Ayanda‚ a film by award-winning South African director Sara Blecher‚ and co-produced by actress and producer Terry Pheto‚ will screen at the 59th BFI London Film Festival‚ from October 7 to 18.

The festival is Britain’s leading film event and one of the world’s oldest film festivals‚ and will this year feature 238 films from 57 countries‚ screened over 12 days.

In June‚ Ayanda won the Special Jury Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival‚ following its screening in the World Fiction Competition.

The film tells the story of a resolute 21-year-old Johannesburg Afro-hipster Ayanda (Fulu Mugovhani)‚ who has a talent for taking neglected pieces of furniture and “bringing them back to love”. Eight years after her father’s death‚ his prized auto repair garage is in deep debt and in danger of being sold‚ but Ayanda does everything in her power to hold onto his legacy.

“The festival provides a platform for films seeking global success‚ and supports the careers of the filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes‚” says Helen Kuun‚ CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution‚ which has the South African rights for Ayanda.

“This year’s programme is stronger than ever‚ and everyone involved in the making of Ayanda deserves to be proud about this latest accolade.”

Ayanda has attracted much interest in the US and it is likely that a distribution deal will be signed soon.

It also qualifies for consideration as South Africa’s official submission to the Oscars this year.

Ayanda was produced by Real Eyes Films and Pheto’s Leading Lady Productions‚ with the support of the National Film and Video Foundation‚ Africa Magic‚ the South African Department of Trade and Industry‚ and the Gauteng film Commission.

It opens nationwide in local cinemas on October 2.