FAME Week: Abbesi Akhamie took home three awards at the 2025 FAME Shorts Film Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, for her film The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí, including Best Short Film. The ceremony took place on 3 September as part of FAME Week Africa, a prelude to the FAME Shorts Film Festival itself.
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In her reaction, Akhamie said, “Our team worked hard to create this film and we are proud to walk away with these accolades.”
She also noted that the awards were the film’s first set of awards since its run at festivals. “This win is for Africa. FAME Shorts is carving a space for loud and unapologetic African voices to be heard globally”
The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Ajayi has had quite a run on the festival circuit. Screening at NollywoodWeek Film Festival and African Film Festival in New York. Starring Ellie Foumbi and Ayoola Ayolola, it was also nominated in the Best Short Film Category at the 2025 AMVCAs. The film follows a young woman who discovers the secret of her fiancé, a familiar story told through the vibrant colours and rich African aesthetic, as stated in our earlier review.
This year’s edition presented 31 short films from across the continent, arranged under the themes Night Terrors, In Family We Trust, Here for the Underdog, and Tender Riot. The programme highlighted stories about identity, freedom, and resistance across a variety of genres.
See the full winners’ list below.
Best Screenplay
Belinda – Isaac Kasende
Best Score/Song
Ecstatic Exit – James Matthes and Keith Kavayi
Best Make-up and Hair Styling
JIMBI – Ester Nakaziba
Best Production Design
The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí – Christelle Matou
Best Director
Ari Kruger – King George
Best Actor
Brent Palmer – King George
Best Actress
Muadi Ilung – Belinda
Best Supporting Actor
Tiago Marques – Punter
Best Supporting Actress
Annie Robinson Grealy – Belinda
Best Costume Design
Yety Akinola – The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí
Best LGBTQ+ Film
Blind Spots – Miselwa “Missy” Ngamlana
Best Student Film
V’S SECRET – Bassma Farah Nancy
Best Documentary
Onthou vi Fredo? – Cleveland Hopp
Best Short Film
The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí – Abbesi Akhamie
Best Animation
Pal – Isaac Kannigan
A new award, the Outstanding Contribution to African Cinema, went to Cindy Lee. It was presented by Vivian Machuene Chuene, TikTok’s Content Partnerships Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The FAME Shorts Film Festival runs from 4 to 6 September at The Labia Cinema, Cape Town.
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