The Egyptian feature film Feathers directed by Omar El Zohairy, was named Best Film at the 5th edition of the Joburg Film Festival in in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. This absurdist tale about a patriarch transformed into a chicken has a lot to say about Egyptian culture and the role of women.

The evocative black and white Ethiopian documentary Faya Dayi, directed, written, starring and produced by Jessica Beshir took home the ‘Best African Film’ award. The film is a spiritual journey into the highlands of Harar that is immersed in the rituals of khat.

“Best Documentary” was awarded to the explosive film Nous, étudiants (We, Students) from the Central African Republic from debut director Rafiki Fariala. In it, the filmmaker turns the camera on himself and his friends, capturing their everyday life as students of Bangui University. At once clear-eyed and poetic, they share their thoughts about their future in the Central African Republic.

As part of the Awards Night, a number of filmmakers were honored for their excellence. The awards presented are as follows:

The Emerging Storyteller Award: Siphosethu Tshapu, (Milton Empire)

The Global Storyteller Award: Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon, (Tshedza Pictures)

The Fearless Storyteller Award: Chris Q Radebe, (Match Pictures)

The Anasi Award – Connie Chiume

Rising African Star Award – Star Kganki Mphahlele (Pula Bakgaga Media)