18/07/2025
Cannes Film Award travels to DIFF for “Greytown Girl”
Cannes Film Award travels to DIFF for “Greytown Girl”
South African Film Clinches Prestigious International Recognition
In a historic milestone for South African storytelling, the powerful biopic Greytown Girl has been honoured at the Cannes Film Awards 2025, winning BEST AFRICAN FILM. The award comes hard on the heels of two recent high-profile South African screenings, cementing the film’s growing global acclaim.
Due to other pressing commitments, filmmaker Rani Sitaram was unable to attend the awards ceremony in France. In heartening cooperation, the award travelled to South Africa and was handed over to Rani at the opening ceremony of the Durban International Film Festival on 17 July 2025. There could not have been a better place to hand over this award than the Durban International Film Festival — a festival renowned for its unwavering support of local films and talent. As Greytown Girl is proudly KwaZulu-Natal-based, receiving this recognition on home soil made the moment even more meaningful. It was a celebration not only of cinematic excellence but also of the festival’s commitment to elevating South African voices on the global stage.
Just weeks earlier, Greytown Girl was handpicked to screen as part of a special event in Johannesburg celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the International Rights of the Child, followed by its official selection at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival. These recognitions highlight the film’s deep impact and relevance for audiences of all ages.
Executive Producer Vikash Sitaram, MD of East Coast Media, produced the film and it’s being distributed by Nolava International Content Distribution. Greytown Girl tells the poignant true story of Meena, a small-town girl born with physical limitations and abandoned as a baby, who finds her strength and love across borders through the power of letters.
Speaking from the Durban International Film Festival, AB Moosa, CEO of Nolava International Content Distribution and Executive Producer of the film, shared:
“This is not only a proud moment for Greytown Girl and everyone involved, but a landmark recognition for South African cinema on the global stage. This award is a befitting tribute to the visionary mind of Rani Sitaram, the cinematic brilliance of Oscar-nominated director , the gravitas of renowned actor , and the incredibly moving debut performance of . Their combined talents have brought this remarkable story to life in a way that has deeply resonated with audiences worldwide.”
Written and produced by Rani Sitaram, the film is a multilingual celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage — blending English, Zulu, and Hindi — and carries a universal message of resilience, love, and hope that transcends borders.
Producer delightedly added:
“This award is in honour of Meena, her story, and her resilience. I’m just glad I was able to tell her beautiful truth. Greytown Girl is also my ode to all African Creatives! Here’s to all SA filmmakers who are not afraid to speak authentically and who make products that resonate globally. Let’s continue to show the world our talent, creativity, and our unique ability to raise the vibration of our sacred Earth through sheer determination and powerful storytelling.”
While co-producer Asgar Mahommed was delighted at the news of the win, he reflected:
“This win proves that honest stories from small places can make a big impact.”
The Cannes Film Awards 2025, held at the iconic Variétés Movie, brought together luminaries from the global film industry. Greytown Girl stood out among international contenders for its emotional depth, authentic storytelling, and artistic excellence.
For more information about the film, visit:
https://www.greytowngirlthemovie.com
