A South African film has won the best documentary award in the 2008 World TV Awards.
The documentary, entitled "The Letter", deals with the personal stories emerging from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Through the story of a mother, who in search of closure and reconciliation, writes a letter to her son's killers, the film aims to increase public awareness around issues of diversity, tolerance and peace.The film was screened on SABC2 as part of the channel's Issues of Faith series and was produced by Johannesburg based Chedza Media.
Speaking of the success, director Coetzee Zietsman said, "We set out to tell the simple story of two people and their journey towards reconciliation. For us, being able to achieve this goal is our greatest achievement."
"I got taken out of my comfort zone and learned about political conflict through the eyes of those involved. It was painful at times, but staying focused on the story kept me going," says Debbie Sprowson, scriptwriter and assistant to Zietsman.
"The spirit in which this documentary was written and filmed takes out the politics so that a healthy civic discourse can take place," she adds.
The 2008 World TV Award program is in its fifth year and is organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD). The AIBD seeks to facilitate regional and international dialogue on electronic media and to assist members through educational programs. This year the AIBD awarded documentaries that promote religious understanding and tolerance.
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