Written by: Xolisani Khumalo

The 37^th Durban International Film Festival’s closing night was accompanied by an awards ceremony, which took place at the Durban Playhouse.

The awards ceremony took place just before the screening of the closing film, a documentary about an artist’s search for spiritual healing in Brazil called The Space in Between: Marina Abramovic and Brazil.

Tess and Embrace The Serpent scooped most of the awards.

The award for best South African feature film went to Tess by Meg Rickards, a feature film based on the award-winning book called Whiplash; the film follows the story of a sassy 20-year-old prostitute from Cape Town.

Tess also took the award for Best Editing by Linda Man and Best Actress by Christia Visser (Tess).

The Best Actor award went Mohsen Namjoo for his performance in Radio Dream.

The Best South African Documentary Film went to Journeymen by Sean Meterkamp, which opened the festival on the 16^th of June.

The Best Documentary Film went to Martha and Niki and the Best Feature went to The Violin Player.

Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award went to Noma by Pablo Pinedo.

Embrace The Serpent took Best Direction by Ciro Guerra and Best Screenplay by Francois Babits.

Chris Lots won Best Cinematography for Endless River and Artistic Bravery went to Neon Bull.

Best Short Film went to Grandma’s Day, The Best African Short Film Award went to New Eyes and eKhaya (Home) won the Best South African Short Film.

Attendees were also treated to a cocktail party where local R&B and House singer Bucie serenaded them.

*Caption: Peter Machen delivering the closing speech at the 37^th DIFF