. This absurdist tale about a patriarch transformed into a chicken has a lot to say about Egyptian culture and the role of women.
The evocative black and white Ethiopian documentary 'Faya Dayi', directed, written, starring and produced by Jessica Beshir took home the ‘Best African Film’ award. The film is a spiritual journey into the highlands of Harar that is immersed in the rituals of khat
Chris Jaftja & Co Founder & CEO Ngwatho- Nkosi Group, founders of NewsRoom Afrika, Thabile Ngwato Dance Duo Lulu Mlangeni & Khaya Ndlovu Lebo Mashile Tim Mangwedi JFF
'Best Documentary' was awarded to the explosive film “Nous, étudiants (We, Students”) from the Central African Republic from debut director Rafiki Fariala. In it, the filmmaker turns the camera on himself and his friends, capturing their everyday life as students of Bangui University. At once clear-eyed and poetic, they share their thoughts about their future in the Central African Republic.
This year’s prestigious jury comprised an international range of esteemed and respected filmmakers and industry experts including South Africa’s multi-award winning producer Carolyn Carew, Berlin based Lesotho film maker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, published author, columnist and poet Njoko Muhoho, Sundance alumni and filmmaker Mohamed Siam, and French / Egyptian director and producer Jihan El-Tahri.
Buhlebendalo Emerging Storyteller Award Siphosethu Tshapu JFF CEO Tim Mangwedi & Collen Dlamini Multichoice Thami Dish Brand SA Ambassador & Thoko Madise GM Communications Brand SA
"The jury process for JFF 2023 was an amazing meeting of minds of a highly experienced and diverse African team of filmmakers. During the deliberations, the diversity of knowledge and skills in storytelling came into play. The respect for fellow filmmakers’ craft was evidenced in the discipline and attention in which we screened and watched the films. The hours were long but as intense and pleasurable. The result was unanimous agreement on the three category winners of the JFF 2023. Given the opportunity, I and fellow jurors would do this again” commented juror Njoki Muhoho.
As part of the Awards Night, event partner the Multichoice Group also awarded a number of filmmakers for their excellence. The awards presented are as follows:
- The Emerging Storyteller Award: Siphosethu Tshapu, (Milton Empire
- The Global Storyteller Award: Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon (Tshedza Pictures)
- The Fearless Storyteller Award: Chris Q Radebe, (Match Pictures)
- The Anasi Award – Connie Chiume
- Rising African Star Award – Star Kganki Mphahlele (Pula Bakgaga Media)
Anansi Award Winner Connie Chiume |
Fearless Storyteller Award Chris Q. Radebe |
Global storyteller award Phathutshedzo Makwarela & Gwydion Beynon |
Rising African Star Award Star Kganki Mphahlele & Collen Dlamini Multichoice |
"Our partnership with The Joburg Film Festival is one that speaks to our ethos of being Africa’s most loved storyteller” affirmed Multichoice Group Executive Corporate Affairs Collen Dlamini and added “We thank the Joburg Film Festival for partnering with us once again as we celebrate the amazing storytellers that have inspired us. Congratulations to all those who were nominated and all the winners, you have shown us all what it means to embrace the art of storytelling,”
Anansi Award Winner Connie Chiume |
Buhlebendalo |
Aspiring filmmakers from across South Africa, between the ages of 18 and 25 were also invited to submit a video with the theme ‘Our Stories, Our Gold, as part of the Young Voices film competition. Amongst all the entries, The Young Voices Award went to Tshwane local George Temba for his short film “Young Shepherd.”
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