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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
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