Winning filmmaker, Tristan Holmes, front row second on the left.
The film is about Nomakaya (Ayanda Sithole), a disillusioned policewoman, haunted by the memory of a boy's death, who must decide between the city and her rural home when the protection of her own child (Kagiso Kuypers) is placed under threat. Her traditionalist father (Jabulani Makhubu), now too weak to look after him, journeys the long distance to Johannesburg to convince her to return. It is through a broken and lost street child, Moses (Motlatsi Mafatshe), that she is able to find the strength in herself to forgive, and resume her responsibilities as a mother.
Elalini joins the ranks of phenomenal indigenous films like Yesterday (a nominee) and Tsotsi (a winner) that have carried the South African flag in the international world film industry.
Tristan Holmes, the director, said, "It is a truly phenomenal experience, one that that I have not yet fully comprehended. I am astounded, amazed and humbled. I am above all else grateful that this film and others are paving the way for a sustainable South African film industry and am happy to be part of it."
Garth Holmes, AFDA Chairperson says, "The AFDA executive has always believed that AFDA films are of a high quality and globally competitive. However, this is the ultimate accolade - we are justly proud of these young AFDA filmmakers that have pulled off this stunning show."
Bata Passchier, AFDA Chief Executive Officer said, "South Africa is a country filled with incredible talent and potential. The talent and passion that is evident needs to be focused in areas that provide the students with carefully designed learning programmes that will develop their necessary skills at the highest level. When all that is achieved we can then truly rise to take a unique place in the top artistic achievers in the world. This year we have begun, we now see the need to focus on making these achievements consistent, through strong educational programmes."
As the winning filmmaker, Tristan was invited Los Angeles as a guest of the Academy to spend the Student Academy Awards week with the other winning filmmakers from the United States. The Awards week began on Wednesday, June 7th and culminated with the Student Academy Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 10, 2006. AFDA Chairman, Garth Holmes and CEO, Bata Passchier, also attended both the awards ceremony and the preceding VIP reception. AFDA is one of the leading outcomes-based degree institutions of its kind in the world and is listed by the Council on Higher Education as one of the top six Private tertiary institutions in South Africa.
Over the last 10 years AFDA has become a South African institution of international reputation and excellence and is the only film and drama school in this country that is a full member of the International Association of Film and Television Schools (CILECT).
