FAME Week Africa reveals 2026 Inclusive Lens Award winners
Stories have the power to challenge perceptions, break down barriers and change the way we see the world. At the 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards, presented by FAME Week Africa and MIP Africa, that power took centre stage as nine outstanding productions were recognised for championing authentic representation and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Sponsored by EarCandy and hosted by South African actor, comedian and activist Siv Ngesi, the awards celebrated filmmakers, producers and broadcasters who are creating space for voices and experiences that have too often been overlooked. From a blind Afrikaaps hip-hop storyteller in Cape Town to young African adventurers rediscovering their heritage, and queer narratives challenging cultural stereotypes, this year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary breadth, creativity and courage of storytelling across the continent.
Recognising excellence in LGBTQIA+ representation, disability representation and diversity in children’s programming, the Inclusive Lens Awards continue to shine a spotlight on productions that are not only entertaining audiences but helping to build a more representative and inclusive screen industry.
Nine winners. Nine powerful stories. One more inclusive industry.
Among this year’s winners was Hadu, produced by Nigeria’s Smids Animation Studios, which took home Best Diversity in Kids’ Programming – Pre-School. Set in 1990s Nigeria, the animated production celebrates family, heritage and the relationships that connect generations. Wandi and Kabz, produced by StoryLine Productions, claimed Best Diversity in Kids’ Programming – Older Kids for its imaginative approach to African history, placing young Black African characters at the heart of stories about courage, leadership and possibility.
In the disability representation categories, Amigo the Griot from Azania Rizing Productions was recognised as Best Non-Scripted Film. The documentary follows Mario “Amigo” Laaistock, a blind Afrikaaps hip-hop storyteller from Eersterivier, Cape Town, whose creativity and lived experience drive a moving exploration of identity, friendship and healing.
Popular South African television drama Scandal!, produced by Ochre Moving Pictures, won Best Disability Representation – Scripted Series, highlighting the importance of inclusive characters and narratives within mainstream entertainment. Nkanyezi, produced by SA Film Academy, HomeBrew Films, Filmscape and Bear Minimum Pictures, received Best Disability Representation – Scripted Film. Inspired by real events, the film challenges perceptions of disability through the story of a young woman asserting her independence and right to love.
LGBTQIA+ storytelling was equally celebrated, with Sonder, produced by Sibisi Studio, winning Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Non-Scripted Film. Set in Johannesburg’s single-sex hostels, the documentary explores masculinity, culture, queer identity and belonging, challenging deeply rooted assumptions about sexuality within African communities.
Black Burns Fast, POP24‘s Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap – Season 2 took home Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Non-Scripted Series, celebrating the visibility, personalities and experiences of queer communities in the Cape. Rounding off the awards, Youngins Season 3, produced by Tshedza Pictures, won Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Scripted Series. Through its portrayal of teenage relationships, identity and belonging, the series demonstrates the importance of giving young queer characters meaningful visibility in mainstream African television.
“Representation isn’t a box to tick. It’s an opportunity to change lives.”
For Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa, the Inclusive Lens Awards are about recognising creative excellence while challenging the industry to do better.
“Every story has the potential to change how someone sees the world, but imagine the impact when someone finally sees themselves reflected authentically on screen. That’s what the Inclusive Lens Awards are about. We often talk about diversity and inclusion, but these cannot simply be conversations we have at industry events. They need to translate into real opportunities, real investment and real change in the stories we commission, produce and distribute.What excites me about this year’s winners is the incredible range of stories being told. From children’s animation to mainstream television and independent documentaries, these productions prove that inclusive storytelling is not a genre or a niche. It is simply great storytelling.
“At FAME Week Africa, we believe every voice deserves an opportunity to be heard. Our winners are not waiting for permission to change the narrative. They’re already doing it, and that is something worth celebrating.”
EarCandy supports stories that deserve to be heard
The 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards were proudly sponsored by EarCandy, whose support reinforces the importance of accessible storytelling and connecting African content with audiences across languages and communities. With Siv Ngesi bringing his trademark energy, humour and passion for social change to the ceremony, the evening was a celebration of both the creative achievements of the winners and the industry-wide responsibility to champion authentic representation.
Beyond the screen: creating opportunities for filmmakers with disabilities
The evening also marked an important milestone with the announcement of the inaugural Inclusive Lens Pitching Competition winner.
Launched in partnership with DAWN and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the initiative was created to support filmmakers with disabilities, giving emerging talent the opportunity to pitch original projects, engage with industry professionals and take meaningful steps towards bringing their stories to life.
The inaugural winner, Samora Mbuyazi, was recognised for The Empty Bedroom, a television drama series, at FAME Week Africa 2026. Samora Mbuyazi pitched The Empty Bedroom. The story follows a grieving Johannesburg couple who take in a homeless Deaf child. As they try to build a family, they confront grief, emotional barriers and the challenges of communicating across different experiences.
The competition reflects FAME Week Africa‘s commitment to ensuring inclusion extends beyond representation on screen to the people developing, directing and producing African content. As Hiller emphasised, “We cannot talk about authentic representation without asking who is being given the opportunity to tell these stories. Creating access behind the camera is just as important as what audiences see on screen.”
A new chapter for African storytelling
As Africa’s creative industries continue to grow their international presence, the Inclusive Lens Awards serve as a reminder that the continent’s greatest strength lies in the diversity of its people, cultures and experiences. By recognising productions that challenge stereotypes, celebrate individuality and create space for underrepresented voices, FAME Week Africa is helping drive an industry where authentic storytelling and meaningful inclusion go hand in hand. The message from this year’s winners is clear: the future of African storytelling is bold, diverse and unapologetically inclusive.
Tell it Bold. Tell it African.
2026 INCLUSIVE LENS AWARDS WINNERS AT A GLANCE
| Category | Winner | Production company |
| Best Diversity in Kids’ Programming – Pre-School | Hadu | Smids Animation Studios |
| Best Diversity in Kids’ Programming – Older Kids | Wandi and Kabz | StoryLine Productions |
| Best Disability Representation – Non-Scripted Film | Amigo the Griot | Azania Rizing Productions |
| Best Disability Representation – Scripted Film | Nkanyezi | SA Film Academy, HomeBrew Films, Filmscape and Bear Minimum Pictures |
| Best Disability Representation – Scripted Series | Scandal! | Ochre Moving Pictures |
| Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Non-Scripted Film | Sonder | Sibisi Studio |
| Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Scripted Film | Black Burns Fast | Urucu |
| Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Non-Scripted Series | Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap – Season 2 | POP24 |
| Best LGBTQIA+ Representation – Scripted Series | Youngins – Season 3 | Tshedza Pictures |
