The 2026 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) celebrated cinema from Africa and the Middle East, with Shahaad Ameen's film Hijra being awarded Best Feature Film.
The festival commenced with the screening of Mohamed Al-Daradji’s Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream, alongside a special showing of Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story. This production, which originated in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, garnered recognition for its compelling narrative, high cinematic quality, potent performances, and effective use of the natural environment.
The festival's creative director, Weaam Williams, mentioned that she initially encountered Hijra at the Red Sea Festival and was immediately captivated by it. Williams stated that the positive reception from HACC attendees indicated the film deserved a much broader viewership. She further elaborated that HACC plans to seek avenues to present the film in local theaters and connect with communities throughout South Africa and the wider continent.
Izenzo Zami, created by Lwazi Duma, secured an honorable mention. The creative director noted that the jury was highly impressed by the film's scope, its directorial execution, and its utilization of established South African actors within a narrative concerning alcoholism.
Лучший короткометражный фильм
In Her Shoes, a film by Nigerian filmmaker Ella Ogechi Chikezie, won the award for Best Short Film. This movie portrays a young girl with autism residing in rural Nigeria, where awareness regarding this condition remains limited.
Ori, directed by South African filmmaker Sabelo Zamisa, received an honorable mention. This piece delves into themes of grief, modernity, and culture through the experience of a young individual who has lost a sibling.
Лучший документальный фильм
Dawood Hilmandi's Paikar was named the winner of Best Documentary. The film chronicles the lives of a family whose existence has been shaped by migration. Its production spanned across the Netherlands, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Paikar was chosen as the official entry representing the Netherlands for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The documentary received an honorable mention for Albert Maritz’s The Boy Behind the Wardrobe, a character-focused film detailing Winston Wicomb, who faced marginalization under apartheid due to his skin color. The film also investigates Wicomb’s professional relationship with cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard.
Награда основателя Weaam Williams
Okuruwo: Tale of the Holy Fire from Namibia was the recipient of the Weaam Williams Founder Award. Williams commended the film for its production standards and storytelling, characterizing it as an indigenous magical-realist tale centered on the Himba people.
The festival extended its gratitude to all the filmmakers who presented their works, as well as the organizing team, which included Nafia Kocks, Bheki Dladla, Thandekhaya Ncosani, Kastarine Kgola, and Andrew Ngare. HACC also acknowledged its audience and various partners, such as IOL, Photohire, and the First Nations Collective. Financing for HACC 2026 was provided by Holocene Films.
