Nigerian and South African filmmakers dominate the award winners list
Shedrack Salami’s “Beyond Olympic Glory” Among Big Winners at HACC 2025
BY Esther Kalu
April 18, 2025
8:01 am
The recently concluded Hollywood Africa Cinema Connection (HACC) 2025 has recognised notable film projects for their outstanding storytelling.
Held in Cape Town from Apr. 11 to Apr. 14, 2025, the film festival saw Nigerian filmmaker Shedrack Salami’s “Beyond Olympic Glory” take the spotlight, winning Best Documentary.
The festival organisers announced the winners’ list via Instagram on Apr. 16, highlighting African stories that stood out among their 32 official selections.
In addition to Salami’s win, other notable winners included “Belinda” by Isaac Kasende, which won the Jury Top 3 spot, while “Lottery Love” by Mlungisi Thabiso Mhlanga won the Jury Award for Best Feature Film.
“Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor,” by South African filmmakers Corne Van Rooyen and Tascha Van Der Westhuizen and featuring Danny Ross, also secured the Audience Choice Award.
Expressing his gratitude, Salami shared how he never saw the recognition coming. He also extended his appreciation to StoryMi Academy, where his journey with “Beyond Olympic Glory” began.
“This is a story I gave my all to and to see that it is now crossing borders, being seen, being heard and now being honored…it means the world to me,” he said.
Winning Best Documentary at HACC 2025 marks the first award for “Beyond Olympic Glory,” which tells the inspiring story of Nigerian female boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore.
