(Durban, South Africa) – Jato Ehijator, Film Director at Arts Lens Studios, has won a prestigious Award of Recognition from The Accolade Global Film Competition in the United States of America for a movie filmed in Durban. The award was given for Jato’s exciting feature film, Trafficked—Africa, which tells the story of a South African journalist who stops at nothing, including putting herself in harm's way, to halt a trafficking ring that has been acting with impunity.  Trafficked—Africa features a fast-paced, dynamic story line that highlights many of the social injustices in Africa.   

“Trafficked—Africa is a platform to share Africa with the world” says the award-winning Director Jato Ehijator.  “This includes not only the diverse beauty inherent within the people, culture, and environment of our continent; but also, the often-harsh realities of life in Africa.”  He goes on to say, that “It is a true honor to receive an Accolade Award.”  The film was recognized not only within the feature film category; but also as a film focused on Liberation and Social Justice.  Additionally, Trafficked—Africa received an Award of Recognition for the original song Vuya Africa by Phumzile Mseleku.   

The Accolade Global Film Competition recognizes film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry. Information about the Accolade and a list of recent winners can be found at www.accoladecompetition.org. In winning an Accolade, Jato Ehijator, joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award including the Oscar winning production of The Lady in Number Six by Malcolm Clarke, the very talented Dave Bossert of Disney for his short documentary, The Tunes Behind The Toons, Hollywood industry veteran Ron Howard for When You Find Me and Highwire Films Australia for their popular ABC TV series twentysomething. 

Rick Prickett, who chairs The Accolade Global Film Competition, had this to say about Jato and latest winners, “The Accolade is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent. The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptional high quality of entries. The goal of The Accolade is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve.” 

In October, Trafficked—Africa will feature at multiple film festivals locally and globally.  This includes the Knysna Film Festival in South Africa as well as the Baltimore International Black Film Festival and Collected Voices in America.  More information about the film can be found at WWW.TraffickedAfricaMovie.COM as well as on Facebook and Instagram @TraffickedAfrica.