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.
2024 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS WINNERS
2024 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS WINNERS
DIVERSITY IN KIDS' PROGRAMMING
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