Soon to premiere in Tasmania, new feature film Akoni won two of the most coveted awards at the Australian Screen Industry Network Awards on the weekend.
The production took home Best Actor for Kit Esuruoso and Best Supporting Actor for Mark Coles Smith, and earning a Special Distinction in the Best Feature Film category.
From young Australian filmmaker Genna Chanelle Hayes comes the story of a homeless refugee, played by Esuruoso, who struggles to integrate into Australia society after escaping conflict in his homeland, until he meets a woman who opens her home, and ultimately heart, to him.
“Over 100 million people are displaced in today’s world, the highest number in recorded history,” said Hayes.
“It is for this reason, that our film is as important today as it could ever be, particularly as we are yet to create policies in this country that uphold the human rights of those seeking safety on our shores.
“My team is incredibly grateful to the Australian Screen Industry Network Awards for recognizing our independent film, along with the incredible talent who continue to be part of bringing this story to life.”
Australian Screen Industry Network Awards Director Brenda Papworth said: “We were so pleased to give recognition to Genna Chanelle Hayes’ debut feature film. Akoni is a beautiful film with enormous heart that reverberates with so many, and I believe echoes inside us all.”
Kit Esuruoso is a rising star of London’s West End, best known for his stage roles and stars in the new film alongside Hayes playing the role of Violet. Mark Coles Smith (Last Cab to Darwin, Mystery Road) features as Sammy.
Akoni is Hayes’ feature directorial debut and she hopes to use film as medium to raise awareness of the dire global human rights issues and institutional racism facing close to 100 million refugees globally. The picture, produced across Australia, Ghana, Nigeria and the United Kingdom, will premiere with a series of Q&A events around the country throughout Refugee Week (19 – 25 June).
Human Rights for All is the official charity partner of the national screening programme. The events’ aim is to drive fundraising to support freeing those who continue to be trapped inside of Australian detention centres, with a portion of its national screening tour also being donated to the cause.
TAS – Hobart Akoni premiere Tuesday 21 June, The State Cinema.
Q&A with the cast from 17:30. Tickets available here.
