In our first 5 months on the international festival circuit, RISE has been accepted to over 40 festivals and won 14 awards.

🎬 Best International Short Film - British Urban Film Festival

BUFF is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the UK. This BAFTA-qualifying festival has built a highly respected reputation for championing underrepresented voices and stories from around the world. RISE was awarded the top prize in its category, for Best International Short Film.

🎥 Best Short Film - Audience Choice Award - San Diego Film Festival

Rise was voted as the audience favourite at Oscar Qualifying San Diego Film Festival

🏆 Shine Global Children’s Resilience Award – Indy Shorts Film Festival
Awarded for celebrating stories that capture the strength and perseverance of children around the world. This honor recognizes RISE’s powerful portrayal of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

🎬 Social Impact Award – HollyShorts Film Festival
Presented to films that inspire meaningful dialogue and create positive change through storytelling, this award highlights RISE’s emotional and social resonance with global audiences.

⭐Best Actor - Sikhanyiso Ngwenya - NAMA - National Arts Merits Awards

Sikhanyiso Ngwenya became the youngest winner of a NAMA Award (Zimbabwean Oscars) in history for his performance in Rise.

🌍 Best World Cinema – San Jose International Short Film Festival
Recognizing outstanding international filmmaking, this award celebrates RISE’s authenticity and universal message that transcends borders.

🎥 Best Cinematography – Kort Film Festival Kalmthout
Honoring the film’s striking visual storytelling and ability to capture both the beauty and hardship of life in Zimbabwe.

🎞️ Audience Choice Award for Best International Short Film – Kort Film Festival Kalmthout
A special recognition from audiences, reflecting how deeply viewers connected with the story’s heart, hope, and humanity.

⭐ Best Short Film – Lady Filmmakers Festival (Los Angeles)
Recognizing excellence in storytelling, craft, and vision, this award celebrates RISE as an outstanding cinematic achievement.

🌟 Best Actor – Tongayi Chirisa, Lady Filmmakers Festival (Los Angeles)
Honoring Tongayi’s moving and grounded performance as the reclusive boxing coach who mentors the young protagonist.

💫 Best Up-and-Coming Actor – Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Lady Filmmakers Festival (Los Angeles)
Celebrating the remarkable debut performance of young Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, whose emotional honesty and spirit carry the film.

🎭 Best Duo – New York Film & Cinematography Awards
Awarded for the exceptional on-screen chemistry between Tongayi Chirisa and Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, whose mentor–student relationship forms the emotional core of RISE.

🌈 Best Child Actor (5–12) – New York Film & Cinematography Awards
Awarded to Sikhanyiso Ngwenya for his extraordinary performance, full of heart, strength, and innocence, marking him as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young talents.

🎬 Best Female Director – Tokyo Film & Screenplay Awards
Honoring writer-director Jessica J. Rowlands for her vision and artistry in bringing this true Zimbabwean story to life.