THE film, Surviving Gaza, has brought back three awards from the 18th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
They collected the biggest award of the night, Best Director, which was won by Vusi Africa Sindane.
It also won the Best Achievement in Visual Effects and the Best Achievement in Sound.
The film, starring Samke Makhoba, Aphiwe Mfeka and Bothlale Mahlangu, was nominated in 13 categories at the awards held at Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday night, 30 October.
It premiered early this year.
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Vusi spoke to Daily Sun about taking the big award. He said it’s a game-changer for him.
“I think it’s such an important message, particularly about young black filmmakers and the future of filmmaking in Africa,” he said.
“Giving this award to a young black director is empowering towards the future of African cinema and the new wave of African filmmaking.
“For me, more than anything, this win represents the beginning of a new journey and chapter. This is Africa’s biggest stage and to succeed here, competing with the rest of Africa, is a big deal. This has now become about South Africa and national pride.
“Best Director is the biggest one of the night and it’s definitely a game-changer for South Africa and our filmmakers,” Vusi said.
He said they are all happy about taking three awards.
“The cast and crew are amazed. I mean everyone pulled their weight on-set. I had an amazing crew and set of actors who are passionate, dedicated and love what they do. This means a whole lot to all of us because it will unlock a new chapter into what we want to do and move us to the next step.”
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Vusi, together with Samke Makhoba and Botlhale Mahlangu, who were also nominated, are still in Nigeria having the time of their lives.
“Botlhale and Samke got here on Wednesday, I got there on Saturday. As actors, it’s great that they got here early to have fun because they work so hard,” he said.
“We’ve had the best time here in Nigeria. It’s been awesome to be with some of the biggest names we have in the continent and for our names to be called right at the top.”
