Discovery Channel announces top ten filmmakers

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Discovery Channel announces top ten filmmakers --

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 09:36

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The search for the winner of Discovery Channel s brand new award category at the

sixth annual Jozi Film Festival has heated up. After receiving over 200 entries from

across the continent, Discovery Channel is proud to announce the Top 10 finalists for

the Discovery Channel Don t Stop Wondering award.

From today and throughout August, each film will be broadcast on Discovery Channel

and it will be up to viewers to decide which film should be chosen as the overall

winner. Voting closes on Monday 28 August 2017 and each filmmaker stands the

chance of winning a cash prize of $5,000 from Discovery Channel to go towards their

next filming project.

While this was Discovery s first category in the Jozi Film Festival, we were thrilled

with the quality and diversity of entries that we received, says Dilek Doyran, VP of

commercial development and country manager of Africa and the Mediterranean. Our

hope was to find films which captured the ethos of curiosity and celebrated the

uniqueness that the African continent has to offer, and with films from Namibia,

Swaziland, South Africa and Uganda, we are confident the shortlist represents this.

We look forward to broadcasting the Top 10 films on Discovery Channel, and

showcasing the many different ways of celebrating Africanism.

The Top 10 Films:

Discovery by Manqoba Shongwe from Swaziland

We explore every day but neglect to learn. In this film, Manqoba took the time to pay

attention to some of the things he saw in his everyday explorations and shares what

he gathered. Manqoba said, Its a great honour to be selected as a finalist in the

Discovery Channel Don t Stop Wondering category of the Jozi Film Festival. Not only

is it validating for my work to be recognised in this manner, but it is also really cool

for my voice to be heard on such a platform. From Monday 31 July, 13h35

Puppetsula by Michael Rodrigues and Shaun James from South

Africa

Puppetsula follows Jabu, a puppeteer who travels to instill joy in all those that witness

his fiery performances of traditional dances. Michael and Shaun said, Coming from

hardship and still having a passion to give joy to others is truly remarkable. We

applaud Jabulani Simango and can t wait to share his amazing talent with our country.

Thank you to Discovery for providing a platform for his story to be seen. From

Monday 31 July, 20h00

Sithaidi: The traditional Xhosa Bead Artist by Caley Kolk from South

Africa

This film follows Sithaidis journey to work every day: a scenic 6-hour trek in rural

Transkei. The story showcases how creativity overcomes seeming human adversity,

old age and a lifelong polio condition, and how creativity ultimately inspires us to live.

Caley said, As a first time film maker, I am simply delighted our film has progressed

to the Top 10. I am thrilled that Thaidis story is finally being seen by the world - she

is a woman of great strength and her simple philosophy, cocky nature and tenacity is

a continual source of inspiration to me. In her own words, she is number 1. I hope to

report back to her that her film is number 1 too! From Tuesday 1 August, 13h35

The Ascension by Dieter Du Plessis from South Africa

This short documentary follows the journal of a trail runner, with a voice-over that

relates life to mountain climbing. Dieter said, It feels like a door being opened after

years of knocking! From Tuesday 1 August, 20h00

The Tragedy of Africa by Dusty Van Niekerk from South

Africa

The Tragedy of Africa looks at Africa s beauty inside and out, following the sad reality

behind the harsh rhino poaching crisis which South Africa faces. Dusty said, I am so

grateful and excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity to share my film with

everyone From Wednesday 2 August, 13h35

Mr Ability by Okuyo Joel Atiku Prynce from Uganda

This is a story of Simon Peter Lubega, a physically impaired, creative artist who wakes

up early every morning and works against all odds on his art pieces to raise money to

support himself and his family. Okuyo said, I am highly honoured to be set apart for

this prestigious moment, amongst creative minds, by a world class channel. My first

work as a director to be selected and aired on discovery channel is indescribable.

From Wednesday 2 August, 20h00

Egg Slap by Pressilla Nanyange from Uganda

Egg Slap explores a childhood game, football, but with a twist. Pressilla said, I am

beyond excited to be selected among the top ten; I m feeling blessed. From Thursday

3 August, 13h35

Sjangalala: The New Era by Siphiwe Phiri from South

Africa

This is a documentary about a pastor who is breaking the stereotype surrounding the

art of spinning cars. Siphiwe said, I have been in the TV industry for over 8 years

now and this is by far the biggest acknowledgement I have ever received for my

work. Thank You to Discovery Channel Africa, Jozi Film Festival and ALL its sponsors

for creating such a platform for young creatives like us! SIYABONGA! From Thursday

3 August, 20h00

Non-People by Wesley Rhode from South Africa

This documentary celebrates the trials and tribulations of South Africas informal

recyclers people that are over looked and ignored. Wesley said, Myself and my

team who put this film together are extremely excited and feel blessed to be chosen

as part of the top 10 films, we are happy that our hard work has paid off and that our

vision and our story has been recognized. From Friday 4 August, 13h35

Another Sunny Day by Tim Huebschle from Namibia

This film tells the story of how life must be for someone whose skin has no protection

from the sun, living in a country that averages over 80% sunshine during any given

year. Welcome to Paulu

LINK:	http://www.screenafrica.com/page/news/festivals/1663259-Discovery-Chan...
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