Colours of the Nile International Film Festival 2014

Lenses on African Renaissance

Rumours of War (Ngunu Ngnunu ) Scoops three awards at the Colours of the Nile Film Festival in Addis Ababa(Photo: Ngunu Ngunu Kan)

Soussaba Cisse’s Rumours of War (Ngunu Ngunu Kan) from Mali was named as Best Feature Film at 2^nd Colours of the Nile International Film Festival which ran in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 24^th – 31^st 2014. Rumours of War also won Best Cinematography and Original Soundtrack.

The jury was made up of distinguished Nigerian director, Newton I. Aduaka (Rage, Ezra); Salem Merkuria, Ethiopian writer producer. director, videographer and video installation artist: Sudanese independent filmmaker Taghreed Elsanhouri; South African producer/director and Bafta award winner Xoliswa Sithole; German born Ethiopian director/ producer Daniel Taye Worku and Daniela Rofi counselor of economic and cultural affairs of the European Delegation to Ethiopia.

 Praising the winning film Rumours of War (Ngunu Ngunu Kan) for ‘capturing in a very personal way a complex story applying a very unique cinematographic style and narrative structure” the jury said that the film  “reflected a situation that is very prevalent on the continent with great passion and urgency.”  The Cinematography was lauded for capturing the ambiance of the film, which was at times beautiful and verging on the surreal. The Soundtrack  impressed the jury as it ‘ used organic music which echoed beyond the present to the history of the Malian people as a call for promoting peace and unity.’

 Other awards went to;

 Best Documentary – President Dia by Ousmane William Mbaye (Senegal)

The jury was struck by this ‘ masterfully crafted and refreshing film that tells of the fallout between long time friends and political allies, Mamadou Dia and Leopold Senghor and the ensuing consequences that derailed Senegal’s decolonization and its process of nation building.” They praised the film’s emotional depth, cinematic integrity and the economy of storytelling style.

 Best Short Film – Adamt, by Zelalem Woldemariam (Ethiopia)

The jury found this well crafted film captured ‘a national trauma through the lens of a musician and his muse. They praised the protagonists who give powerfulperformances that concisely convey a deep and emotional portrait of a difficult period in history that continues to permeate their everyday lives.’

 Best Actor – Mugambi Nitenga in NairobuHalf Life  (Kenya)

The jury commended Nitenga’s range of performance portraying a village boy who becomes a  city gangster while  at the same time advancing an acting career.

 Best Actress – Bertukan Befkadu – Nishan (Ethiopia)

 The jury applauded Berktukan Befkadu’s “portrayal of a character that carries the film through its unexpected twists and turns while maintaining her integrity in a complex society by upholding its human values.”

 Best Sound – All is Well by Pocas Pascoal (Angola)

 The jury admired ‘the creative use of direct sound and sound design to enhance dramatic tension.’

 Best Screenplay- Virgin Margarida by  Licinio Azevedo (Mozambique)

 The jury said, ‘This screenplay brings back to life historically important events and questions certain imported idealism of the time.’

 Special mentions went to Uche Nwadili’s for her performance in B for Boy, and  the Tanzanian film Zamora  for the captivating camera work.

 The 2nd Edition of Colours of the Nile International Film Festival is organised by Blue Nile Film and Television Academy in partnership with Ethiopian Filmmakers Association. The festival is made possible with the generouse support of the European Union, Institut  Francais, UNESCO, Organisation Internationale dela Francophonie, Alliance Ethio-francaisd’Addis-Abab, Embassy of the Republic of France in Addis Ababa. Embassy of the Republic of France in Kenya, The Italian Cultural Institute, Timret Lehiwot Ethiopia, W/Loul Travel and Tour, Reporter News Paper, KETA Printers Plc and Leyu Design.

Attached Stills:

Still 1 = Winning director  Soussaba Cisse  (daughter of the Legendary Malian director Souleymane Cisse – Yeelen, the wind and Watti )

Still 2 = Rumour of War (Winning Fearture Film)

Visit: www.coloursofthenile.net

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