1-3 September 2025
CTICC 2, Cape Town, South Africa
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ENTRIES FOR THE 2025 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS ARE OPEN

ENTRIES FOR THE 2025 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS ARE OPEN

A pioneering celebration dedicated to honouring and elevating the voices that enrich our screens and our lives through diversity and inclusion, the Inclusive Lens Awards recognise the creators, storytellers, and innovators who are breaking traditional boundaries and showcasing the breadth of human experience.

In the dynamic landscape of film and television, the power of representation plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, inspiring change, and fostering a more inclusive society. The Inclusive Lens Awards are designed to spotlight and reward exceptional efforts in the portrayal and inclusion of diverse narratives and characters, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ representation, disability awareness, and the depiction of diversity in children's content.

The awards ceremony will take place in MIP Africa Theatre 1 at the CTICC 2 on Tuesday, 2 September.

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2024 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS WINNERS

2024 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS WINNERS

THE FINALISTS
THE JUDGES
THE SPEAKERS

DIVERSITY IN KIDS' PROGRAMMING 

This category applauds productions that introduce young audiences to variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, these series help cultivate empathy, understanding, and respect from an early age. 

PRE-SCHOOL

A pre-school TV show is a programme designed specifically for children aged approximately 2 to 7 years old. These shows typically focus on educational content, social and emotional development, and age-appropriate entertainment.

BINO AND FINO

Nigeria 

Distributor: EVCL
Production company: EVCL
Short Synopsis:  Bino and Fino, a dynamic sibling duo, explore African music, art, and culture through cartoons and songs, creating an enriching educational experience. Their daily adventures and persistent curiosity resonate with children of all backgrounds. The show aims to bring Africa's rich history and culture into the homes and lives of its fans.

Recognised for: "Bino & Fino" excels in inclusive and diverse representation for pre-school children by immersing them in the vibrant world of African music, art, and culture. This dynamic sibling duo embarks on daily adventures that spark curiosity and learning. Through engaging cartoons and songs, children of all backgrounds can see themselves in these joyous characters. Their persistent questioning reflects every child's innate desire to learn, while the show's heart lies in bringing Africa's rich history and culture into homes worldwide.

NUZO AND NAMIA

Tanzania

Distributor: Ubongo
Production company: Ubongo
Short Synopsis:  "Nuzo and Namia" follows 7-year-old twins who discover a magical bookshelf in their late grandmother's house. It transports them to African countries, guided by a whimsical creature named Bubelang. The series blends adventure, education, and emotional growth, teaching them about diverse cultures while enhancing reading and listening skills.

Recognised for: "Nuzo and Namia" excels in representing inclusivity and diversity by showcasing the rich tapestry of African cultures through the eyes of 7-year-old twins. This series integrates cultural education with enchanting adventures, as Nuzo and Namia explore various African countries through a magical bookshelf. The twins' journeys teach young viewers about different traditions, fostering appreciation and understanding of diversity. The show's heartfelt narrative also addresses themes of family, loss, and resilience, making it deeply relatable. 

OLDER KIDS

Older children generally refer to kids aged between 8 and 13 years old. This age group is beyond the preschool years and is typically in early to middle primary school. 

KIZAZI MOTO: GENERATION FIRE

Various

Distributor: Disney+
Production company: Triggerfish Animation Studios
Short Synopsis:  The action-packed animated sci-fi anthology presents ten futuristic visions from six African countries inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures. Executive produced by Oscar®-winning director Peter Ramsey, these ten short films made by a new generation of animation creators draw on uniquely African perspectives to imagine brave new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits, and monsters - all from a uniquely African perspective. This is Africa as audiences have never seen it before.

Recognised for: "Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire" exemplifies outstanding inclusive and diverse representation for older children by celebrating African cultures through a futuristic lens. This animated anthology showcases a variety of African stories, myths, and folklore, offering rich, authentic narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. It features characters from different backgrounds, genders, and abilities, fostering empathy and understanding among young viewers. This series empowers older children to see themselves in their heroes, inspiring a generation to value and embrace diversity in all its forms.

REPRESENTATION OF DISABILITY

Honouring productions that accurately and respectfully depict individuals with disabilities, these awards highlight the importance of visibility and accessibility, promoting narratives that reflect the challenges and triumphs of people with disabilities.

NON-SCRIPTED FEATURES

WHAT'S EATING MY MIND?

