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12 March 2009

South African film makers have, again proven that they can be trend-setters and achievers as African film story-tellers.

Their stature as a powerhouse of creativity was confirmed when they won, at least, six prestigious prizes at the 40th Anniversary of the Pan-African Film Festival in Ouagadogou, Burkino Faso.

We were very pleased to learn that legendary actors, John Kani and Winston Ntshona were presented with the Silver Stallion of Yenenga for "Nothing but the Truth." Significantly, the film was also awarded the Ousmane Sembene Prize for Peace.

In another noteworthy achievement, the much talked about movie, "Jerulsalema" received three technical awards.

Individual film makers also staked their claim with film directors Khalo Matabane winning Best TV Series for "When We Were Black."

They join the unending list of indigenous film-making talent that continues to hoist the artistic and cultural flag of this nation high.

In the last few years South African film makers have won numerous awards and other accolades both on the continent and abroad. This has seen them emerge as a formidable creative force that commands respect and attention on the world movie-making scene.

These latest achievements not only confirms their status as the creative intellectuals but is a well deserved honour for men and women who have turned film-making into an instrument for self-expression to reflect this transitional phase in our history.

It is our conviction that their achievements will inspire a new generation of film-makers to rise to the challenges of creating impressive and meaningful movies whose impact will be long-lasting.

South African talent is setting trends not merely on the continent but they are ready to compete with best among their international counterparts.

The achievements of these film makers and their output consolidates the potential of the South African story and talent to intuitively connect and resonate with audiences on the whole continent.

Movies like "Nothing But The Truth" and "Jerusalema", for instance, were inspired by the turmoil and optimism that characterises a society that is undergoing a fundamental power shift.

Most importantly, they are stories about the triumph of the human spirit and about a society grappling with transformation in a fast-changing world.

The coveted Ousmane Sembene prize is a significant achievement for South African film makers that acknowledge them as among the leaders on the continent. Our film-makers have become special voices when it comes to telling the human story of the African Renaissance in a globalised world.

I want to extend my personal congratulations to all these award winners and to urge them to continue doing what they do best – making entertaining and moving films that can make the South African experience part of the world cinematic legacy.

The mandate of the Department of Arts and Culture is to create an international and economic environment is which all artists, including film makers, to not only earn a living through their art, but also to express their talent.

These outstanding achievements demonstrate that our efforts to make South African the best film making country on the continent are not in vain.

For further details call:
Sandile Memela
Cell: 082 800 3750

Premi Appalraju
Cell: 082 903 6778

Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
12 March 2009