KIYA AND THE KIMOJA HEROES 

South Africa, Canada, France 

Production company: Triggerfish Animation Studios, Entertainment One, Frog Box Productions, TeamTO
Distributor: Disney+

Synopsis:  "Kiya and the Kimoja Hereos" is set in the vibrant, fictional African city of Kimoja City and follows the adventures of three best friends—Kiya, Jay, and Motsie. When trouble arises, the trio springs into action, transforming into superheroes at their high-tech headquarters, Crystal Eyes. Equipped with their special bandanas, they can also activate their powers on the go, ready to protect their community and solve problems wherever they are. Together, they embody teamwork, courage, and kindness in every mission.

Recognised for: "Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes" has been recognised for its authentic African representation, empowering Black female lead, and commitment to inclusive storytelling. Set in a vibrant Afro-urban world, the series promotes empathy, teamwork, and diversity—highlighting the power of African creativity in shaping global children’s content with meaning and impact.

KUNDA AND FRIENDS

United Kingdom

Production company: Kunda Kids, Creatures Animation Studio
Distributor: Kunda Kids

Synopsis:  "Kunda and Friends" is a vibrant animated series where friendship meets adventure and learning comes to life. Set in a colorful African world, the show follows Kunda and his diverse group of friends as they explore everyday challenges, discover cultural treasures, and learn important values like kindness, curiosity, and respect. Blending fun storytelling with educational themes,   "Kunda and Friends" inspires young viewers to embrace who they are, celebrate their roots, and grow together through laughter, love, and learning.

Recognised for: "Kunda and Friends" has been recognised for its heartfelt commitment to inclusive storytelling that reflects the realities and richness of African childhood. The series promotes positive representation by featuring diverse characters, African languages, and cultural themes rarely seen in mainstream children’s content. 

WAKA WAKA MOO

Namibia

Production company: N/A
Distributor: Namibian Broadcasting Corporation

Synopsis:  "Waka Waka Moo" is a fun, educational children’s TV series that blends live-action and puppetry to teach young viewers important life skills. Set in a vibrant African village, the show follows a lovable green puppet named Moo and his human friends as they explore everyday topics like hygiene, safety, friendship, and local culture. Through songs, storytelling, and playful skits, "Waka Waka Moo" delivers age-appropriate learning with a uniquely African voice—celebrating language diversity, traditional values, and creativity while encouraging kids to think, feel, and grow.

Recognised for: "Waka Waka Moo" was created from a heartfelt desire to see African children represented in the stories they watch. Recognised for its approach to early childhood education, the series uses local languages, puppetry, and culturally rooted storytelling to reflect everyday African life. It fosters empathy, teaches essential life skills, and celebrates community.

IWÁJÚ

Nigeria

Production company: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Kugali Media
Distributor: Disney+

Synopsis:  "Iwájú "is a visually striking coming-of-age series set in a futuristic Lagos. The story follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend Kole, a self-taught tech whiz from the mainland, as they uncover the hidden truths and dangers within their divided society. Blending technology with rich African culture, "Iwájú" explores themes of class, friendship, and discovery. The series offers an authentic narrative that redefines African storytelling for a global audience.

Recognised for: "Iwájú" has been recognised for its authentic African storytelling and inclusive vision. The series explores themes of identity, inequality, and innovation in a futuristic Lagos. The series celebrates African culture, language, and leadership, setting a new benchmark for representation in global animation.

IYANU

Nigeria 

Production company: Lion Forge Entertainment
Distributor: Showmax

Synopsis:  "Iyanu" takes place in a Yoruba-inspired world and follows the title character, a teenage orphan girl who discovers that she has power that has not been seen since the age of wonders. She joins with her friends Biyi and Toye, and they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she uncovers the truth about her past, her parents, and her destiny to save the world.

Recognised for: "Iyanu" brings African mythology to life through the journey of a young Yoruba heroine chosen to save her world. The series celebrates cultural heritage, showcases a powerful Black female lead, and promotes inclusive storytelling that reflects Africa’s rich traditions, values, and magical narratives for a new generation of viewers.

SUPA TEAM 4

South Africa, United Kingdom

Production company: Triggerfish Animation Studios, Cake Entertainment
Distributor: Netflix

Synopsis:  Set in Lusaka, "Supa Team 4 "follows four ordinary teenage girls who are recruited by a retired secret agent to become undercover superheroes. As they battle villains and save the world, they must also navigate school, friendship, and growing up. Balancing books and bravery, the girls transform into the unstoppable Supa Team 4—proving that heroes can come from anywhere.

