God's Work cast Zenzo Msomi, Ndu Khowa, Thobani Nzuza, Omega Mncube and Mbulelo Radebe
Image: godsworkthefilm
A South African film confronting the harsh realities of homelessness has earned international recognition. God’s Work claimed a top honour at Egypt’s Luxor African Film Festival last week.
Directed by Michael James and produced by Sithabile Mkhize, the feature was awarded the prestigious Radwan El Kashef Prize for Best Film Addressing an African Issue, also known as the Silver Mask of Tutankhamun. The accolade is reserved for exceptional works and is not awarded every year, underscoring the film’s impact.
Set inside an abandoned inner-city building, God’s Work explores homelessness as lived economic exclusion rather than a distant social issue. It portrays hunger, addiction, fractured memory and systemic neglect, blending stark realism with surreal psychological elements to create a narrative that defies easy categorisation.
The story follows Simphiwe and his companions as they navigate poverty, addiction, performative politics and the lure of fleeting fame. Central to the plot is “Resignation Syndrome,” a mysterious condition affecting marginalised individuals, causing them to “fall asleep” to life itself. The film ultimately examines survival, brotherhood and the human need to be recognised before disappearing.
“The Radwan El Kashef Prize for the Best Film addressing an African issue is not granted annually, but only when the High Committee decides that a particular film deserves this special honour, marking it as a distinction reserved for truly exceptional works that embody both artistic excellence and deep engagement with African realities,” said festival director Azza El Husseiny.
Named after pioneering Egyptian filmmaker Radwan El Kashef, the award honours cinema that elevates marginalised voices with empathy and poetic depth. Festival organisers said the film was recognised for “its powerful artistic vision and its sincere exploration of African identity and collective struggle.”
The award was presented to James by Dr Hossam El-Mandouh El-Husseini, Egyptian Member of Parliament, in recognition of the enduring cultural ties between Egypt and Africa and the festival’s role as a platform for creative dialogue across the continent.
Reflecting on the honour, James said: “Receiving this award on behalf of the film, and all involved is deeply humbling. This award affirms the importance of telling African stories with honesty and empathy, and I hope God’s Work continues to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around affirming the humanity of the homeless community."
“This award is especially important because it acknowledges one of the central intentions of the film, which is to use the power of cinema to build bridges across humanity," said Mkhize.
Toni Monty, the film's executive producer, said the recognition is a powerful validation of the collaborative effort behind God’s Work.
“It highlights the strength of African filmmaking and the importance of creating platforms where our stories can resonate globally. We are proud to see the film stand alongside works that embody both artistic excellence and social relevance,” said Monty.