03-07-2025
Lisa Pyanee's Cotton Dreams nominated for two Simon Mabhunu Awards
Film producer Lisa Pyanee
Image: Supplied
Lisa Pyanee's journey as an emerging filmmaker has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The nomination of the film she produced, Cotton Dreams, for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards for Best Production Design and Best Short Film is a significant milestone that makes a mark in South Africa's film industry.
Cotton Dreams is an exploration of culture, family, and fashion rooted in KwaZulu-Natal's Indian community that was brought to life through the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA)'s Made for TV programme.
Poster of Cotton Dreams, a film nominated in two categories for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards
Image: Supplied
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Pyanee says that being nominated for a Simon Sabela Award is 'deeply humbling' and a moment of recognition she never imagined when she first began developing the project.
'When you're in the thick of production, your only focus is on doing justice to the story. This nomination has reminded me that there's space for authentic voices like mine in the industry,' she says.
The KZNTAFA funding, mentorship, and access to critical resources were instrumental in transforming Cotton Dreams from a script into a high-quality film now streaming internationally on Prime Video in the USA and UK.
'Without that support, the film would still be a file on my laptop. KZNTAFA believed in my vision when it was still an idea, and that made all the difference,' said Pyanee.
The film is a celebration of KwaZulu-Natal's cultural richness, showcasing vibrant Durban locations, integrating fashion by local designers like Kireshen Chetty and Mandi Zuma, while weaving in music that speaks to the province's diverse identity.
It had a strong developmental impact, employing more than 130 people including cast, crew, and interns, and offering hands-on experience for emerging creatives.