Recognised for: "Supa Team 4" redefines what superheroes look like—four fierce teenage girls from Lusaka battling villains and school life with unstoppable energy. Bursting with Afro-futuristic flair, local flavor, and unapologetic girl power, the series champions Black excellence and inspires a new generation with bold, empowering, and truly African storytelling.

CALEB: BEYOND THE BITE

South Africa 

Production company: WILDTRUST, Love Africa Marketing 
Distributor: WILDTRUST

Synopsis:  "Caleb: Beyond the Bite" is a powerful documentary that follows award-winning actor, para-athlete, and shark bite survivor Caleb Swanepoel as he returns to the ocean for the first time since losing his leg to a white shark in 2015. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Aliwal Shoal, the film explores Caleb’s emotional journey of healing, courage, and reconnection with the very creature that changed his life.

Recognised for: "Caleb: Beyond the Bite" is recognised for its authentic, empowering portrayal of disability. It follows Caleb's courageous return to the ocean after losing his leg to a shark, redefining resilience and identity. The film challenges stereotypes, promotes empathy, and celebrates a powerful journey of healing, advocacy, and self-acceptance.

FACING FORWARD

South Africa  

Production company: Firstlight Studio
Distributor: Firstlight Studio

Synopsis: Centred around the transformative power of para surfing, a sport that not only facilitates physical healing but also fosters a deep sense of pride and agency, "Facing Forward" follows the build-up to the Para Surf 2024 competition. Following the stories of athletes who have found support, training and community through dedicated surf programmes, the film demonstrates how sport can serve as a vehicle for confidence, connection and personal growth.

Recognised for: "Facing Forward" was selected as a  for its powerful portrayal of inclusion through sport. Showcasing para surfers overcoming physical challenges, the film captures resilience, community, and empowerment. It celebrates adaptive athletics as a catalyst for healing and self-belief, offering an inspiring testament to ability, dignity, and the human spirit.

NORMAL TO ME

South Africa

Production company: Mandala Films
Distributor: Mandala Films

Synopsis:  "Normal To Me" is an engaging documentary that intimately explores the lives of individuals with special needs, all employed at a protective workshop in the charming seaside town of Fish Hoek. The film delves into the stories of selected individuals, showcasing their resilience and triumphs as they challenge societal expectations and redefine the notion of 'normal.' 

Recognised for: "Normal To Me" was recognised for its portrayal of adults with intellectual disabilities. Through vibrant visuals, intimate interviews, and warm storytelling, the film breaks down stereotypes, fosters genuine understanding, and challenges viewers to rethink what disability means. It doesn’t just advocate for inclusion—it embodies it, offering a powerful celebration of identity, resilience, and the strength found in difference.

EVERYBODY LOVES TOUDA

Morocco, France, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway

Production company: Les Films du Nouveau, Monde, Ali n' Productions, Velvet Films, Snowglobe, Viking Film, Staer, France 3 Cinema, RTBF
Distributor: mk2 Films

Synopsis:  Touda is a Sheikha, a traditional Moroccan singer, performing in the bars of her provincial town under the wary eyes of men. Facing judgment and struggle, she dreams of a new life in Casablanca—one filled with artistic recognition and possibility. Her deepest motivation: securing a brighter, more hopeful future for her beloved son, who is deaf.

Recognised for: "Everybody Loves Touda" is recognised for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of deafness through Touda’s son, offering rare visibility in North African storytelling. By exploring their relationship within a traditional community, the show challenges social stigma, fosters empathy, and highlights the strength of maternal love in the face of exclusion.

SPECIAL

Nigeria

Production company: Film Vine Media Production
Distributor: Ego Nwosu YV

Synopsis:  Osaze, the adult son of a wealthy and influential Nigerian family, lives with autism and is subjected to emotional abuse, neglect, and shame by his parents and domestic staff. Hidden from public view and treated as a burden, he endures daily mistreatment—until Oreva, a kind-hearted caregiver, is hired. Her compassion and advocacy begin to shift the toxic dynamics within the household. 

