Best South African Documentary – “Mr Devious the first: My Life’
John Fredericks’ deep felt tribute to a lyrical legend, Mario van Rooy, otherwise known as Mr Devious, won the accolade for best local film, among a selection that was hard to beat. Perhaps it is John Fredericks’ searching POV throughout the movie that makes us wonder why the best have to die young. In a sense, as the community come out to mourn the death of a hero and Fredericks revisits van Rooy’s eternal message, an answer emerges. He’s a legend because in life, as well as death, Devious gave meaning to the lives of youth on the Flats. Through the making of this film, Fredericks has pledged to spread the message.
Best International Film: “We Are Together’ (“Thina Simunye’)
We knew that Paul Taylor’s inspirational documentary about children in the Agape Orphanage would capture the hearts of our audiences. The children allow us into their world with an honesty that grips you from the opening of the film. A large part of their lives at the orphanage revolve around the choir and getting the song right. When these young choirists, many of whom have lost parents and family members to AIDS, get it right, it’s pure magic.
Best Short Film: “Biko’s Children’ (IKON)
The timely screening in Joburg of Vuyisa “Breeze’ Yoko’s film coincided with the 30th anniversary of the death of Steve Biko. In the film, Yoko questions whether people who use the name of Biko today actually understand his message. Inevitably this led to some serous debate in the cinemas, and resounding appreciation of this film.
Special Mention: “Cuba, An African Odyssey’
Rarely does a documentary film hit our screens that is not only two hours long, but that nobody wants to end. Jihan el Tahri’s exceptional filmmaking left audiences enthralled by the story of Cuban intervention in African liberation struggles. El Tahri’s talent comes from her recognition that people make history, her relentless research, and her ability to get her subjects to tell the real story. And the good news – negotiations are underway with SABC to get this film to TV audiences.
The festival would not have been possible with the financial support and partnership of the National Film and Video Foundation, EU Conference Cultural Workshop Cultural Initiative Fund, Gauteng Film Office, SABC, Hivos, The Ford Foundation, the French Embassy, Cinema Nouveau Screened by Jameson, Spectrum Visual Networks, Timberland and the British Council.
