South African cinema just took a major bow on the international stage. The feature film God’s Work, directed by Michael James and produced by Sithabile Mkhize, has been honoured with the prestigious Radwan El Kashef Prize (the Silver Mask of Tutankhamun) at the Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt.
A Rare and Distinguished Honour
The Radwan El Kashef Prize for “Best Film Addressing an African Issue” isn’t your standard annual handout. It is reserved exclusively for films that the High Committee deems “exceptional.”
“This distinction is reserved for truly exceptional works that embody both artistic excellence and deep engagement with African realities.”
— Ms. Azza El Husseiny, Festival Director
Named after the legendary Egyptian filmmaker Radwan El Kashef (1952–2002), the award celebrates cinema that centers marginalized voices with poetic empathy. God’s Work was specifically lauded for its sincere exploration of African identity and its powerful artistic vision.
Voices from the Team
The award was presented to director Michael James by Egyptian MP Dr. Hossam El-Mandouh El-Husseini, signaling the strong cultural bridge between South Africa and Egypt.
Michael James (Director): “This award affirms the importance of telling African stories with honesty. I hope God’s Work continues to contribute to the dialogue around affirming the humanity of the homeless community.”
Sithabile Mkhize (Producer): “This acknowledges a central intention of the film: using the power of cinema to build bridges across humanity.”
Toni Monty (Executive Producer): “It highlights the strength of African filmmaking and the importance of creating platforms where our stories can resonate globally.”