Cape Town film-maker Dan Mace’s two short documentaries, Mine Sniffing Rats and Gift have both won second prize in different categories at the Cannes Film Festival’s Young Director Awards.
Mace, 26, placed second in two categories at the prestigious festival.
Mine Sniffing Rats, a frenetically edited and succinct film about the explosive-detecting rats of Mozambique, won silver in the Changing the World Frame by Frame category.
Gift, an energetic vignette about a brassy youth on the streets of Cape Town, came second in the Short Film category.
“I think it’s been going for eight years at Cannes and I was nominated in two out of the four categories; this is for the Changing the World Frame by Frame category and the other for the Short Film category. I got two silvers and came second in both.”
Mace says there has been an increase in South African talent over the past few years.
“There’s a climb in the online film and YouTube channel filmmakers, not just directors. These are youngsters that shoot and edit pieces which is amazing. The level of film is increasing.”
Thrilled about the two accolades and recognition, Mace believes the short film format is growing in popularity. He attributed the growth to online channels like YouTube and the ease of technology needed to make films:
“There are youngsters that shoot and edit pieces that are amazing. The level of film is increasing.”
This accessibility and spirit of experimentation could offer opportunities for budding South African film-makers to leave a global impact on the industry.
Mace’s other projects, available to watch on his YouTube channel Dan the Director, includes music videos, nature documentaries and experimental films.
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