The fifth edition of the Joburg Film Festival, presented by MultiChoice Group, was a celebration of the film industry, locally and internationally.

On Saturday evening, the official awards ceremony was held at The Theatre on The Square in Sandton, Johannesburg. Hosted by renowned poet Lebogang Mashile, the night also saw a moving performance by Buhlendalo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year’s prestigious jury comprised a range of esteemed and respected international 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.

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.

“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.