Akin Omotoso’s award-winning feature film Vaya will screen at the kykNET Silwerskermfees in Cape Town next week ahead of a limited, Oscar qualifying release in cinemas on 15 September. Vaya is one of the films being submitted for consideration as South Africa’s official submission for next year’s Oscars.
Vaya had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016 before going on to screen at several prestigious film festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival, the Sydney International Film Festival and the New York African Film Festival. Most recently, Vaya scooped Best Screenplay and Best Director at the Africa Movie Academy awards in addition to Best South African Feature Film at this year’s Durban International Film Festival.
Helmed by Akin Omotoso, Vaya is produced by Rethabile Molatela Mothobi, Robbie Thorpe, Harriet Perlman, Ronnie Apteker, Matthew Moodley, Jan du Plessis, Cecil Barry and Akin Omotoso. The film stars Mncedisi Shabangu, Sihle Xaba, Sibusiso Msimang, Zimkihitha Nyoka, Azwile Chamane, Warren Masemola, Nomonde Mbusi.
One train. Four people. Strangers bound for Johannesburg, each on their own mission. But one event will irrevocably change their lives forever. Based on real stories, Vaya weaves three separate plots that intersect in a gripping, edgy and deeply moving story about coming to the city and the struggles to survive in the metropolis. It is about strangers who never meet, but share a moment when all their lives explode and change forever.
Vaya is the product of The Homeless Writer’s Project, set up by producers Robbie Thorpe and Harriet Perlman, and comprising David Majoka, Tshabalala Leboneng, Anthony Marella and Maddi Natali, who meet once a week to share stories and ideas. These lived experiences were written down and crafted into a film script.
Vaya is distributed in South Africa by Times Media Films and goes on general release on 27 October 2017.
View Trailer here:
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