Recognised for: "Special" has been recognised for its compelling portrayal of autism and the stigma surrounding neurodivergence in African society. By focusing on the lived experience of an autistic adult, the film challenges misconceptions, exposes harmful treatment, and advocates for dignity and inclusion. Through its emotional narrative, "Special" fosters greater awareness, empathy, and acceptance, making it a vital contribution to inclusive African storytelling.

UME (BREATHE) 

Nigeria

Production company: Blockit Studios
Distributor: Oza Media

Synopsis:  "Ume (Breathe)" explores the fragile line between love, autonomy, and morality. The story follows Adanna, a once-successful doctor who has been left paralyzed following a devastating motor accident. Struggling with her loss of independence, she pleads for assisted death. Her younger sister, Chikamso, refuses—setting off a deeply emotional confrontation rooted in grief, guilt, and unbreakable sisterhood. As the tension builds, "Ume" examines the complexities of choice, care, and what it truly means to let go—or hold on. 

Recognised for: "Ume (Breathe)" is recognised for its powerful and compassionate portrayal of disability, autonomy, and sisterhood. Centering a paralyzed woman’s plea for dignity, the film explores complex themes of love, choice, and emotional resilience. It challenges perceptions and amplifies underrepresented voices with honesty, depth, and inclusive storytelling.

DIEPE WATERS

South Africa 

Production company: Penguin Films
Distributor: MultiChoice Studios

Synopsis:  "Diepe Waters" follows the Swarts family, owners of the Swartmarlyne swimming club, as they train Olympic hopefuls while navigating secrets, rivalries, and personal struggles. The arrival of Lucas, a differently abled swimmer, challenges perceptions and inspires transformation. Set in Johannesburg, the series explores ambition, inclusion, and resilience beneath the surface of competitive sport and family loyalty.

Recognised for: "Diepe Waters" is recognised for its authentic and empowering portrayal of disability through the character of Lucas, a differently abled swimmer who competes alongside able-bodied athletes. The series challenges stereotypes, normalises inclusion in sport and relationships, and highlights resilience—offering a groundbreaking narrative rarely seen in South African television.

ONE WEEKS

South Africa 

Production company: Match Point 
Distributor: Showmax

Synopsis:  "One Weeks" is a heartwarming family sitcom that follows Fana, a lovable high-school dropout from Soweto, who’s stunned to find himself dating Lihle, a brilliant and successful lawyer. Out of his depth but determined to make it work, Fana teams up with Lihle’s clever 10-year-old daughter, Angie, who coaches him through love, class clashes, and how to outwit the competition—especially the rich ones.

Recognised for: At just 11, Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu is winning hearts as Angie in One Weeks. Living with albinism, her role breaks barriers in South African television, offering powerful representation. With humour, charm, and depth, Mangaliso challenges norms, uplifts underrepresented voices, and brings authentic inclusivity to screens in a truly meaningful way.

BLACK WOMEN AND SEX

South Africa 

Production company: Mogale Pictures
Distributor: Mogale Pictures

Synopsis:  "Black Women and Sex" explores the complex relationship between Black women and the politics of sex, through the intimate and powerful stories of three women: a South African trans woman, a Nigerian woman raised in a polygamous household, and a Zambian woman imprisoned over a leaked sex tape. Their journeys reveal how patriarchy shapes their realities—and how reclaiming their sexuality becomes an act of resistance, liberation, and personal power in the face of social and cultural constraint.

Recognised for: "Black Women and Sex" is recognised for Best LGBTQ+ Portrayal for boldly amplifying African women’s voices, including that of a transgender woman—historically excluded from female narratives and activism. The film challenges gender norms, highlights intersectional struggles, and affirms the right of all women to own their sexuality and stories with dignity

ONTHOU VI FREDO?

South Africa  

Production company: None
Distributor: None

Synopsis: "Onthou Vi Fredo?" traces the unsolved murder of Alfredo April, a beloved drag artist and queer icon from Malmesbury, whose death remains shrouded in delayed justice. While his case lingers unresolved, the documentary shifts focus to the vibrant legacy he left behind. Through archival footage, emotional tributes, and personal memories from loved ones, the film honours Alfredo’s life as “Anushka De Patre”—a fearless performer, community pillar, and beacon of pride within South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ and trans communities.

