Our stunning 11 1/2″ 24K custom gold statuette is manufactured by R.S. Owens, the same company that manufactures the Oscar. The winner of our Best Short Film category will receive this award at no cost to them, while winners in other categories will be given the option to acquire it. Additional awards and prizes may be Read More ...
Title: Ota Benga
Runtime: 6 min
Country: Congo
Director: Chadrack Banikina, Cecilia Zoppelletto
Placement: Award of Excellence
Competition: December, 2023
Synopsis: An animation film that captures a moment in the true-life story of Ota Benga (1883-1916), the pygmy who was exhibited at the Bronx Zoo. Desperate to return home to the rainforest in Congo but trapped in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ota Benga reflects on being bought by the so-called ‘civilised society’ and being treated like an animal. A passionate call by the fire to return to his ancestors.
