Even more South Africans are bringing home awards from the International Tourism Film Festival Africa; Another 6 awards have been earned in KZN!
South Africa (21 June 2024) – Hosted in Sandton, Johannesburg, 5 local films won 6 awards at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). The festival had 436 films submitted from 61 countries globally, which culminated in a red-carpet event attended by over 140 people from the film, tourism and conservation sectors.
A festival ‘Pinnacle Award’, a ‘Directors Choice’ award, two golds, and three silvers were awarded in various categories across conservation, wildlife, and tourism. In partnership with Love Africa Marketing, Babanango Game Reserve, and WILDTRUST, the majority of these stories were filmed in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They showcase heartwarming stories of conservation work and highlight our natural heritage on land and in our ocean.
“These films were created as impactful stories in conservation and tourism in South Africa – and we are very excited that they have received the recognition they deserve on an international platform. KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, has much to be proud of in our landscapes, our people, and our wildlife. It was a privilege to work with key partners in shaping and filming the work on the ground.” Nicola Gerrard, Love Africa Marketing.
The winners were selected by a panel of 46 jury members, equally representing the film and digital creation industries and the tourism sector. The films were judged on seven key criteria: impact, creativity, sound, style, subject matter, storytelling, and goal effectiveness, with scores out of 10 awarded to each entry.
After three rigorous rounds of judging, 272 films advanced to the final round, with 23 finalists, 61 Silver Awards, 41 Gold Awards, and 3 prestigious Pinnacle Awards being bestowed upon the most outstanding submissions.
“It is a privilege to capture these stories through the lens and have them recognised amongst other leading filmmakers across the world. Thank you for giving our South African films the platform to shine.” Sven Musica – cinematographer, Love Africa.
Award-winning Films:
PINNACLE and GOLD AWARD
‘SEE US,’ co-produced by WILDTRUST and Love Africa Marketing, took home the prestigious Pinnacle and a gold award in the Wildlife and Conservation category. It explores South Africa’s untamed coastline and follows two intrepid underwater explorers who uncover life below the surface, revealing the secret sanctuaries that sharks and rays embrace as their refuge.
“Using film as a visual storytelling support tool for the amazing conservation work of the WILDTRUST team on the ground has been powerful in creating awareness and educating audiences all over the world. We are extremely proud to be recognised in this way and feel privileged to call projects such as this ‘work’.” Lauren van Nijkerk Director of Campaigns at WILDTRUST.
GOLD
‘This is Home’, produced by Love Africa Marketing, was awarded Gold in the Sustainable and Responsible Tourism category. The documentary follows efforts to reintroduce the iconic black rhino into Babanango Game Reserve, aligning with the reserve’s rewilding strategy.
SILVER
’The Battlefields’ is another Babanango Game Reserve and Love Africa collaboration that was awarded a Silver under the ‘Historical culture’ category at the ITFFA. The game reserve lies between the sacred Valley of Kings and iconic Zulu battlegrounds and is, therefore, more than a safari experience. The short film highlights and commemorates the importance of the area in South African history.
SILVER
‘Return of the King’ took home a Silver in the Wildlife and Conservation category. This film documents the relocation of two male lions from Nambiti Private Game Reserve to Babanango Game Reserve, celebrating the lions’ reintroduction to the area for the first time in 150 years.
SILVER
‘Madwaleni River Lodge’ was awarded a Silver in the ‘Tourism—Services’ category. It is a short video introducing Babanango Game Reserve’s new ultra-luxury lodge, Madwaleni River Lodge. The lodge is set alongside the White Umfolozi River and encompasses the rich local heritage and culture of the region.
“We would like to thank all winners and participants for committing to promote responsible tourism and cultural exchange through powerful storytelling. We are reminded of the importance of recognising and honouring the creativity and talent of filmmakers worldwide, and the impact they have on the tourism and conservation sectors.” Caroline Ungersbock and James Byrne, ITFFA co-founders and directors.
The Combined film team includes Nicola Gerrard, Janelle Barnard, Sven Musica, Kirsty Baker, Lauren van Nijkerk, Steve Benjamin, Mnqobi Zuma, Thuthukani Makhoba, Leigh de Necker, Thandeka Hlongwa and Devin Trull.
Sources: Supplied
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