Vaya
SYNOPSIS
Vaya (a Tsotsitaal term meaning "to go") weaves together three separate stories of individuals who travel from their rural homes in KwaZulu-Natal to the sprawling metropolis of Johannesburg, each searching for a better life or a way to help their families. Nhlanhla is lured by the promise of a job from a distant cousin, Zanele is tasked with bringing a young girl to her mother in the city, and Nkulu arrives to claim his father’s body for burial. As their paths converge at the Park Station, their innocent expectations are shattered by the harsh realities of urban life, crime, and the struggle for survival. Based on true stories from the Homeless Writers Project, the film is a gripping, unsentimental look at the displaced and the desperate in modern South Africa.
PROJECT DETAILS
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Original title: Vaya
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Length: 115 min
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Country: South Africa
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Produced by: Rififi Pictures
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Original language: Zulu
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Shooting format: Digital / Color
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Streamer: Netflix (International via ARRAY)
CREDITS
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Writers: Craig Freimond, Tshabalira Njophela, Robbie Thorpe, David Majoka, Anthony Mafela
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Director: Akin Omotoso
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Producers: Robbie Thorpe, Rethabile Ramaphakela, Katleho Ramaphakela, Ronnie Apteker, Harriet Perlman
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Cinematography: Kabelo Thathe
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Editor: Vuyani Sondlo
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Music: Joel Assaizky
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Cast: Phuthi Nakene, Azwile Chamane-Madiba, Madoda Ntuli, Sihle Xaba, Zimkhitha Nyoka, Nomonde Mbusi, Sibusiso Msimang, Warren Masemola
FESTIVALS & AWARDS
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Toronto International Film Festival 2016: World Premiere
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Berlin International Film Festival 2017: Official Selection
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Africa Movie Academy Awards 2017: Winner – Best Director (Akin Omotoso)
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Africa Movie Academy Awards 2017: Winner – Best Cinematography (Kabelo Thathe)
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Africa Movie Academy Awards 2017: Winner – Best Sound
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South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) 2018: Winner – Best Feature Film