She added, “Through their visual narratives, the works offered an authentic and engaging window into the dynamics and realities of African life.”
The contest was divided into four categories, including professional audiovisuals by individuals, professional audiovisuals by non-profit organizations, professional audiovisuals by commercial entities, and audiovisuals by young creatives under the age of 25.
Of the 187 submissions that were received from various nationalities, “MathMoms - Where Children Come to Learn” by Gerald Schank was declared the winner in the professional individual audiovisuals category.
The jury lauded Schank’s “extraordinary” depiction of female empowerment through education in his documentary that explored education in South Africa.
“The work shows how maternal love and community initiatives can create safer and more confident spaces for learning, even in the toughest environments,” read a note from the jury that Miranda shared with ACI Africa on October 28.
The jury added, “The documentary tells the profound impact of mathematical knowledge and personal growth, offering hope and transformation for the future of communities.”
For the professional non-profit organizations’ audiovisuals category, “The Strength of the Unseen: Sierra Leone, The Right to Dream” by Pedro Fernandez Quiroga, Taio Gardey, and Sol Buscaglia emerged winner.
The jury acknowledged the documentary’s “poignant depiction” of resilience in post-conflict Sierra Leone, saying, “The film highlights the profound impact of education in transforming lives marked by violence.”
“Through clear narration, the documentary offers a message of hope, strength, and solidarity, highlighting the often-forgotten struggles of African nations in reconstruction,” the jury said.
“The Heartbeat of Budaka” by Uganda’s Lornah Hope Apiyo took the award in the young creatives’ audiovisuals category “for its powerful message of hope and the transformative role of individuals in rural African communities.”
