South African film-makers for sweeping awards at 40th Anniversary of
Pan-African Film and Cinema Festival (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso
12 March 2009
South African film makers have, again proven that they can be trend-setters
and achievers as African film story-tellers.
Their stature as a powerhouse of creativity was confirmed when they won, at
least, six prestigious prizes at the 40th Anniversary of the Pan-African Film
Festival in Ouagadogou, Burkino Faso.
We were very pleased to learn that legendary actors, John Kani and Winston
Ntshona were presented with the Silver Stallion of Yenenga for "Nothing but the
Truth." Significantly, the film was also awarded the Ousmane Sembene Prize for
Peace.
In another noteworthy achievement, the much talked about movie,
"Jerulsalema" received three technical awards.
Individual film makers also staked their claim with film directors Khalo
Matabane winning Best TV Series for "When We Were Black."
They join the unending list of indigenous film-making talent that continues
to hoist the artistic and cultural flag of this nation high.
In the last few years South African film makers have won numerous awards and
other accolades both on the continent and abroad. This has seen them emerge as
a formidable creative force that commands respect and attention on the world
movie-making scene.
These latest achievements not only confirms their status as the creative
intellectuals but is a well deserved honour for men and women who have turned
film-making into an instrument for self-expression to reflect this transitional
phase in our history.
It is our conviction that their achievements will inspire a new generation
of film-makers to rise to the challenges of creating impressive and meaningful
movies whose impact will be long-lasting.
South African talent is setting trends not merely on the continent but they
are ready to compete with best among their international counterparts.
The achievements of these film makers and their output consolidates the
potential of the South African story and talent to intuitively connect and
resonate with audiences on the whole continent.
Movies like "Nothing But The Truth" and "Jerusalema", for instance, were
inspired by the turmoil and optimism that characterises a society that is
undergoing a fundamental power shift.
Most importantly, they are stories about the triumph of the human spirit and
about a society grappling with transformation in a fast-changing world.
The coveted Ousmane Sembene prize is a significant achievement for South
African film makers that acknowledge them as among the leaders on the
continent. Our film-makers have become special voices when it comes to telling
the human story of the African Renaissance in a globalised world.
I want to extend my personal congratulations to all these award winners and
to urge them to continue doing what they do best â making entertaining and
moving films that can make the South African experience part of the world
cinematic legacy.
The mandate of the Department of Arts and Culture is to create an
international and economic environment is which all artists, including film
makers, to not only earn a living through their art, but also to express their
talent.
These outstanding achievements demonstrate that our efforts to make South
African the best film making country on the continent are not in vain.
For further details call:
Sandile Memela
Cell: 082 800 3750
Premi Appalraju
Cell: 082 903 6778
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
12 March 2009
