South African filmmaker Vusi Africa Sindane’s feature film, Surviving Gaza, has clinched a whopping 14 nominations ahead of the 18th edition of The African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA 2022).
This coming-of-age drama earned tons of praise from viewers and critics soon after its release. It also became the best-performing movie on the eTV streaming platform eVOD.
‘Surviving Gaza’ gets 14 nominations at AMAA 2022
Set against the vibrant kwaito era in South Africa, Surviving Gaza (see trailer on YouTube) tells the story of 17-year-old Phuzi, who has some difficult choices to make. It stars Botlhale Mahlangu, Samke Makhoba, Aphiwe Mkefe, Ayanda Daweti, Raymond Motadi, Shoki Mmola, Luxolo Ndabeni and Ndalo Stofile.
The movie is produced by the powerhouse creative duo Vusi Africa Sindane (who is also the director) and Naledi Bogacwi, who have given us the acclaimed feature film Letters of Hope.
Sindane was recently announced as the 2022 Mail and Guardian’s Most Influential Young South African and he also became the first South African to be awarded an Artist in Residence at AFDA.
“The story told in Gaza comes from a special place in my heart which is my hometown of Witbank/Emalahleni, Kwa-Guqa. It is a story about the hope for a better life, for our dreams to come true even if our circumstances tempt us to believe that we can’t make it. The hope born from this film, now translates to us as filmmakers about our hopes and dreams,” says Sindane.
“A story from my backyard now finds its way to an international audience, [and] this gives precedence to the message the film carries. This is such a monumental achievement particularly coming from the biggest stage in Africa which is the African Academy’s.”
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Surviving Gaza landed 14 nominations in these categories: Best Film, Best Director (Vusi Africa), Best Film in an African Language, Achievement in Screenplay, Cinematography, Production Design, Make-Up, Soundtrack, Sound Design, Visual Effects and Sound Design.
Rising star Samke Makhoba has received her first ever nomination as a performer with Best Young/Promising Actor and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Breakout star Botlhale Mahlangu got nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role. This is his first leading role as an actor, a sign that he has a very bright future in the industry. Another rising star, Aphiwe Mkefe, got nominated as Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
The AMAAs, recognised as the most prestigious awards in Africa, are presented annually to celebrate excellence in the continent’s film industry.
The 2022 AMA Awards will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on 30 October.