From animated adventures in futuristic Lagos to heartfelt stories of love, disability, and identity, the 2025 Inclusive Lens Awards will shine a spotlight on original and thought-provoking African screen projects. The finalists, drawn from across the continent and the diaspora, have been announced ahead of the awards ceremony taking place on September 2 at FAME Week Africa in Cape Town.
In a statement, Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa, says, “As conversations around diversity grow more challenging globally, Africa must lead in reframing a narrative that honours the multitude of voices on this continent”. This year’s ceremony will feature a keynote address by award-winning social innovator and disability inclusion advocate Tarryn Tomlinson.
The judging panel includes filmmakers, academics, and entertainment veterans such as Dylan Valley, Esther Pearl, Gibson Ncube, Karen Jeynes, Lala Tuku, Maganthrie Pillay, and Keymanna Paulas, alongside industry experts like Graeme Swanepoel, Jason Fiddler, Louise Callcott-Stevens, Tarha McKenzie, and Tongai Furusa.
The awards feature three categories: Diversity in Kids’ Programming, Representation of Disability, and Representation of LGBTQIA+, covering both fiction and non-fiction works.
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Below is a list of the finalists by category.
Diversity in Kids’ Programming
Pre-School Programming
Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes (South Africa, Canada, France)
A brave Black girl and her friends protect their community with heart and tech.
Kunda and Friends (United Kingdom)
Gentle adventures promoting character-building in an inclusive African world.
Waka Waka Moo (Namibia)
A mix of puppetry and live action teaching life skills in local languages through playful, culturally rooted stories.
Older Kids Programming
Iwájú (Nigeria)
Tola and Kole explore a futuristic Lagos, uncovering hidden societal truths.
Iyanu (Nigeria)
An orphan with magical powers defends her homeland in a Yoruba-inspired realm.
Supa Team 4 (South Africa, United Kingdom)
Four teen girls from Lusaka juggle school and superhero duties under a retired spy’s guidance.
Representation of Disability
Non-Scripted Films
Caleb: Beyond the Bite (South Africa)
Shark attack survivor Caleb Swanepoel returns to the ocean, embracing healing.
Facing Forward (South Africa)
Para surfers prepare for the 2024 Para Surf competition, showing how sport changes lives.
Normal To Me (South Africa)
A moving look at the lives of adults with special needs working at a protective workshop in Fish Hoek.
Scripted Films
Everybody Loves Touda (Morocco, France, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway)
A Moroccan singer strives for a better life for herself and her deaf son.
Special (Nigeria)
A man with autism begins to heal with the help of a caring companion.
Ume (Breathe) (Nigeria)
A paralysed woman seeks assisted death, sparking an emotional reckoning with her sister.
Scripted Series
Diepe Waters (South Africa)
A swimming club drama featuring a differently abled swimmer competing equally and a breakthrough portrayal of a young girl with albinism.
One Weeks (South Africa)
Comedy about a high school dropout dating a top lawyer while raising a wise 10-year-old daughter.
Representation of LGBTQIA+
Non-Scripted Films
Black Women and Sex (South Africa)
Personal journeys of Black women exploring sexuality.
Onthou Vi Fredo? (South Africa)
A thorough look into crime, legacy, and identity.
Young, Gifted & Queer (South Africa)
Profiles of queer African creatives.
Scripted Films
Blind Spot (South Africa)
A nuanced love story of queer Black women navigating relationships and vulnerability
Ecstatic Exit (South Africa)
Sci-fi dance film where two intergalactic travellers reconnect through different dimensions.
Nyame Mma (Ghana)
Magical realism about a gay Ghanaian man facing rejection and heartbreak after returning home.
Non-Scripted Series
Die Tollie & Manila Show (South Africa)
Talk-show spotlighting queer stories.
This Body Works For Me (South Africa)
Reality storytelling about body image, identity, and empowerment.
The G List (South Africa)
Follows three queer personalities navigating fame and identity in Johannesburg.
Scripted Series
She, He, They (Nigeria)
A portrayal of LGBTQ+ lives in a challenging social climate.
Smoke & Mirrors (South Africa)
Suspense drama centred on a salon owner.
Youngins (South Africa)
Teenage friendships explore identity and belonging.
The 2025 Inclusive Lens Awards will be held at MIP Africa Theatre 1, Cape Town International Convention Centre, on September 2. For full finalist profiles, visit the awards’ official page.
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