Akin Omotoso’s ‘Vaya' selected for Berlin
Akin Omotoso is making his mark in the film world with well received films like God is African, Man on Ground and the award winning romantic comedy Tell Me Sweet Something, his latest film Vaya has been selected alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest, for the Toronto International Film Festival. Based on real stories, Vaya weaves three separate plots that intersect in a gripping, edgy and deeply moving story about coming to the city and struggling to survive. It’s about strangers who never meet, but share a moment when all their lives explode and change forever. After having premiered at Toronto International Film Festival, Vaya has now been selected for the Berlin International Film Festival.
After premiering at Toronto Akin Omotoso’s Vaya will play the the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival in February.
Trailer:
As Toronto International Film Festival Artistic Director Cameron Bailey notes: “They are strangers to one another, yet bound by interlocking destines and a shared naivette. Imagine a South African spin on Amores Perros and you are partway there. Shifting effortlessly between scenes of intimacy and of bracing violence, Vaya exudes compassion for each of these small town characters but does not hold back from plunging them into the urban snakepit that awaits. Many filmmakers have ultilised the network narrative to relay broad social commentary, Omotoso, bolstered by brilliant performances and Kabelo Thathe’s sizzling camerawork, wisely focuses on tension, character and milieu, leaving the conclusions up to us.”
Vaya is produced by Robbie Thorpe, Rethabile Mothobi, Harriet Perlman and Ronnie Aptekeer. Executive produced by Matthew Moodley, Cecil Barry and Jan du Plesis. The film was financed by The South African Department of Trade and Industry, MNET, Mvest Media, The Gauteng Film Commission, Ford Foundation, Raith Foundation, Red Pepper Films, Ladies and Gentlemen and The National Film and Video Foundation.
Vaya will screen at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival at the following dates and times: Saturday February 11th at 22:00 at Zoo Palast 2 (E), Monday 13th February at 20:15 at CineStar 3 (E), Tuesday 14th February at 22:30 at Cubix 7 (E) and Saturday February 18th at 17:00 at Zoo Palast 2 (E).
