Kenyan Film Based On Radicalization amongst Young Muslims in Mombasa Wins Big At Regional Film Festival
Under the beautiful Zanzibar skies, ZIFF 2016 awarded some of the best films from across the globe.
ZIFF 2016 has seen over a week of film screenings and special events enjoyed by over 60 visiting filmmakers alongside hundreds of invited guests and thousands of Zanzibaris and visitors.
The Old Fort was the backdrop for the exciting Awards Night event that also saw the announcement of the theme and dates for ZIFF 2017, ZIFF’s 20th anniversary edition – FINDING JOY, July 8th – 16th 2017.
East African films dominated the awards, with Rwanda’s A Place for Myself winning three awards; The Sembene Ousmane Award, The Signis Prize, and the Golden Dhow for Best Short Film.
Kenya’s Watatu also was recognized with 3 awards, including the coveted Golden Dhow for Best Feature Film, the Signis Prize and sharing the European African Film Festival Award alongside the Kenyan film Zawadi that also won two awards.
Directed by Nick Reding and, the film, Watatu, made by Kenya’s leading arts for social change organization – SAFE Kenya – examines the rise of radicalization amongst young Muslims in Mombasa. Part drama, part documentary, and written in part by the citizens of Mombasa.
Directed by Richard Card – David Kinyanjui, Zawadi is a short film that tells a story in the Kenyan slums of Kibera where a ten-year-old boy hustles to provide for his family, taking him away from his crush on her birthday.
A Place for Myself, from Rwandan filmmaker Clementine Dusabejambo tells the of a five year old albino girl, Elikia. Due to her skin color her classmates make her realize that her being ‘different’ is more a problem than a special trait. While the neighborhood treats her as a stereotype, her mother encourages her. Together, they fight back and raise their voice to find a place for themselves.
FULL LIST OF ZIFF 2016 WINNERS
European African film festival award’ (SHARED PRIZE of E1000)
ZAWADI- Richard Card and David Kinyanjui- Kenya
WATATU by Nick Reding (Kenya).
The film addresses the issue of the radicalization of the youth in a creative way.
Emerson’s Foundation for Zanzibar
DALADALA- By Salum Stika- Tanzania -Winner of $1000 and figurine and Certificate.
The film discusses Zanzibaris dependence on the Daladala transport mode despite being subjected to indignities and even ridicule.
Sembene Ousmane Award- (Winners of $2000 each)
A PLACE FOR MYSELF- Clementine Dusabejambo- Rwanda
MACARRAO- Iyabo Kwayana- Brazil
UGALI- THE FAMILY DINNER- Tony Koros- Kenya
Jury Special Mention (no monetary award)
THE SUIT- Jarryd Coetsee- South Africa
ZAWADI- Richard Card and David Kinyanjui- Kenya
SIGNIS PRIZE 2016
WATATU by Nick Reding (Kenya). The film addresses the issue of the radicalization of the youth in a creative way.
A PLACE FOR MYSELF by Clementine Dusabejambo (Rwanda)
It addresses the issue of Albinism and stigma in a unique and creative way.
BONGO MOVIES
Azam Bongo Movie Awards:
Best Actress – Godliver Gordian (Aisha)
Best Cinematographer – Freddy Feruzi (Kariakoo)
Best Editor – Momose Cheyo (Aisha)
Best Feature Film – Aisha – Producer: Amil Shivji
ComNet Bongo Movie Awards:
Best Actor – Salim Ahmed (Safari ya Gwalu)
Best Writer – Abubakar H. Guni and Devotha Mayunga (Queen of Masai)
Best Director – Chande Omar (Aisha)
Best Film in Sound – Bongo na Flava (Joseph Myinga)
ZIFF AWARDS
GOLDEN DHOW- (best Feature) WATATU by Nick Reding (Kenya
SILVER DHOW- Best Documentary- THE VALLEY OF SALT- Salaud Morisset- Switzerland/Egypt
SILVER DHOW – Best Film From Dhow Countries- LEECHES- Payal Sethi- India
GOLDEN DHOW- (Short Film)- A PLACE FOR MYSELF by Clementine Dusabejambo (Rwanda)
GOLDEN DHOW- ( Special Jury Prize) ME A BELGIAN, MY MOTHER A GHANAIAN by Adams Mensah (Belgium)
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD- KALUSHI- Mandlakayise Dube- South Africa
BEST MUSIC VIDEO – Walk it Off
