by Thinus Ferreira
The South African film Snake, directed by Meg Rickards, has won two awards at the Florence International Film Festival in Italy, scooping Best feature film as well as the Best actress award from the youth jury for its young star Lamiyah Barnard in the role of Stella.
Snake is based on the novel by Tracey Farren.
Snake has been a labour of love for everyone involved. The Best Film award from the Youth Jury at Florence is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and heart that went into making it," says Meg Rickards.
"Lamiyah was just nine years old when we filmed, and her ability to bring such emotional depth to the lead role as Stella is extraordinary. I am delighted that she has received the Best Actress award. I couldn't be prouder of her and the entire team."
Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, producer, says "These two awards are a wonderful
recognition of the film, affirming the power of storytelling and the importance
of sharing voices like Stella's with the world. We are thrilled that South
African audiences will have the chance to experience Snake when it's released
on eVOD in April this year."
Snake has been selected by two prestigious
festivals taking place in February 2025.
First, the film will compete at the Pan
African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Additionally, Snake has been nominated for awards at the Barcelona
Indie Awards which will be hosted as a live-screening event in February
2025.
Snake was produced by
Known Associates Entertainment and Boondogle Films and is currently available on Amazon Prime Video in Africa, and is distributed by Known Associates Distribution.
Snake also stars Neels van Jaarsveld, Keenan Arison, Tarryn Wyngaard, Rika Sennett,
Carel Nel, and Jennifer Steyn.
