TikTok, the ultimate hub for captivating short-form videos and proud official partner of the 76th edition of the Festival de Cannes unveiled three nominees from Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the global winners of the highly-anticipated #TikTokShortFilm 2023 competition. Showcasing the immense talent within its community, this competition exemplifies TikTok’s unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and celebrating fresh perspectives.
The #TikTokShortFilm competition is a compelling invitation for creators around the world to unleash their creative prowess and bring scripted content to life in a compact, impactful format. A distinguished jury of esteemed cinema professionals undertook the arduous task of selecting the crème de la crème from an initial pool of 40 top-notch videos, following meticulous internal filtration and review.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s Rising Stars
The Festival de Cannes #TikTokShortFilm 2023 competition has witnessed the rise of two extraordinary South African creators and one exceptional Nigerian creator, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage as they made this year’s nominee list. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the limitless talent and unwavering dedication present within the African creative community.
Mokhatla Jeneva (@kojie8): Hailing from South Africa, Mokhatla Jeneva is a TikTok creator with a staggering 4.9 million views to her name. Her shortlisted video paints a vivid picture of a teacher quizzing a student about the concept of DNA. This authentic and engaging content beautifully captures the essence of South African classrooms.
Cassidy Nicholson (@agirlnamedcassidy): With an impressive 5.4 million likes, Cassidy Nicholson takes viewers on a transformative journey in her video, “A wholesome day in my life.” Embracing imperfections, Cassidy displays vulnerability while navigating a chaotic world. Despite the challenges, she embodies resilience and a determined spirit, inspiring others to find their place in the world. In addition to her TikTok success, Cassidy Nicholson is a seasoned professional actress, having starred in international films such as Cinemax’s Warrior, Johnny Knoxville’s Action Point, and Lifetime Television’s Clan of the Cave Bear. With her extensive experience and talent, Cassidy brings a unique perspective to the world of short-form filmmaking.
Umar Adamu Sufi (@uascomedy): Umar Adamu Sufi is a young and vibrant TikTok creator and comedian from Nigeria. Through his captivating content, he effortlessly embodies multiple personalities, showcasing his creative flair and innovative thinking. His unique ability to captivate audiences with his comedic genius is a true testament to his talent.
Announcing the Trailblazing Winners
Best Direction – Esteban Vial (@estebanvial) from France triumphs with his groundbreaking masterpiece, The Shrink Friend.
This cinematic gem brilliantly captures the complexities of relationships in a fun and engaging way. Reflecting on his triumph, Vial shares, “From the very beginning, my passion has been to transform fiction into unforgettable movies. The #TikTokShortFilm competition allowed me to turn that passion into reality. Winning this prestigious prize fills me with immense pride. Knowing that my films can connect with audiences inspires me to continue refining my craft.”
Best Script – Lucas Millions Dutra (@madalena_aragoa) takes home the crown with his mesmerizing animated film, (Nos) naCabeça (In Our Heads).
Through a breathtaking interplay of shadows and light, this animated masterpiece transports viewers into the world of a young girl grappling with schizophrenia alongside her entourage. Dutra’s exceptional storytelling prowess and artistic vision struck a chord with the judges, earning him this remarkable accolade. Dutra expresses his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Participating in this esteemed competition is an incredible honour. The Festival de Cannes represents the pinnacle of film festivals worldwide, and being part of such an extraordinary event is a dream come true. Knowing that my beliefs and aspirations can resonate with people fills me with joy. I extend my deepest thanks to TikTok for providing this platform and ensuring cinema remains an integral part of our lives.”
The Festival de Cannes #TikTokShortFilm competition has once again pushed the boundaries of creativity, providing a platform for emerging and seasoned filmmakers to tell their stories in fresh, authentic ways. As Sub-Saharan African creators continue to showcase their immense talent, TikTok remains dedicated to nurturing and empowering the creative community. With the unwavering support of TikTok, these creators are unlocking their full potential, creating content that resonates with audiences around the globe. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and inspiring creators as TikTok continues to revolutionize the world of short-form filmmaking.
The first edition of the #TikTokShortfilm competition debuted in 2022, igniting a vibrant platform for emerging and seasoned filmmakers to tell their stories in fresh, authentic ways, courtesy of TikTok’s innovative, creative tools. As a testament to TikTok’s community impact, boasting over one billion active users per month, creators worldwide were invited to share their short-form films from March 6th to March 23rd, 2023, utilizing the hashtag #TikTokShortfilm.
