‘Vaya’ cast up for 12 gongs at Africa Oscars
Local flick and its stars receive a nod for AMAA awards
The South African film Vaya received 12 nominations at this year’s African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
The awards were announced last week at an event held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Vaya, directed by Akin Omotoso, is nominated in major categories like best African film in an African language, best actor in a supporting role, best actress in a supporting role, best actress and best screenplay.
Omotoso said: “As director, I am very happy and proud of our team. This film took eight years to make and the fact that it has been recognised the way it has is just amazing.
“From its international premiere in Toronto, to Lagos, Joburg, Berlin, New York and now the AMAAs – I feel truly blessed.”
Cast members Warren Masemola, Zimkhitha Nyoka, Nomonde Mbusi and Omotoso were all nominated.
Nyoka has been nominated for best actress, up against award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who appears in the film Queen of Katwe.
Vaya, which premiered last year at the Toronto Film Festival, tells the stories of three strangers from Durban on a train bound for Johannesburg.
Omotoso added: “The film was inspired by the lives of Maddox Ntuli, Tshabalira Lebakeng, Anthony Mafela, David Majoka who serve as cowriters with Robbie Thorpe, co-producer Harriet Perlman and Craig Freimond.”
Other South African films nominated include Happiness is a Four Letter Word, Call Me a Thief, Dora’s Peace and Whale Caller.