The Durban International Film Festival has announced the winners of the 45th festival.
Ninety-two films from fifty countries were screened, and the jury was hard-pressed to select winners from the eligible films in each category.
Members of the international jury were Sean Drummond, the writer and producer of “Five Fingers for Marseilles” and hit Netflix series “Unseen”; Heidi Zwicker, a senior programmer for the Sundance Film Festival, and Pape Boye, co-founder of “Funny Balloons”.
The winner of the Best International Feature Film was “All We Imagine as Light” directed by Payal Kapadia. “Its exploration of 'forbidden' love, longing, duty, commitment, and doubt is anchored in its powerful portrayal of relationships between women, featuring exquisite performances across the board.
“A remarkable film by a dazzling Indian female filmmaking voice, which speaks to something human in all of us,” the jury noted.
The Best South African Film was “Sierra's Gold” by Adze Ugah.
“This audacious film constantly surprised us while deftly juggling genres and taking us on a wild ride.
“This experience was heightened by watching with an audience whose visceral reactions palpably matched our own, likely just as the filmmaker intended.”
The documentary jury consisted of award-winning producer, Antoinette Engel; human rights law specialist-turned-documentarist, Shameela Seedat, and deputy director at STEPS, Theresa Hill, who congratulated the winner of the best international documentary applauding it in their citation.
“‘Four Daughters’ is acknowledged for its innovative blend of documentary and performance to amplify the power of cinema.
“At its best, it provides a space to understand and reflect on our realities and imagine alternatives.
“‘Four Daughters’ does this, creating an intimate, powerful link between its characters, actors, and audiences within a highly charged arc across three generations of family grief and wider political tumult.”
The South African winner was “The Wait” directed by Imran Hamdulay. They commended him, saying, “Through the experiences of Mzu, ‘The Wait’ translates the intricacies of South African life onto the screen.
“Mzu quickly learns the implications of disrupting the flow while standing in line in South Africa.
“Hamdulay’s film provides a nuanced view of the textured experiences and myriad possibilities one might encounter when entering a police station in South Africa.”
Twenty-one student films were screened, all of which competed.
The jury comprised; Brazilian journalist, cultural producer, researcher, and film curator, Ana Camila Esteves; South African producer Jacintha de Nobrega and founder of Miss K Productions and producer of the feature film, “Sons of the Sea”, which won the Best South African Film award at the 43rd Durban International Film Festival, Khosie Dali.
The panel agreed that “it was a pleasure to watch this selection of student films.
“We were very impressed by the quality of the narratives developed in the scope of film schools in various parts of the world, which is exciting.”
The panel announced “Don't Let Go” (Germany), by Antonia Lorenza Lindner, as the best international student film, praising it for “its outstanding storytelling, direction, and production in the realm of cinema.
“The film was subtle, cinematic and the characters captivating, as they showcase feelings of intimacy and betrayal.”
The Best South African Student Filmmaker, Lindokuhle Mthimkhulu who directed “Warm”, hails from AFDA in Durban. The jury said, “This film brilliantly addresses gender violence in a poetic yet powerful manner.
“As we empathize with Dolly's pain, we also commend the creative and artistic elements of the narrative, especially given the challenge of discussing violence without being overly graphic.”
The Durban International Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in South Africa and Southern Africa’s premiere festival and took place from July 18 - 28, in Durban, KwaZulu Natal.
IOL Entertainment