As the AFDA 2024 Graduation Festival unfolds in full swing, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of AFDA’s 2023 graduation films. The award-winning trio—Anguish, Warm, and Cipher—dominated the South African entertainment awards circuit while also earning international recognition.
Anguish
Produced by Raheem Razak and directed by Mandisa Mary-Jane Mtembu, Anguish achieved global acclaim by winning the Best Student Film Award at the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards in Los Angeles. Notably, it was the only undergraduate film to make the shortlist at this prestigious event. Later, in November 2024, the film clinched the Best Student Film accolade at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), further cementing its legacy.
Warm
Directed by Lindokuhle Mthimkhulu, Warm stood out with multiple accolades. The film earned the Best South African Student Film award at the Durban International Film Festival 2024. In December 2023, it also won the Best Student Production Award at the 11th African Emerging Filmmakers Awards. Adding to its triumphs, Warm received the Equality Unleashed Award at the Sauti Zetu Film Festival, a testament to its impactful storytelling and social relevance.
Cipher
Cipher, directed by Matthew Oscroft and produced by Skyye Ndlovu, continued AFDA Durban’s streak of excellence by winning the Best Student Film award at the 11th Annual Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards in July 2024. This marked the tenth consecutive year that an AFDA Durban graduation film received this prestigious honor, showcasing the school’s consistent dedication to quality filmmaking.
The success of Anguish, Warm, and Cipher underscores AFDA’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and excellence. These films are a testament AFDA’s role in shaping the future of South African and global cinema, creating stories that resonate across cultures and borders.