The South African documentary Mother City received the prestigious President Thomas Sankara Award at the 2025 edition of FESPACO, Africa’s largest and most influential film festival held in Burkina Faso. The award celebrates films that reflect the principles of Pan-Africanism, social justice, and resistance—values deeply embedded in Mother City. The documentary explores the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in Cape Town, highlighting the resilience of activists advocating for change.
FESPACO serves as a major platform for African cinema, featuring over 200 films from across the continent and the African diaspora. Producer Kethiwe Ngcobo expressed immense pride in the recognition, emphasizing how the film’s themes align with the legacy of Thomas Sankara’s fight for justice. Director Miki Redelinghuys also shared her appreciation for the experience, describing the festival as an inspiring gathering of visionary filmmakers. She reflected on how the warmth and passion for cinema in Burkina Faso exceeded her expectations, making the award an especially meaningful honor.
Beyond the accolades, the Mother City team engaged in crucial industry discussions at FESPACO. They participated in the Doc Days session, an initiative supported by DocA and Real Reel Impact (RRI), both of which have played a significant role in the film’s impact campaign. Redelinghuys highlighted the importance of fostering relationships with African-based organizations, stressing how collaboration strengthens the documentary industry. The festival also saw strong representation from South African filmmakers, with initiatives like the Lab of Labs by Durban FilmMart (DFM), Climate Story Lab, and Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, all of which have supported Mother City’s journey.
As the film continues its festival run and impact screenings, director Pearlie Joubert noted that the award honors the courageous individuals fighting for land justice in South Africa. She reiterated their demand for policy implementation rather than charity. Local audiences will have the opportunity to watch Mother City at the Joburg Film Festival, running from March 11 to 15. The documentary will be screened on Saturday, March 15, at 1 PM SAST at NuMetro 3, Hyde Park.