South African Short Film “Noise & Neighbours” Wins Award at New York’s Chelsea Film Festival...Click to Read More >>➤
South Africa (21 October 2025) – A poignant South African story has once again captured international acclaim. This month, director Liza Ludick’s short film, *Noise & Neighbours*, secured an award at the prestigious Chelsea Film Festival in New York, affirming its place among the world’s best short films.
The film, which stars veteran actor Toby Cronje and rising talent Olwetu Kunene, tells its story without a single line of dialogue. It relies entirely on powerful visual storytelling and an evocative musical score composed by Cape Town’s Wesley West. This unique approach immerses the audience in a narrative built on sound and emotion.
A Story of Connection Through Sound
The plot centers on two isolated individuals living in the same building. Bolelo, a young girl, often spends her days alone while her single mother is at work. Directly below her lives Helmut, an elderly man who has withdrawn from life, passing his time in front of a television. Their worlds are separate until Bolelo receives a piano for her birthday.
The sound of her practicing initially infuriates Helmut, who responds by banging his ceiling with a broom. The noise is a constant irritant. However, this initial conflict slowly transforms over the years. The shared experience of sound through their thin, cardboard walls becomes a unexpected bridge. They develop a deep, unspoken bond, finding mutual comfort and a profound sense of belonging in one another’s presence.
From Personal Experience to International Acclaim
The concept for *Noise & Neighbours* was born in Vietnam, where Ludick and her screenwriter partner, Fraser du Toit, currently reside. Living in an apartment block with thin walls and tolerant neighbors exposed them to a constant symphony of surrounding sounds. This environment sparked the initial idea, which du Toit then helped shape into a full narrative.
The project quickly attracted a team of skilled South African creatives. Art Director Jaclyn Maistry, Director of Photography Vincent Boonzaaier, and production companies like Filmscape SA, Breadbin Productions, and Looped Pictures all contributed to the film’s realization. Support also came from Idea Candy and kykNET.
The film’s quality was first recognized locally at the Silverskerm Festival last year, where it received nominations in every possible category and was highly praised by critics. Its recent win in New York marks a significant step, earning the poignant South African story well-deserved international attention.
Where to Watch the Award-Winning Film
Critics and viewers alike describe *Noise & Neighbours* as a profoundly moving experience. The film explores themes of acceptance and grief with subtlety and power, often moving audiences to tears. For those eager to see this celebrated work, the award-winning short film is available for streaming on Showmax. This South African story continues to resonate, proving that powerful human connections can form in the most unlikely of circumstances. ...Click to Read More >>➤
