Other winners include the drag-artist thriller Stiekyt which also won three awards, Barakat which won six and Gaia five. The Festival also recognised the former kykNET boss, Karen Meiring, and director of M-Net channels, Jan du Plessis, for growing the local industry over the past decades.
Leemtes en Leegheid is a poignant film about Magdaleen, a recluse in her 80s, who numbs the pain of losing her husband by envisioning him beside her.
After being locked away with the memory of him in her apartment, she desperately attempts to venture into the outside world again and to the sea she so longs for.
"We have seen how this story of grief and isolation has resonated so widely, and we hope it brings comfort and closure to those who watch it.
“We are honoured that the film has received such high recognition at Silwerskermfees and we hope it travels to audiences around the world,” says producer, Blumberg.
"Within the past few years, we have all experienced tremendous loss and loneliness in many shapes and forms, which is why we believe the story of Leemtes en Leegheid truly resonates with audiences,” says Sank.
“It is an intimate film that explores what happens when we have to learn to live without those we love so dearly.
“Winning the Audience Choice, Best Short Film and Best Script Awards at Silwerskermfees show how deeply the themes and characters within the film are able to penetrate the hearts of those who watch it,” adds Sank.
Produced by Sanktuary Films, with a screenplay by Sank, and Terence Makapan, the film features veteran actors of stage and screen, Lida Botha, Johan Botha and Ivan Abrahams.
The short film will be coming to Showmax soon.
Entries for the 11th kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival are now open. Enter here
