Shnit 0 announces SA winners

Shnit International Shortfilmfestival came to a rousing end Sunday night at The Labia Theatre as this year's Flaming Faun trophy for Best Film Made In South Africa was awarded to Armed Response, directed by Donovan Graham and written by Donovan Graham and Greg Parvess.

Local jurors Anthony Silverston and Neiloe Khunyeli presented the award in front of a capacity crowd, commenting that a well-balanced cast carried the nuanced comedic timing and subtle yet hilarious script, often pushing the envelope in a way that only South Africans can. It was refreshing to be able to laugh at ourselves and a series would be a great addition to what we currently have on our screens.

Overall the judges were impressed by the Made In South Africa categorys strong acting, cinematography and high production values with a range of interesting and unique stories that showcased the diversity and rising filmmaking talent of our country. Honourable mentions went to Kanye Kanye - a quirky and heart-warming story with many touching moments and a strong stylistic vision, Port Nolloth: Between a Rock and a Hard Place - an exquisitely filmed, well-rounded documentary with strong undertones of hope, faith and tradition, Stone Cars - an authentic and moving girls coming-of-age story whos strength is in its understated yet strong performances and naturalistic filmmaking and Like Clockwork - a creative visual style resulting in a unique and interesting short film.

The night also saw the premieres of three Real Time Competition films, each filmed in 72 hours over the course of the festival. Filmmakers Tlhonepho Thobejane, Marco van der Merwe and collective Gambit Films blew the audience away with their output in such a short production window, with Gambit films ultimately awarded the audience-voted Real Time 2013 prize, sponsored by Exposure Gallery, for their film The Briefcase.

Shnit 2013 has been roundly praised as the best edition yet, with a world class line up of films leaving packed houses in Cape Town and Stellenbosch with jaws on the floor all weekend long. Whether through the numerous filmmakers in attendance to give insight into their work, or the little flourishes for which shnit is famous - an opening night laser show courtesy of Sound Events, Afrodizzyacts giant robots or a neon techno-crane installed in the Labia foyer courtesy of Media Film Service - many may have left feeling it'll take a lot to better this year. Challenge accepted

Key team members travel to New York this week to represent South Africa at the International shnit Awards night on October 13th. We wish them well. For those who missed it, shnit will return in late 2013 for Best of the International Competition screenings. Details to be announced.

Shnit Cape Town is made possible through the financial support of the Cape Film Commission and the National Film and Video Foundation, as well as the National Lottery Distribution Fund (through new partners the upcoming Cape Town International Film Festival). The Real Time Competition is generously supported by our partners Zootee Studios, Sound Surgeon Studios; Priest Post, The Monk, 744 Digital, Propfather, and Flexfit. Thanks to all of our co-operation partners who make the festival what it is.

http://nfvf.co.za

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