Kenya/South Africa

Distributor: STEPS
Production companies: LBx Africa (Kenya) and STEPS (South Africa)
Short Synopsis:  After waking up in a psychiatric ward in the US, Noella had to quit film school and return to Kenya due to a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Unfamiliar with managing the condition, she begins filming herself and her family as they navigate this journey. She meets Nick, diagnosed with schizophrenia while studying to be a priest in Colombia. When Nick disappears, Noella helps his family search for him, all while dealing with her mother's illness. Amidst these challenges, she finds herself caught in a personal storm, striving to understand and manage her condition.

Recognised for: "What's Eating My Mind?"authentically portrays the struggles and triumphs of individuals with mental health conditions. It highlights the resilience of Noella and Nick, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding and empathy. Their stories emphasize the importance of community support, raising awareness, and advocating for better mental health resources and inclusion.

SCRIPTED FEATURES

iNUMBER NUMBER: JOZI GOLD

South Africa 

Distributor: Netflix
Production company: Quizzical Pictures
Short Synopsis: When an undercover cop is tasked with investigating a historic gold heist in Johannesburg, he’s forced to choose between his conscience and the law..

Recognised for: "iNumber Number: Jozi Gold" stands out for its authentic representation of people living with disabilities through the character of Dikeledi, a deaf gang leader. The film integrates Dikeledi's character seamlessly into the narrative, showcasing his leadership, intelligence, and resilience without resorting to stereotypes. By portraying Dikeledi as a vital and respected member of the gang, the film promotes inclusivity and challenges societal perceptions of disability.

NON-SCRIPTED SERIES

ACTIVATED

South Africa 

Distributor: SABC 2
Production company: Trace TV
Short Synopsis: "Activated" is a compelling talk show hosted by Tarryn Tomlinson that examines disability through a human rights lens, emphasising societal responsibility in reshaping perceptions. By showcasing personal stories and systemic challenges, the series highlights inclusive practices and policies, advocating for a world where persons with disabilities are valued and treated equally.

Recognised for: By showcasing personal stories and systemic challenges, "Activated" highlights the importance of inclusive practices and policies. It aims to shift the narrative, advocating for a world where persons with disabilities are seen and treated as equal, valued members of society. This series is a crucial step towards fostering understanding, empathy, and meaningful change.

SCRIPTED SERIES

BINNELANDERS

South Africa

Distributor: KykNet
Production company: Stark Productions
Short Synopsis:  "Binnelanders" is a long-running South African medical drama set in the fictional Binneland Clinic. The series follows the lives of doctors, nurses, and staff as they navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry, personal relationships, and ethical dilemmas. With its engaging mix of medical cases and intricate personal stories, "Binnelanders" explores themes of love, ambition, and resilience. The show offers a compelling look at the highs and lows of life in a bustling medical environment, capturing the essence of humanity and compassion.

Recognised for: "Binnelanders" is recoginised for its authentic portrayal of disabilities through the character of Dr Rian Malherbe, played by paraplegic actor Erik Holmes. By casting an actor with a disability in a significant role, "Binnelanders" highlights the capabilities and contributions of individuals with disabilities within the medical field. The show’s commitment to realistic and respectful storytelling sets a powerful example in the industry.

REPRESENTATION OF LGBTQIA+

Celebrating productions that authentically and positively represent LGBTQIA+ lives, contributing to a deeper understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community through compelling storytelling and character development.

NON-SCRIPTED FEATURES

THE RADICAL

South Africa

Distributor: Global Digital Releasing 
Production company: Good Work 
Short Synopsis:  “The Radical” is an intimate portrait of Muhsin Hendricks, a South African man who became the world’s first openly gay imam. Hendricks leads a devoted group of queer muslims, having started an organisation to support the LGBTQI+ community and running a personal empowerment programme that helps Muslims reconcile their sexuality with their faith. The film chronicles individual journeys to queer acceptance, and the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights across Africa, as a diversity of Muslim people negotiate these tensions.

Recognised for: "The Radical" is recognised for its authentic portrayal of Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam. The film highlights his work supporting queer Muslims and reconciling faith with sexuality, providing first-person accounts of growing up queer in a conservative South African Muslim community, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights across Africa.

SCRIPTED FEATURES

RUNS IN THE FAMILY 

South Africa 

Distributor: Indigenous Film Distribution
Production company: Giant Films
Short Synopsis:  A reformed con artist and single dad, Varun, takes his transmasculine son, River, on a road trip across the South Africa-eSwatini border to break River’s estranged mother out of rehab. When injury befalls River’s drag partner, his mother propels father and son to partner up for a drag competition that could win River his gender affirming surgery, if Varun and Monica’s shady grifting past doesn’t catch up with them. 

