10 films shortlisted in Discovery Rise competition

The 10 filmmakers were matched with 10 storytellers (beneficiaries, partners and staff) from SCSA, who embarked on a journey to share each tale, having received a R10,000 contribution from Discovery Rise to go toward their production. Now completed, the films are available to be watched by the public, who will vote for their favourite and decide on the winning film. Each of the storytellers also received a contribution to their academic or professional development.

WATCH: During this #16Days campaign, we call on YOU to play your part in ensuring the safety of vulnerable members of our society. We will also bring you 10 short films documenting the plight of our children and the work of those helping create a better future for our children. pic.twitter.com/JUxcwAbyD3

— Save the Children SA (@SaveChildrenSA) November 25, 2020

Over 250 responses were received,” says JFF founder and organiser Lisa Henry. “Out of which 10 filmmakers were chosen for their passion and vision – people whose one-pager motivations touched me in some way and who I thought would embrace this kind of project.

The films can be watched and voted for at jozifilmfestival.com, with voting closing on 10 December at 12pm (CAT). The stories can also be watched across Discovery’s portfolio of channels in South Africa, including Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Food Network, HGTV, ID, Real Time, TLC and Travel Channel.

Launched to help shine a global spotlight on SCSA and the incredible work that they do, Discovery Rise (Reducing Inequalities and Supporting Empowerment) is a global initiative focused on reducing inequality and supporting empowerment around the world. In South Africa, the Rise initiative supports SCSA, an organisation established in 2013 to fight for children’s rights.

Shortlisted films and filmmakers:

Papa Wa Ngwana - Andrew Hofmeyr (Johannesburg)
Stateless - Anele Hlongwane (Cape Town)
Mia Mapula - Colin Macrae (Cape Town)
Waiting to Bloom - Fidel Tshivhasa (Pretoria)
Rise Sonto Rise - Grant Scissons & Shahir Chundra (Johannesburg)
The Beauty in Plight - Kabelo Ramputa (Pretoria)
Pain to Ashes - Londiwe Shange (Pietermaritzburg)
Diffuse - Naomi Gumede (Durban)
Learning to Teach - Rapelang Ntamu (Johannesburg)
Zero to Five - Tamarin Gerrierty (Johannesburg)

The winning film will be announced on 11 December, with the winning filmmaker walking away with state-of-the-art filming equipment to the value of approximately R50,000. All of the SCSA storytellers taking part will also receive educational tablets from Discovery Rise.

Voting is now open and closes on 10 December at 12pm (CAT).

Visit jozifilmfestival.com to watch the films, vote, and for more information.

Storytellers have agreed to tell their stories. Child actors have been used to protect identities.