SA film ‘Snake’ stunts international audiences and wins big at the Florence International Film Festival

January 13, 2025

The feature film, Snake, based on the novel by Tracey Farren, continues to captivate global audiences, having earned the Best Feature Film and Best Actress awards from the Youth Jury at the prestigious Florence International Film Festival in December. This honour is a testament to the film’s emotional depth and its ability to resonate with viewers worldwide.

The film’s young star, Lamiyah Barnard, received the Best Actress award for her role as Stella, a young farm girl grappling with her family’s struggles with landlessness, poverty, and alcoholism. She becomes ensnared by the lies of a sinister stranger and must fight for the truth to save her family. Hailing from Kraaifontein in Cape Town, Lamiyah delivers a hauntingly powerful performance as Stella.

Director Meg Rickards expressed her gratitude: “Snake has been a labour of love for everyone involved. The Best Film award from the Youth Jury at Florence is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and heart that went into making it. Lamiyah was just nine years old when we filmed, and her ability to bring such emotional depth to the lead role as Stella is extraordinary. I am delighted that she has received the Best Actress award. I couldn’t be prouder of her and the entire team.”

Producer, Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, added: “These two awards are a wonderful recognition of the film, affirming the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing voices like Stella’s with the world. We are thrilled that South African audiences will have the chance to experience Snake when it’s released on eVOD in April this year.”

The Florence International Film Festival, held annually in the heart of Italy, is renowned for showcasing outstanding independent films that push boundaries and spark dialogue. Recognised as a hub for artistic innovation, the festival attracts industry leaders and cinephiles alike, providing a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers.

Neels van Jaarsveld as Jerry in Snake — Neels van Jaarsveld as Jerry

Adding to its accolades, Snake has been officially selected by two prestigious festivals taking place in February 2025. First, the film will compete at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, an esteemed event that has been a global beacon for the African diaspora’s film and arts communities for over 30 years. Additionally, Snake has been nominated for awards at the Barcelona Indie Awards, which will be hosted as a live screening event in February 2025.

Produced by Known Associates Entertainment and Boondogle Films, Snake is currently streaming on Amazon Prime in Africa. The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Neels van Jaarsveld, Keenan Arison, Tarryn Wyngaard, Rika Sennett, Carel Nel, and Jennifer Steyn, and has received widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling and performances. Snake is represented for international sales and distribution by Known Associates Distribution.