Namibian actor Alejandro Cooper (12) was recognised as the best younger African actor at the Sotigui Awards held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, over the weekend.
The awards celebrate African and diaspora cinema, recognising outstanding talent from the continent.
Alejandro received the honour for his role in the film ‘Lukas’, directed by film-maker Philippe Talavera.
The film tells the gripping story of 11-year-old Lukas, who witnesses the murder of his mother and grandmother. After being sent to live with his aunt in Windhoek, Lukas runs away to join a gang, navigating the harsh realities of living on the streets for the next 15 years.
Alejandro was Namibia’s sole nominee at the awards this year, and his win places him among Africa’s brightest young talents.
The recognition also marks a significant moment for Namibian cinema, adding to the film’s accolades, including best screenplay at the London International Pan-African Film Festival.
‘Lukas’ also made history as the first Namibian film to screen in South African cinemas, and was selected to close the recently held European Union Film Festival in Windhoek.
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