Recognised for:  "Runs In The Family" masterfully combines the themes of family, identity, and redemption through the compelling journey of Varun and his transmasculine son, River. Their road trip to reunite their fractured family while striving for River's gender-affirming surgery is a heartfelt and exhilarating narrative. The film's portrayal of complex LGBTQ+ experiences, enriched by cultural and personal challenges, resonates deeply.

NON-SCRIPTED SERIES

BEAULAH: QUEENS VAN DIE KAAP

South Africa

Distributor: MultiChoice Studios
Production company: POP24
Short Synopsis:  Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap is a new reality TV show about Cape Town’s drag queens, including multi-award winner Emogan Moore, Miss Sovereign Western Cape winner Ina Propriette, Miss Cape Town Pride winner Kat Gilardi, SA’s Got Talent runner up Manila von Teez, Miss Gay Western Cape winner Maxine Wilde, and rival house mothers BB Vahlour and Madisson Scarr.  

Recognised for: "Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap" is recognised for its authentic and vibrant portrayal of Cape Town's drag queen scene providing an eye-opening introduction to this colourful community while offering an insider's look into the world of extreme transformations, fashion, and sisterhood.

SCRIPTED SERIES

WYFIE

South Africa

Distributor: MultiChoice Studies 
Production company: Homebrew Studios 
Short Synopsis:  An edgy, youthful urban drama follows four young women navigating the complexities of university life. Balancing mischief and moral dilemmas, they face adult challenges head-on, learning to survive in a world filled with temptations and tough decisions. As they grapple with relationships, academics, and their personal ambitions, their bond is tested, and their resilience shines through. This series explores the thin line between right and wrong, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion and the journey to adulthood. 

Recognised for: "Wyfie" masterfully portrays the complexities of university life for four young women. Balancing mischief and moral dilemmas, the characters' journeys highlight resilience and personal growth. Through its engaging narrative, "Wyfie" captures the essence of youthful rebellion and the journey to adulthood.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS FINALISTS

Our Host

Meet Our Host

Vida Fantabisher, a staple in Cape Town's drag scene, has been dazzling audiences for 12 unforgettable years. Her journey from a fledgling performer to a seasoned queen is a testament to her passion for glamour, comedy, Broadway showmanship, and all things theatrical.

But Vida's story goes beyond the stage; she's a scholar of the art form she loves. With a master's degree exploring the intricacies of drag within Cape Town's vibrant cultural tapestry, Vida's commitment to the craft is undeniable.

Today, she shares her wisdom and experience as a lecturer in Character Design & Styling at AFDA, inspiring the next generation of creative minds. Vida Fantabisher's boundless energy, charisma, and dedication make her a beloved figure in both the drag and academic worlds, proving that her love for glamour and theatrics knows no bounds.

Keynote Presentation

Keynote Presentation

Zoey Black: A Trailblazer in Queer and Transgender Advocacy

Zoey Black is a queer transgender woman of colour based in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a versatile documentary filmmaker, film photographer, and human rights activist committed to telling authentic and engaging queer stories. Zoey graduated from the University of Cape Town as a professionally trained actress and boasts over a decade of experience in live performance, training and facilitation, producing, and activism. Her work is deeply focused on documenting the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse people.

Zoey's YouTube channel is a pioneering platform in South Africa, dedicated to exploring social and lifestyle issues relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community. It serves as an essential resource, providing accessible information on trans-specific topics and fostering greater understanding and awareness.

As an activist, Zoey is a vocal advocate for trans rights and visibility. She engages with organizations and government stakeholders to drive social change and law reform. Her leadership roles include serving on the Board of Directors for two non-profit organizations and being a member of the Steering Committee of the Southern African Trans Forum.

In addition to her advocacy and filmmaking, Zoey is a published author and editor. Her notable contributions include "They Called Me Queer" (2019), "Trans Rural Narratives" (2020), and "Keeping the Promise of Dignity and Freedom for All" (2020). Zoey Black continues to inspire and impact her community through her unwavering commitment to storytelling, activism, and education.

MEET OUR JURY MEMBERS

INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS FINALISTS

All films and series submitted to the MIP Africa Inclusive Lens Awards will be evaluated by a distinguished jury of leading professionals dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the African media landscape. MIP Africa extends heartfelt thanks to these jurors for their unwavering support and invaluable guidance. The winning films and series will exemplify originality, exceptional storytelling, inclusive casting, and high production values, setting new standards of excellence and inspiration in media.

