A powerfully compelling film that speaks to the silent perseverance of a South African single mother battling to provide for her sons has been honoured with a prestigious Golden Nymph Award at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, the “Television Oscars” of Europe!
Monte-Carlo, Monaco (23 June 2025) – To be South African arguably means to have the winning spirit coursing through our very veins! Waving our flag high and shining the spotlight on our undeniable talent was veteran actress Leleti Khumalo and film producer Anant Singh, who secured a prestigious Golden Nymph Award for the film Don’t Give Up.
Making history at this year’s Monte-Carlo Television Festival, the film proved a firm favourite in the Best Creation category.
In its 64th edition this year, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival has become one of the most prestigious international television festivals in the world, showcasing quality content from around the world, including digital platforms. The Festival is considered to be the television equivalent of the Oscars in Europe.
Don’t Give Up is a compelling project, directed by Darrell James Roodt, that stars Leleti Khumalo, who plays Faith, a single mother struggling to provide for her two young sons, Lucky and Siyabonga.
The captivating storyline sees Faith beg for money from uninterested commuters on her corner and live in an abandoned car in an alleyway in central Johannesburg.
In an IOL interview, Singh divulged that the film confronts the serious social issues of poverty and homelessness that affect people around the world, whose challenges and tribulations are never heard.
“And just like that, WE WON! Savele sabuya nayo indondo (We returned home with the trophy),” exclaimed an overjoyed Leleti on her socials.
“An absolute honour to have gone up and accepted this award with my producer, Anant Singh someone who is always by my side in my career. Another huge thank you to our director, Darrell James Roodt. I’m forever grateful to work with you,” the South African star added.
Congratulations, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa, have poured in for the remarkable talents who crafted and brought to life a production that speaks to the tough realities experienced by the most vulnerable of our society and their resilience to keep going even when all the odds are stacked against them.
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ICA Live Art Festival Returns to Cape Town's Streets, Gardens and Public SpacesWe, too, congratulate the storytelling prowess of the South African team behind a film that hasn’t only received international acclaim but has also reminded us and the world of the silent perseverance of our people.
Sources: Various – Linked Above
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