Recognised for: "Onthou Vi Fredo? is recognised for its powerful tribute to a queer icon whose life and legacy embody visibility, resilience, and pride. By centring a drag performer’s story with compassion and dignity, the film challenges erasure, honours community, and demands justice—offering vital representation for LGBTQIA+ lives in South Africa.

YOUNG, GIFTED & QUEER

South Africa

Production company: DStv 
Distributor: MultiChoice Studios

Synopsis: "Young, Gifted & Queer" is a bold and vibrant documentary that delves into the lives of Black queer artists who are transforming South Africa’s cultural and creative landscape. Through intimate storytelling and personal reflections, the film highlights their resilience, artistry, and unapologetic expression of identity. It offers a powerful look at how these individuals are challenging societal norms, creating space for queer visibility, and shaping a future rooted in authenticity, pride, and creative freedom.

Recognised for: "Young, Gifted & Queer" is recognised for its authentic and unapologetic portrayal of Black queer artists in South Africa. By centring real voices over performative allyship, the film highlights resilience, creativity, and cultural impact—offering a bold, honest narrative that advances meaningful representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in African media.

BLIND SPOTS

South Africa 

Production company: N/A
Distributor: None

Synopsis:  "Blind Spots" follows the emotional journey of Nandi and Sinethemba, two women navigating love, vulnerability, and identity in the digital age. Nandi, a restless graphic designer, moves from one fleeting romance to the next until she meets Sinethemba, a magnetic yet emotionally guarded woman. As their connection deepens, past wounds, insecurities, and unspoken truths surface. The film tenderly explores how trust, trauma, and self-protection shape modern relationships and the courage it takes to love—and be loved—authentically.

Recognised for: "Blind Spots" is recognised for its authentic and nuanced portrayal of queer Black women navigating love and vulnerability. By exploring intimacy, emotional trauma, and identity without clichés, the film offers a rare, sensitive look at LGBTQ+ relationships. It challenges social façades and celebrates the courage it takes to be truly seen and loved.

ECSTATIC EXIT

South Africa  

Production company: FAM Films
Distributor: FAM Films

Synopsis: In this genre-defying sci-fi dance film by Hallie Haller, two intergalactic travelers—hunted across dimensions—must reconnect through intimacy and movement to escape their pursuers. With minimal dialogue, the story unfolds purely through intense choreography, physical expression, and atmospheric soundscapes. Set in a speculative future with strong Afrofuturist influences, "Ecstatic Exit" explores queer love, emotional connection, and the body as a vehicle for transcendence.

Recognised for: "Ecstatic Exit" is celebrated for its bold, Afrofuturist reimagining of queer love and embodiment. Through powerful movement, non-verbal storytelling, and striking visuals, the film centres queer intimacy, emotional connection, and Black futurity. It challenges conventions around identity, gender, and storytelling—offering an inclusive, poetic vision of love beyond language and limitation.

NYAME MMA

Ghana

Production company: Church of Stories
Distributor: Church of Stories

Synopsis:  "Nyame Mma" follows Kwamena, a 30-year-old gay man who returns to his hometown of Sekondi after the death of his father, years after leaving due to family conflict over his sexuality. There, he reunites with his former lover, Maroof, now preparing to marry a woman under societal pressure. As Kwamena grieves both familial and romantic loss, surreal dream sequences and spiritual symbolism—like the Ankos festival—reveal a tender, haunting journey of identity, heartbreak, and emotional reconciliation.

Recognised for: "Nyame Mma" is recognised for its powerful and nuanced portrayal of queer identity,
love, and loss within a culturally rich African context. Centering a gay Ghanaian man’s return home, the
film explores themes of rejection, heartbreak, and societal pressure, using magical realism to create
space for LGBTQ+ visibility, emotional depth, and healing.

DIE TOLLIE & MANILA SHOW

South Africa 

Production company: POP24
Distributor: Showmax

Synopsis:  "Die Tollie & Manila Show" is a bold, unfiltered, and fabulously fun South African talk show where drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez welcome celebrities for outrageous conversation, cheeky games, and dazzling transformation—all in drag. The show blends entertainment and queerness in a vibrant, campy space that celebrates self-expression, celebrity culture, and the art of drag with heart, wit, and unapologetic flair.

