The Crownwood International Film Festival has awarded ‘Bogoshi Bjaka’ two awards for ‘Best Feature Film’; and ‘Best Women Filmmaker’ for Lizzy Moloto. Directed by Percy L Maboane, ‘Bogoshi Bjaka’; is the latest South African movie to make waves in the international circuit.
‘Bogoshi Bjaka’ is a suspense-filled thriller that focuses on a Pedi Royal House; where two brothers war over their ailing father’s throne. ‘Bogashi Bjaki’ takes on a “Cain and Abel” premise where Mothapo; the older brother, is expected to take on the throne but his younger jealous brother, Lerumo, contests him. The conflict not only angers the ancestors but makes their father gravely ill. The Royal House is then split into factions and the fight for power ensues. Women, spiritual diviners, money and natural strength are weapons of the war. The film is performed purely in the Sepedi language and the actors’ performances are engrossing.
Sepedi is one of South Africa’s eleven official languages and is spoken by a small fraction of South Africa’s population. Pedi director Maboane expressed immense pride on hearing that the film had won two international awards; and congratulated producer Moloto for winning best filmmaker.
“We are delighted that the film won an award for producer Lizzy Moloto; in National Women’s Month,” director Maboane expressed in a TimesLive report.
‘Bogoshi Bjaka’ was also nominated for best film at the Hollywood International Golden Film Awards; in Los Angeles on the 17th of August and made it to the finals.
The film stars Sipho Eric Ndlovu, David Mello, Innocent Sadiki and South African stalwarts; Charles “Big Boy” Maja and Candy Moloi who both passed away early this year.
Watch the trailer below: