documentary produced for South African free-to-air commercial channel e.tv won the award for the best short film at the recent Portuguese Surf Film Festival (PSFF) in Ericeira.

Produced by Megan Steyn and directed by Olmega Mthiyane of Blue Fire Productions, Kushaya Igagasi encompasses stories of street kids who were saved by surfing, as well as the restoration process that took place in their lives.

Says Mthiyane: “I was quite thrilled to hear that our film Kushaya Igagasi won the award. The documentary is about four remarkable young men who did their best to tell their stories as honestly as possible, which helped convey the message and the plight faced by street kids. It’s important to always emphasise that there is hope for a brighter and safer future for street kids, especially when they are able to engage in healthy activities like surfing. We all have a role to play in raising a child.

“When we were filming the documentary we never imagined we would win an international award. It is so liberating to know that the children have been exposed to the rest of the world.”

e.tv head of Channel Monde Twala adds: “We are honoured that once again our local content is receiving international recognition. Kushaya Igagasi is one of many e.tv programmes that highlight the unique and often inspirational stories of everyday South Africans. The production team did an excellent job in conveying a story that our viewers can relate to.”

Kushaya Igagasi was broadcast on e.tv on 6 January 2013.

A new season of local documentaries will air on e.tv from Sunday, 5 January 2014 at 6:30pm.

Source: ScreenAfrica