Recognised for: "Die Tollie & Manila Show" is recognised for its groundbreaking, joyous representation of queer culture on a mainstream platform. By putting drag queens front and centre and featuring beloved South African celebrities in drag, the show affirms LGBTQ+ identities, combats isolation, and proves that visibility can entertain, empower, and even save lives

THE G LIST

South Africa  

Production company: Lost + Found Films
Distributor: OUTtv

Synopsis: Set against the vibrant backdrop of Johannesburg, "The G List" follows the lives of three queer personalities—Kyle Clarke, Lula Odiba, and Mthaux—as they navigate fame, identity, ambition, and relationships in a city where appearances can be deceiving. As tensions rise and egos clash, the series pulls back the glittery curtain on eGoli’s queer scene, revealing the personal struggles, fierce authenticity,
and drama behind the curated images and public personas.

Recognised for: "The G List" is recognised for its bold, unfiltered portrayal of queer life in Johannesburg. By spotlighting real LGBTQ+ personalities navigating fame, identity, and visibility, the series challenges stereotypes and highlights the complexities of queer existence in the public eye. It celebrates authenticity, self-expression, and the power of representation in African media.

THIS BODY WORKS FOR ME

South Africa  

Production company: POP24
Distributor: Showmax

Synopsis: "This Body Works For Me" is a bold, unfiltered reality series that follows the lives of women in Johannesburg’s adult entertainment industry. Season 2 expands the narrative by introducing Lebo, a trans woman who shares her transition journey, adding a powerful perspective on gender identity. Through intimate storytelling, the series challenges stereotypes, humanises its cast of strippers and sex workers, and explores themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the freedom to own one’s body and story.

Recognised for: "This Body Works For Me" was recognised for its groundbreaking portrayal of transgender identity through Lebo’s story. By offering authentic, unscripted visibility into her journey within Johannesburg’s adult entertainment scene, the series fosters empathy, challenges stigma, and celebrates the dignity and diversity of LGBTQIA+ lives in African media.

SHE, HE, THEY

Nigeria

Production company: TIERs Nigeria
Distributor: TIERs Nigeria

Synopsis:  "She, He, They" is set in contemporary Lagos, Nigeria, where living openly is a courageous act of resistance. The story follows Reni, a lesbian navigating love and identity, and her three roommates: Imani, a Muslim lesbian; Ijemma, a trans woman; and Victor, a gay man. As they each face personal challenges—from societal rejection to intimate struggles—the series explores their dating lives, friendships, and resilience in a world that often refuses to see them.

Recognised for: "She, He, They" is recognised for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ lives in Nigeria—a context where visibility is both radical and risky. By centring queer and trans characters with empathy and depth, the series breaks silence, humanises lived experiences, and challenges societal norms, offering courageous, authentic representation in African storytelling.

SMOKE & MIRRORS

South Africa  

Production company:  The Final Chapter Productions
Distributor: ETV

Synopsis:  "Smoke & Mirrors" follows Thandiswa’s descent into a dangerous world of power, revenge, and love after discovering the truth behind her twin sister’s ritualistic murder. As she marries Caesar—one of the men responsible—conflicted by guilt and growing feelings, chaos erupts in Emnyameni. Amid shifting loyalties, the town’s vibrant, openly gay salon owner Leroy brings warmth, wit, and courage. Once entangled in a secret affair, Leroy now lives boldly—offering a defiant, empowering presence in a divided community.

Recognised for: "Smoke & Mirrors" is recognised for its bold inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation through Leroy, a proudly gay character who challenges stigma in a conservative town. His authenticity, resilience, and unapologetic presence offer visibility, hope, and empowerment in African mainstream storytelling.

YOUNGINS

South Africa

Production company: Tshedza Productions
Distributor: Showmax

Synopsis:  "Youngins" follows five high school students at Olifantsfontein High as they form an unbreakable bond while navigating the rollercoaster of teenage life. From academic pressures and young love to confronting corruption and standing up for what’s right, the series explores the real challenges and triumphs of adolescence. With heart, humour, and authenticity, "Youngins" celebrates friendship, resilience, and identity—including powerful moments of queer visibility—against the backdrop of South African youth culture.

Recognised for: "Youngins" is recognised for its unapologetic, youth-driven representation of queer identity in South African schools. Through the stories of a transgender teen, a closeted Head Boy, and a rising influencer, the series gives visibility to LGBTQI+ youth, sparking vital conversations around acceptance, mental health, and coming of age with courage and truth.