Athenkosi Kwinana
Visual Artist | Visual Activist

Athenkosi Kwinana is a visual art activist specialising in drawing and printmaking. She graduated from Walter Sisulu University with a National Diploma in Fine Art and earned her Bachelor of Technology in Fine Arts in 2018. She completed her Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Johannesburg in 2022. Kwinana's first solo exhibition, REIMAGINING ALBUS, debuted in 2022. She participated in several residencies and exhibitions, including the Admirals Residency in Cape Town and the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. In 2023, she received the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant and completed a residency in Havana.

Gibson Ncube
Lecturer: Stellenbosch University

Gibson is a Senior Lecturer in Modern Foreign Languages at Stellenbosch University, focusing on gender and sexual minorities in African literature and film. A C1 rated researcher by the National Research Foundation of South Africa, he authored Queer Bodies in African Films (2022). He has held prestigious fellowships, including at the African Humanities Program, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, National Humanities Center, Leeds University, and Oxford University. From 2020-2022, he co-convened the Queer African Studies Association and was named Mary Kingsley Zochonis Distinguished Lecturer in 2021.

Jason Fiddler
Festival Director: Durban Gay
& Lesbian Film Festival

Jason founded the Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in 2011 and will direct its 10th edition in 2024. He has curated over 200 films for the festival, including features, documentaries, and short films. Jason has also served on the juries of the MIX Copenhagen LGBTI Film Festival in 2013 and the International Tourism Film Festival Africa in 2021 and 2023, contributing his expertise to promote diverse cinematic voices.

Karen Jeynes
Writer, Producer and Director

Karen is an accomplished writer and director for stage and screen, is celebrated for her work with Both Worlds, especially as head writer for ZANews: Puppet Nation. She recently penned "Recipes for Love and Murder" and directed four episodes. Her portfolio includes award-winning shows like "Point of Order," "Comedy Central News," and "Parlement Parlement." Beyond her diverse work in film, TV, and theater, Karen is dedicated to disability representation in media. She is pursuing a PhD in disability representation in TV through the University of Pretoria. Karen also lectures, runs workshops on writing, and consults internationally on script development.

Mimi Bartels
CoFounder: Anakle Films

Mimi, Nollywood’s No. 1 Box Office Film Producer of 2021, has 32 AMVCA nominations for FilmOne Production and was named among the Top 150 interesting Nigerian people by 'WithChude'. With 14 years in content creation, she has distributed over 110 films, including "The Wedding Party" series and "King of Boys." Formerly General Manager of FilmOne Studios, she produced hits like "Ghost & The Tout Too" and "The Prophetess." Now Co-founder and Creative Head at Anakle Films, Mimi focuses on developing Nigerian storytelling globally. She specialises in film development, production, and strategic marketing, emphasising inclusivity and diversity.

Rogers Ofime
Director and Producer

Rogers Ofime is a Nigerian-born, Canada-based filmmaker, director, television producer, and entrepreneur, renowned for his contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. A fellow in Media Production at Bournemouth University UK, he has produced several notable TV soap operas, including  the acclaimed LGBTQ+ telenovela "WURA" on Showmax. Ofime has produced over 180 telefilms, 6,000 episodes of TV series, 8 short films, 10 documentaries, and 30 adverts. He is the first Nigerian to produce a multi-camera studio-based daily soap opera. He continues to tell original African stories to a global audience with a keen eye for the art of filmmaking.

Dr. Shelley Barry
Filmmaker 

Dr. Shelley Barry is a multi-award winning filmmaker whose experimental works have garnered numerous awards globally. Shelley’s accolades include two SAFTA awards and several international awards including the Zonta award for Best female filmmaker in international competition at the International Short Film Festival, Oberhausen. Her films have been acquired by prestigious institutions such as New York University and Princeton University. Currently teaching film at the University of Johannesburg, Shelley is an influential voice in contemporary cinema, with an emphasis on advocacy for diversity and inclusion on and behind the screen.

Simon Manda
Managing Editor: THISABILITY

Simon is a media practitioner with extensive experience in brand and events management. As the Managing Editor of THISABILITY Newspaper, a disability awareness multimedia platform, he has worked with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as Brand Manager, aligning the Grammy-winning group with Tourism KZN and Ithala Bank. Since 2011, Simon has been involved in media and disability management training. Partnering with Media24, THISABILITY annual training programme has empowered over 50 youth with disabilities in basic journalism skills. Collaborating with SAFOD, Simon has trained 36 youths in media and disability mainstreaming across six Southern African countries.