Don't Give Up: South African film wins Golden Nymph Award at Monte-Carlo Television Festival
Anant Singh, second from right, and actress, Leleti Khumalo, second from left, were in attendance to receive an award for the film Don't Give Up, which won best creation at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. Presenting the award was stars, Sarah Rafferty, left and John Reardon, right.
Image: Supplied
The South African produced film, Don't Give Up, won the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s coveted Golden Nymph Award in the ‘Best Creation’ category.
The awards ceremony took place at a glittering event at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Tuesday night.
Producer, Anant Singh and lead actress, Leleti Khumalo were in attendance to receive the award which was presented by television stars, Sarah Rafferty (Suits) and John Reardon (Hudson & Rex).
In its 64th edition this year, the Monte-Carlo Television festival has become one of the most prestigious international television festivals in the world, showcasing quality content from around the world including digital platforms.
The festival is considered to be the television equivalent of the Oscars in Europe.
Sweden's "Vanguard" won the Golden Nymph Award for best series and "On a Day in September" won best film.
Don’t Give Up, a Videovision Entertainment film that is directed by Darrell James Roodt, follows the life of Faith, a homeless beggar and a single mother of two young sons Lucky and Siyabonga, and her bid to survive in the harsh environment of modern day Johannesburg.
Khumalo thanked the 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival, the Videovision team and Roodt who came up with the amazing project.
"And I thank Anant for always believing in me and for always having faith in me. To the Prince and Princess, thank you for having us here in Monte Carlo, and I’d also like to thank my family for always supporting the work I do. Thank you so much, this is humbling,” said Khumalo, on receiving the award.
Singh said it was a pleasant surprise, especially being in competition with other great films.
"This is a film about homeless people who have no voice and that has no dialogue. It is essentially a homage to the silent movie and it represents homeless people all around the world, and the music of Philip Glass and Peter Gabriel give it that special magic.
"We are delighted to have this little South African film about homeless people win this special prize. I’d like to acknowledge the creation of these awards by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, and acknowledge your Highness Prince Albert for continuing to celebrate the creative communities which are so important. It’s my third year here at the Festival and I am delighted to take home this Golden Nymph with Leleti,” said Singh.
Don't Give Up is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Distant Horizon with executive producer Sanjeev Singh, producer Anant Singh and is written and directed by Darrell James Roodt.