Best LGBTQ+ representation

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

• FILM – scripted 
• FILM – unscripted 
• SERIES – scripted 
• SERIES – unscripted 

Best Disability  representation

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.

• FILM – scripted
• FILM – unscripted
• SERIES – scripted
• SERIES – unscripted

Best DEI Representation in Kids Programming

This category applauds programmes that introduce young audiences to the concept of diversity and inclusion, offering stories that are as diverse as the world's children themselves. By presenting a variety of background and perspectives, these programs help cultivate empathy, understanding, and respect from an early age.

• Pre-school
• Older-school

Unseen Impact Award

This award recognises individuals, teams, or organisations working behind the scenes to advance diversity and inclusion within the industry. Nominations should highlight initiatives, leadership, and actions that promote D&I, including challenges overcome. Submissions must also demonstrate measurable outcomes and the lasting impact these efforts have had on creating more inclusive, equitable environments.

CALEB SWANEPOEL
Caleb is an award-winning South African actor, para-athlete, and motivational speaker known for inclusive storytelling that champions resilience, diversity, and human connection. After surviving a life-changing shark attack, he built a career across stage and screen while competing as a para-surfer. Through 'Beyond the Bite' and his advocacy work, Caleb inspires empathy, courage, and greater inclusion for people of all abilities.

JAMES BYRNE
James is co-founder of the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) and a board director of CineTour. He champions diversity, inclusion and equitable access in the creative economy, creating platforms that amplify African voices and open opportunities for emerging talent. Through ITFFA, he connects storytellers, using film to reshape perceptions of Africa and support sustainable careers for young creatives across the continent.

JASON FIDDLER
Jason is the founder and director of the Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (DGLFF), established in 2011 and recognised as one of Africa’s oldest city-based LGBTIQ festivals. Based in Durban, he has spent over a decade championing queer storytelling and emerging filmmakers. A returning Inclusive Lens judge, he brings a passionate, community-rooted perspective and a sharp eye for authentic, inclusive narratives.

KAREN JEYNES
Kare  is a Venice TV Award-nominated director and two-time International Emmy-nominated writer and producer with over 20 years’ experience. She was Head Writer and Co-Director on 'Recipes for Love and Murder'. As Executive Producer at Both Worlds Pictures, she creates globally resonant stories, including 'The Morning After', while championing diverse storytelling and ensuring authentic African voices are represented on the world stage.

KIM JAYDE
Zimbabwean-born creative entrepreneur, TV host, and founder of KJ Productions, Kim  has built a global brand rooted in authenticity, sneaker culture, and powerful storytelling. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she uses her platform to champion African voices, youth culture, and representation across global media, consistently amplifying underrepresented stories and perspectives. 

LALA TUKU
Lala is an award-winning creative industry leader with over 25 years’ experience. Currently Head of Content at SABC, she champions inclusive storytelling and equitable industry practices. With expertise spanning content strategy, financing, and distribution, she brings a global perspective shaped by international markets, festivals, and policy platforms—driving commercially viable, socially responsive, and impactful storytelling.

LAWRANCIA MQWEBU
Lawrancia is an accomplished South African producer and creative strategist with over 22 years’ experience in film and television. At Black Brain Pictures, she has shaped content that resonates locally and globally. Her expertise spans production, development, and casting, including 'Paradys'. Passionate about inclusive storytelling, she mentors emerging talent through Media City Academy and champions industry growth.

LOUISE CALLCOTT-STEVENS
As Co-Founder and CEO of EarCandy, she connects content creators with diverse audiences across Africa through multilingual localisation, including dubbing, subtitling and audio production. Passionate about inclusion and accessibility, her work ensures stories are understood across languages and cultures. Since 2004, EarCandy has localised over 20 000 hours in 28 languages, helping global and African content reach more  audiences.

THABILE NGWATO
Thabile is a dynamic entrepreneur with over a decade in broadcasting. She founded Rapid Innovation, home to Newzroom Afrika, a 100% black female-owned news channel advancing representation and equity in media. Through Bluestream Technologies and Ray Content Hub, she drives inclusive innovation. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2024), she champions diverse, transformative African media ecosystems.

TARHA MCKENZIE
Tarha has over 12 years’ experience in film, specialising in programme and distribution management. She manages Africa’s premier documentary festival, Encounters, and leads Climate Story Lab Southern Africa. Her work spans Big World Cinema, Electric South, and Black Women Disrupt, championing inclusive storytelling, gender equity, and access. Tarha is committed to  building equitable, impactful film ecosystems across Africa.

TARRYN TOMLINSON
Tarryn is a television presenter, producer, and writer with over 15 years’ experience in broadcast and storytelling. Best known for hosting 'ACTIVATED', an award-winning SABC 2 series exploring disability and inclusion, she creates impactful, purpose-driven content. A former director at The TVSmiths, Tarryn is a leading voice advocating for representation, accessibility, and inclusive narratives across film, television, and media industries.

TONGAI FURUSA
With over 24 years in film and television, Tongai is a Senior Editor and Post-Production Supervisor at 14 10th Digital Film. Passionate about inclusive storytelling, he champions authentic African narratives that resonate globally. His collaborative approach values diverse voices across every stage of production. Tongai has worked on projects including 'MTV Shuga' and 'Inkabi', bringing culturally rich, representative stories to life through his craft.