Remember to vote for your favourite “Don’t Stop Wondering” Award Winner

CN&CO’s close relationship with Business Arts South Africa (BASA) means that we have been a part of the Jozi Film Festival from its inception to the success that it is today. This year the Jozi Film Festival celebrates its sixth year and once again we are proud to be involved yet again. The festival is aimed at celebrating and acknowledging film making talent across South Africa. This year’s top 10 finalists for the Discovery Channel “Don’t Stop Wondering” awards are as follows:

“DISCOVERY”, by Manqoba Shongwe from Swaziland

We explore every day but neglect to learn. In this film, Manqoba took the time to pay attention to some of the things he saw in his everyday explorations and shares what he gathered. Manqoba said, “It’s a great honour to be selected as a finalist in the Discovery Channel ‘Don’t Stop Wondering’ category of the Jozi Film Festival. Not only is it validating for my work to be recognised in this manner, but it is also really cool for my voice to be heard on such a platform.” From Monday 31 July, 13:35

“PUPPETSULA”, by Michael Rodrigues and Shaun James from South Africa
Puppetsula follows Jabu, a puppeteer who travels to instill joy in all those that witness his fiery performances of traditional dances. Michael and Shaun said, “Coming from hardship and still having a passion to give joy to others is truly remarkable. We applaud Jabulani Simango and can’t wait to share his amazing talent with our country. Thank you to Discovery for providing a platform for his story to be seen.” From Monday 31 July, 20:00

“SITHAIDI: THE TRADITIONAL XHOSA BEAD ARTIST”, by Caley Kolk from South Africa

This film follows Sithaidi’s journey to work every day: a scenic 6-hour trek in rural Transkei. The story showcases how creativity overcomes seeming human adversity, old age and a lifelong polio condition, and how creativity ultimately inspires us to live. Caley said, “As a first time film maker, I am simply delighted our film has progressed to the Top 10. I am thrilled that Thaidi’s story is finally being seen by the world – she is a woman of great strength and her simple philosophy, cocky nature and tenacity is a continual source of inspiration to me. In her own words, she is number 1. I hope to report back to her that her film is number 1 too!” From Tuesday 1 August, 13:35

“THE ASCENSION”, by Dieter Du Plessis from South Africa
This short documentary follows the journal of a trail runner, with a voice-over that relates life to mountain climbing. Dieter said, “It feels like a door being opened after years of knocking!”From Tuesday 1 August, 20:00

“THE TRAGEDY OF AFRICA”, by Dusty Van Niekerk from South Africa
The Tragedy of Africa looks at Africa’s beauty inside and out, following the sad reality behind the harsh rhino poaching crisis which South Africa faces. Dusty said, “I am so grateful and excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity to share my film with everyone” From Wednesday 2 August, 13:35

“MR ABILITY”, by Okuyo Joel Atiku Prynce from Uganda

This is a story of Simon Peter Lubega, a physically impaired, creative artist who wakes up early every morning and works against all odds on his art pieces to raise money to support himself and his family. Okuyo said, “I am highly honoured to be set apart for this prestigious moment, amongst creative minds, by a world class channel. My first work as a director to be selected and aired on discovery channel is indescribable.” From Wednesday 2 August, 20:00

“EGG SLAP”, by Pressilla Nanyange from Uganda

Egg Slap explores a childhood game, football, but with a twist. Pressilla said, “I am beyond excited to be selected among the top ten; I’m feeling blessed.” From Thursday 3 August, 13:35

“SJANGALALA: THE NEW ERA”, by Siphiwe Phiri from South Africa

This is a documentary about a pastor who is breaking the stereotype surrounding the art of spinning cars. Siphiwe said, “I have been in the TV industry for over 8 years now and this is by far the biggest acknowledgement I have ever received for my work. Thank You to Discovery Channel Africa, Jozi Film Festival and ALL its sponsors for creating such a platform for young creatives like us! SIYABONGA!” From Thursday 3 August, 20:00

“NON-PEOPLE”, by Wesley Rhode from South Africa

This documentary celebrates the trials and tribulations of South Africa’s informal recyclers – people that are over looked and ignored. Wesley said, “Myself and my team who put this film together are extremely excited and feel blessed to be chosen as part of the top 10 films, we are happy that our hard work has paid off and that our vision and our story has been recognized.” From Friday 4 August, 13:35

“ANOTHER SUNNY DAY”, by Tim Huebschle from Namibia

This film tells the story of how life must be for someone whose skin has no protection from the sun, living in a country that averages over 80% sunshine during any given year. Welcome to Paulus’s life in Namibia. Tim said, “To have Another Sunny Day selected as one of the Top 10 finalists is one of those magical moments that rarely happen. I’m humbled by the opportunity and look forward to viewing the other nine magical works from across our continent.” From Friday 4 August, 20:00

The chosen films celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Africa, and they are waiting for you to decide their fate. Who will walk away with the title and amazing prize? That’s up to you. Voting will close on Monday, 28 August at 23.59 CAT on the Discovery Channel Africa website, so don’t miss your chance, vote now!

The winning filmmaker will be flown to Johannesburg to receive their prize at the Jozi Film Festival awards ceremony on 24 September 2017.

Join the conversation on Twitter @discoverysa and by liking us on our Facebook page Discovery Channel South Africa, using #dontstopwondering and #jff2017.