Continuing with 2016 Toronto International Film Festival diaspora highlights…

Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotoso’s acclaimed 2011 crime drama “Man On Ground” traveled the international film festival circuit, winning over audiences and critics alike, throughout its run, after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2011 in the Contemporary World Cinema category; and his follow-up film, the romantic comedy “Tell Me Sweet Something,” won the Best Narrative Feature at the BlackStar Film Festival earlier this month.




Now the busy filmmaker is heading back to TIFF with a new South African drama titled “Vaya,” which will be making its world premiere at the festival.

Synopsis: Based on true stories, “Vaya” is set in the underbelly of Johannesburg and Soweto. The film weaves three separate plots that intersect in a gripping and moving story about coming to the city and struggling to survive. Nhlanhla, a rural man is promised a job by his big city cousin, Nkulu is coming to recall his father’s body, and Zanele is bringing her aunt’s child to live with her mother for the first time. One event will change their lives forever.

The film’s cast includes a mix of veterans and newcomers including Warren Masemola, Harriet Manamela, Phuthi Nakene, Sihle Xaba, Mncedisi Shabangu, Nomonde Mbusi and more.

Produced by Rififi Pictures, the film was shot in in Soweto and downtown Joburg.

Check out a teaser for “Vaya” below.