'Man on Ground' scoops Best Ensemble Cast at Monaco Charity Film Festival

Hakeem Kae-Kazim’ and Jacob’s Crosses ‘Fabian Adeoye Lojede’ scoop Best Ensemble Cast at Monaco Charity Film Festival for 'Man on Ground' 

After wins at the Berlin Film Festival, Jozi Film Festival and most recently Monaco Charity Film Festival, Man on Ground is proving to be a huge success world-wide. With a well rounded cast of the likes of Hakeem Kae-Kazim who has become a house hold name after his appearance in various award winning movies such as (24/Hotel Rwanda), Fabian Adeoye Lojede in (Jacob's Crosses) and Fano Mokoena. Written and directed by the talented Akin Omotoso it's no surprise why this flick reached greater hights.

Man on Ground is a bold and exacting portrayal of rising xenophobia in South Africa, Omotoso casts the story of a young Nigerian man living in the African refugee tenements of Johannesburg who disappears against the background of animosity against immigrants flaring into violent rioting. In the span of a single night, his brother, on a short visit from London, tries to elucidate the mystery.

In May of 2008, in the informal settlement of the East Rand near Johannesburg, Mozambican immigrant Ernesto Nhamuave was burned alive while bystanders laughed. The violence eventually quieted down, but its root causes have yet to be addressed seriously; tension is still tangible. The event inspired director Akin Omotoso to write Man On Ground, and the resulting film is not merely the work of a talented and socially engaged filmmaker bearing witness — it is, in Omotoso’s own words, “a strong appeal for healing.”

The film is inspired by real yet controversial events. Even though the film is set in South Africa, the lessons are relevant and applicable globally. This film takes you on an exciting ride.