Two Showmax produced South African programmes recently received awards at MIP Africa’s first Inclusive Lens awards for LGBTQIA+ representation at the 2024 FAME Week Africa festival held in Cape Town, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The awards ceremony took place in MIP Africa Theatre 1 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) 2 on Tuesday, 3 September.
Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap won the award in the ‘Non-Scripted Series’ category, while Wyfie won the award in the ‘Scripted Series’ category, according to Showmax’s website.
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Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap has been described by the Inclusive Lens citation as being an ‘authentic and vibrant portrayal of Cape Town’s drag queen scene’, while also providing an eye-opening introduction to this colourful community, according to the MIP Africa website.
Furthermore, Wyfie‘s Inclusive Lens citation declared that the programme ‘portrays the complexities of university life for four young women […] Balancing mischief and moral dilemmas, the characters’ journeys highlight resilience and personal growth’.
Other South African winners in the ‘Representation of LGBTQIA+’ category at the festival included the documentary The Radical in the ‘Non-scripted Features’ and the film Runs in the Family in the ‘Scripted Features’ category.
Additionally, the film iNumber Number: Jozi Gold received the award in the ‘Scripted Features’ category for ‘Representation of Disability’, while Binnelanders received the award in the ‘Scripted Series’ category for ‘Representation of Disability’.
The award winners were selected by a panel that included Jason Fiddler, Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival director, Karen Jeynes, director and producer, Athenkosi Kwinana, visual artist and activist; and Dr Shelley Barry, multi-award winning filmmaker, among others, according to IOL.
‘In the dynamic landscape of film and television, the power of representation plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, inspiring change, and fostering a more inclusive society,’ the MIP Africa website stated.
‘The Inclusive Lens Awards are designed to spotlight and reward exceptional efforts in the portrayal and inclusion of diverse narratives and characters, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ representation, disability awareness, and the depiction of diversity in children’s content.’
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Picture: FAME Week Africa / Facebook