The 24th edition of Open Doors, the Locarno Film Festival's co-production platform and talent development program, has wrapped up its second year with a focus on African voices. This initiative, which provides training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, has unveiled its winners, showcasing the diverse and powerful stories emerging from the continent. Here's a breakdown of the awards and the films that will receive support and recognition.
Open Doors Grant
This CHF 50,000 grant, sponsored by visions sud est, the City of Bellinzona, and the Open Doors initiative, aims to support the development of African film projects. The winners are:
- A Vineyard for A Lobster by Talemwa Pius, produced by Emmanuel Gashumba (Gripmagic Uganda Limited), Uganda. This film explores the impact of a sudden snowfall on a drought-stricken village, leading to a complex web of interests and tensions. The story delves into themes of power dynamics, community, and the consequences of external interventions.
- Accept My Plea for Burial by Mohammed Sheikh, produced by Kadir Harbi (Aleel Films), Somalia/Djibouti. The film centers on the tragic death of a young boy and the subsequent conflict within the village. It highlights the struggle between grief, justice, and the community's need for closure.
- Too Much Music by Aseye Fiagbe, produced by Aseye Fiagbe (Aseye Fiagbe Creative Studio), Ghana. This documentary delves into the life of Kiki Gyan, a Ghanaian keyboard prodigy who rose to fame with Osibisa. It explores the challenges of credit and ownership in the music industry and the impact on an artist's career.
CNC Development Grant
The CNC development prize, worth 8,000 euros, is awarded to support the development of a fiction project.
- Chapa 100 by Ique Langa, produced by Lara Sousa (Kulunga Filmes), Mozambique. This film tells the story of an elderly flower vendor, Sitóe, and his quiet romance with a vegetable seller, Valentina. It explores themes of love, community, and the impact of a tragic event on a person's spirit.
ARTEKinoInternational Award
This 6,000-euro award aims to support the development of a project that challenges societal norms and expectations.
- The Ones With the Tempered Flowers by Neema Ngelime, produced by Ivy Kiru (LBx Africa), Tanzania/Kenya. The film delves into the life of a woman who defies societal expectations and explores her body's relationship to self, society, and the political weight placed on women's bodies.
Sørfond Award
The prize includes participation in the Sørfond Pitching Forum at the Films From the South festival in November.
- The Ones With the Tempered Flowers by Neema Ngelime (already mentioned).
EAVE Award
In collaboration with the Film Fund Luxembourg, EAVE will offer a scholarship for the EAVE Marketing Workshop.
- Mamounata Nikiema (Pilumpiku Production), Burkina Faso.
Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award
The prize includes a residency at Tabakalera and participation in the industry activities of the San Sebastian Film Festival.
- I Live in V.I. by Ugochukwu Azuya, produced by Olubunmi Ogunsola (ENSEMBLE), Nigeria.
Rotterdam Lab Award
A participant from the Open Doors Producers will take part in the Rotterdam Lab training workshop in January 2027.
- Adja Mariam Mahre Soro (Studio KÄ), Ivory Coast.
Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Consultancy Prize
A consultancy prize for a feature film or series project directed by a national of an OIF Member State within the French-speaking Global South.
- Sarah by Pocas Pascoal, Angola.
AFP Critics Prize
Presented by African Film Press (AFP) LLC, this prize includes a USD 500 cash award, a certificate, and editorial coverage.
- Submergido by Ariel Añez, produced by Joseph Mata, co-produced by Ariel Añez (Maochas Filmes), Mozambique.
These awards highlight the diverse range of stories and perspectives emerging from Africa, showcasing the power of cinema to address complex social issues and challenge societal norms. The support provided by these initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to the development and success of these films, bringing them to audiences worldwide.
