Ngunu Ngunu Kan (Rumours of War) by Soussaba Cissé, Mali 2012.
Soussaba Cisse’s Rumours of War (Ngunu Ngunu Kan) from Mali was named as Best Feature Film at 2nd Colours of the Nile International Film Festival (CONIFF).

Praising the winning film Rumours of War (Ngunu Ngunu Kan) for “capturing in a very personal way a complex story applying a very unique cinematographic style and narrative structure” the jury said that the film  “reflected a situation that is very prevalent on the continent with great passion and urgency.” 

President Dia by Ousmane William Mbaye, Senegal 2012.
The winner in this category is a masterfully crafted and refreshing film that narrates the personal fallout between two long time friends and political allies and the ensuing consequences that derailed the project of Senegal's decolonization and its process of nation building. This film reveals a hidden layer of this sad story through the personal lens of a leading nationalist who in 1962 was imprisoned with the filmmaker's uncle. It represents not only Senegal's experience but evokes the unrealized hopes and aspirations of the entire African continent. It is a visually stunning film skillfully structured with archival materials, interviews with protagonists who lived through this history, and contemporary images that recall this past.

The jury was struck by this “masterfully crafted and refreshing film that tells of the fallout between long time friends and political allies, Mamadou Dia and Leopold Senghor and the ensuing consequences that derailed Senegal’s decolonization and its process of nation building.” They praised the film’s emotional depth, cinematic integrity and the economy of storytelling style.


Adamt by Zelalem Woldemariam, Ethiopia 2013.
The jury found this well crafted film captured “a national trauma through the lens of a musician and his muse.” Creativity mediates the past and the present and restores hope to keep working toward a better future. They praised the protagonists who give powerfulperformances that concisely convey a deep and emotional portrait of a difficult period in history that continues to permeate their everyday lives.'

 

Magambi Nitenga for his role in Nairobi Half Life.
The jury commended Nitenga’s range of performance portraying a village boy who becomes a  city gangster while  at the same time advancing an acting career.

 

Bertukan Befkadu for her role in Nishan.
The jury applauded Berktukan Befkadu’s “portrayal of a character that carries the film through its unexpected twists and turns while maintaining her integrity in a complex society by upholding its human values.”

Special Mention goes to Uche Nwadili for her role in B for Boy, portraying a very complex and demanding role of a modern African Woman saddled with the reality of patriarchal tradition.


Ngunu Ngunu Kan (Rumours of War) by Soussaba Cissé, Mali 2012.
The experimental Cinematography of Rumors of war found its language for a particular film, it worked very well in capturing the ambiance of the film at times is beautiful and verges on the surreal.

Special Mention goes to Zamora by Shams Bhanji, Tanzania 2012, for captivating camera work painting the interior struggles of a man caught up in tormented love.


Por aqui tudo bem (All is Well) by Pocas Pascoal, Angola .
The jury admired “the creative use of direct sound and sound design to enhance dramatic tension.”


Ngunu Ngunu Kan (Rumours of War) by Soussaba Cissé, Mali 2012.
The Soundtrack  impressed the jury as it  “used organic music which echoed beyond the present to the history of the Malian people as a call for promoting peace and unity.”


Virgin Margarida by Licínio Azevedo, Mozambique 2012.
The transposition of documented events into a screenplay is a challenge.

The jury says, “This screenplay brings back to life historically important events and questions certain imported idealism of the time. We recognize the integrity of the story tellers, telling relevant stories with creativity and passion.”

 

The 2nd Edition of Colours of the Nile International Film Festival is organised by Blue Nile Film and Television Academy in partnership with Ethiopian Filmmakers Association. The festival is made possible with the generouse support of the European Union, Institut  Francais, UNESCO, Organisation Internationale dela Francophonie, Alliance Ethio-francaisd'Addis-Abab, Embassy of the Republic of France in Addis Ababa. Embassy of the Republic of France in Kenya, The Italian Cultural Institute, Timret Lehiwot Ethiopia, W/Loul Travel and Tour, Reporter News Paper, KETA Printers Plc and Leyu Design.

Thanks so much everyone for participating and we hope to see you all back next edition of CONIFF!