The 11th edition of the biggest film event in Zimbabwe ended on a high note as film makers and productions received awards. Here is the full list, with a brief synopsis of each production.
DOCUMENTARY AND SHORT FILM AWARDS
Best Documentary
Day After Peace
2008. This documentary charts the 10 year long journey taken by award winning director, Jeremy Gilley, to establish an annual international day of peace on September 21.
Directed by Jeremy Gilley
United Kingdom
Best Short Film
For a Few Marbles More (Knikkers)
2006, 11 minutes, Dutch with English subtitles
Four ten-year-olds are kicked out of their favourite playground by two aggressive drunkards. They have to find a way to get the toughest boy in the neighbourhood on their side when they realise that their parents are not going to help them.
Directed by Jelmar Hufen
The Netherlands
Best Animated Film
El Viaje de Said
2006, 13 mins, Spanish/Arabic with English subtitles
Said, a young boy from Morocco, crosses the Strait. When he gets to the other side, to the land of opportunities, he discovers that not everything is as beautiful as he has been told.
Directed by Coke Rioboo
Spain
Calabash Award for Best Zimbabwean Production
Inflation
2008, 2 minutes 3 seconds
This short film traces the birth, life and death of a Zimbabwean $10,000 note.
Directed by Christina Anderson
Short Film Project Award
Zimbabwe The Best Country
A hilarious musical extravaganza showing an eventful day, through the eyes of Hugh, a man returning to Zimbabwe after many years away.
Written by the Psykoz of Prince Edward High School
Directed by Patience Tawengwa
Zimbabwe
Best Performance in the Short Film Project
Elizabeth Nyagudzira for her role in
Akakodzera Ndiani?
2008, English/Shona
Elizabeth put on a fine performance as a mother who is excited that her son Timothy is back to visit from abroad, especially as he is bringing his future wife to meet the family. This comedy is a tale of the clash of cultures and tradition against modernity.
Zimbabwe
The Mbira Centre Award for Best Use of a Zimbabwean Indigenous Language in a Film
Musha Langton Chari, scriptwriter of Akakodzera Ndiani?
Zimbabwe
FEATURE FILM AWARDS
Best Actor in a Leading Role
John Kani, in the film
Nothing But The Truth
2008, 81 minutes, English
This film version of John Kani's internationally famous play of the same name considers the vital issue of the relationships between political exiles and those who remained in South Africa during the apartheid years. Interwoven in the story are staggered revelations of the secrets of a troubled family.
South Africa
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Veronica Loren, in the film
August Evening
2007, 127 minutes, Spanish with English subtitles
August Evening follows an aging an undocumented farm worker named Jamie (Pedro Castaneda) and his young widowed daughter-in-law, Lupe (Veronica Loren), as their lives are thrown into upheaval.
Directed by Chris Eska
USA
Best Screenplay
John Kani, for the film
Nothing But The Truth
South Africa
Best Director
Threes Anna, for the film
The Bird Can't Fly
2007, 89 minutes, English
After many years of absence, Melody returns home to Fairlands, the little diamond mining town she grew up in for the funeral of her estranged daughter, June.
The Netherlands/South Africa/Ireland
Best Picture
The Bird Can't Fly
The Netherlands/South Africa/Ireland
Audience Choice Award
Old Boy
2003, Korean with English subtitles
Oh Dae-su seeks revenge when he is released after being inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years and his wife is killed while he is away.
Directed by Park Chanwook
South Korea
Melody Mundawarara - Melody Mundawarara has always enjoyed creative pursuits. Her interests range from Art to Zoology. She is a keen researcher who is excited ...