Dylan Valley is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and lecturer at the University of Cape Town, known for using film to challenge dominant narratives and amplify marginalised voices. A Pulitzer Fellow and PhD candidate, Dylan’s work—including Afrikaaps and Azibuye—champions decolonial storytelling, Black identity, and inclusive representation across platforms, genres, and geographies. His films have screened globally, from Sundance to Rotterdam.

Esther Pearl is President of Nell Productions and founder of Reel Stories, a pioneering film training program for young women and female-identifying people. A former Pixar Production Manager (The Incredibles, WALL·E, Monsters, Inc.), Esther is committed to gender equity in film. She has produced over
100 women-led shorts and champions inclusive storytelling through education, leadership,
and mentorship across the entertainment industry.

Gibson Ncube is a Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University whose research explores gender and sexual minority representation in African literature and film. He authored Queer Bodies in African Films and has held fellowships at Oxford, Leeds, and the National Humanities Center. He co-convened the Queer African Studies Association (2020–2022) and was named the 2021 Mary Kingsley Zochonis Distinguished Lecturer by ASAUK and the Royal African Society.

Graeme Swanepoel is the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of GOAT Originals, a leader in award-winning unscripted content. With 20+ years of experience and a deep commitment to inclusivity, Graeme champions diverse voices and underrepresented stories across global platforms. His hands-on creative leadership fuses innovation with purpose, helping shape a more equitable media landscape through content strategy, post-production, and global partnerships.

Jason Fiddler is the founder and Festival Director of the Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, launched in 2011. Celebrating its 10th edition in 2024, the festival has showcased over 200 curated features, documentaries, and short films under his direction. Jason has also served on international juries, including MIX Copenhagen and the International Tourism Film Festival Africa, championing inclusive storytelling and LGBTQ+ visibility through cinema across South Africa and beyond

Karen Jeynes is an award-winning writer, director, and creative producer with a dynamic portfolio across drama, comedy, documentary, and children’s content. Her credits include Recipes for Love and Murder, ZANews: Puppet Nation, and numerous Mzansi Magic films. A strong advocate for inclusive storytelling, Karen co-founded DAWN and is completing a PhD on autistic representation in South African media, driving change through both creative and academic platforms.

Keymanna Paulas is a visionary entertainment executive committed to empowering underrepresented creatives across music, film, and business. As CEO of Keymanna Management and the Georgia Entertainment Association, she leads with purpose—mentoring talent, amplifying Black voices, and championing access and equity. Her initiatives reintroduce arts education, foster youth entrepreneurship, and build platforms where talent can thrive, grow, and lead with impact.

Lala Tuku is an award-winning Creative Industry Practitioner with over 20 years’ experience across acting, producing, and broadcasting. Formerly Acting Group Executive for Video Entertainment at the SABC, she helped launch SABC+. As Chair of Africa Rising International Film Festival, she champions inclusive, women-led African storytelling. In 2024, she joined the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Lala is passionate about authentic representation.

Louise Callcott-Stevens is the co-founder and CEO of EarCandy, Africa’s leading media localization provider. A passionate advocate for mother-tongue inclusion and linguistic justice, she has over 25 years’ experience in African media. Twice named among the world’s top 10 most influential people in content localization, Louise champions diversity by amplifying African voices, languages, and talent across global entertainment, education, and creative industries.

Maganthrie Pillay is a pioneering filmmaker, festival curator, and educator with over two decades of experience across film, television, and training. As the first Black woman to direct a feature film in South Africa (34 South),
she has directed over 40 documentaries and co-leads Masala Film Works. Passionate
about inclusive storytelling, she mentors filmmakers and develops innovative audience engagement and education strategies across the continent.

Tarha McKenzie is a seasoned film industry professional specializing in programme and distribution management since 2011. She has managed the Encounters Documentary Festival, coordinated projects for Big World Cinema, TechRow, and Electric South, and currently leads Climate Story Lab Southern Africa. With a talent for strategy, innovation, and collaboration, Tarha plays a key role in bringing powerful non-fiction and immersive African stories to life.

Tongai Furusa is an acclaimed film and television editor with over 20 years’ experience and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Head of Post at 14, 10th Digital Film, he promotes authentic African storytelling across borders. His award-winning work on Inkabi and MTV Mashariki reflects his Pan-African focus. Through leadership roles with SASFED and the South African Editors Guild, he actively advances equitable industry development and representation.