AFRIFF Director Discusses Eligibility for Awards

Ayanda Sithebe, the Festival Director and Co-founder of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), has discussed the eligibility of films for the awards.

Speaking with Pulse, Sithebe said the organisers of the awards are usually after stories that are impactful.

“The key element for us was towards development, and to accessibility. How do we give filmmakers accessibility to filmmaking? Thirdly was to bring empowerment. Opening up the space for people from disadvantaged communities; the queer community for instance.

“So, our selection literally has to speak to those pillars. We are a premium festival that showcases quality films. But most of our films, we try to ensure that they speak to these pillars.

“This year, our theme is ‘Film For Change’, and we are looking at stories that impact our society. Stories that can prove the way we do things, the way we think,” he explained.

When asked if the awards are exclusive to young filmmakers, the AFRIFF boss responded: “It is open to everyone. I mean, our closing film last year was ‘Queen & Slim’. So in terms of the calibre of filmmakers there, it is really established filmmakers but the element of accessibility is allowing emerging filmmakers to bring in their content.

“I think from a development aspect of it, the youth is very involved. We have got a big volunteering program which is led by the youth and it empowers those young people as well. By the end of the film festival, you will have people that are equipped with the skills to have a live production.

“But from an execution perspective, it remains a premium African film festival that anyone in the world can attend and enjoy African, Pan-African stories and global stories.”