We are proud to announce that Love Africa and our partners took home four awards at the ART&TUR – International Tourism Film Festival for four of our short films. The 16th edition of the world-renowned ART&TUR – International Tourism Film Festival was held over four days and announced its winners on 27 October 2023. The international jury selected 82 finalists from the 262 films submitted from 47 countries. We were awarded three golds and a silver for four short films.
“We are extremely proud to have been recognised on a global scale for these films. A big thank you to our cinematopher, Sven Musica, and the rest of our team for their dedication to the craft of storytelling. We are very grateful to work with passionate individuals and organisations who are making a significant impact in Southern Africa in conservation and tourism. Thank you to them for choosing us to tell their important stories.” Nicola Gerrard – Director, Love Africa Marketing.
About the Films
‘Making CONTACT,’ a five-part mini-series produced with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, took home gold for the ‘Environment and Ecology‘ category. This mini-series showcases South Africa’s K9 conservation heroes. It shares the personal stories of companionship, perseverance, and connection while highlighting key organisations, protected areas, and individuals on the ground.
‘There is Power in our Mountains,’ produced with Semonkong Lodge, was awarded gold for ‘Best Promotional Film: Nature Tourism.’ The short film highlights Lesotho’s impressive waterfalls, mountainscapes, and unique experiences. This production promotes Semonkong Lodge’s offerings of tailored overnight treks featuring local guides and packhorse teams, allowing guests to immerse themselves in mountain life and Basotho culture.
‘The Return of the King‘ was filmed in collaboration with Babanango Game Reserve and came away with a gold for ‘Best African Documentary Film.’ This film documents the relocation of two male lions from Nambiti Private Game Reserve to Babanango Game Reserve, commemorating the reintroduction of lions to the park for the first time in 150 years.
‘This is Home‘ was also produced with Babanango Game Reserve and was awarded silver for ‘Best Nature Tourism Documentary.’ The documentary follows efforts to reintroduce the iconic black rhino into Babanango Game Reserve, aligning with the reserve’s rewilding strategy.
About ART&TUR - International Tourism Film Festival
The ART&TUR is held in Portugal and aims to celebrate the importance of cinematography in promoting tourism worldwide. The festival forms part of the CIFFT – International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals which is a global tourism network that selects the world’s best tourism films annually.
The ART&TUR awards gala was held in Caldas da Rainha at the Centro Cultura de Congressos and hosted by Turismo Centro de Portugal.
About Love Africa Marketing
Love Africa Marketing, based in KwaZulu Natal, specialises in communications in both tourism and the environment across Africa with a focus on impact and awareness through storytelling.
Film Production: Love Africa Marketing
Director and Producer: Nicola Gerrard
Cinematographer and Editor: Sven Musica
Production and Media Team: Janelle Barnard, Casey Pratt, Megan Whittington, Kirsty Baker, Mark Gerrard
