Culture Craze
Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane Wins Best Actor Award at Morocco Film Festival
A South African Star Steps Onto the World Stage
When audiences first met Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane as Tebello “Tibi” on Scandal!, few imagined that the young actor would one day represent South Africa on an international stage. Fast-forward to 2025, and the South African talent has done exactly that, claiming the Best Actor Award at the prestigious Festival International Issni N’Ourgh du Film Amazigh (FINIFA) in Morocco.
Litlhakanyane received the honour for his role in the feature film Bird Boy, where he stars as August, a boy navigating hardship and self-discovery. The award, shared with French-Senegalese actor Oumar Diaw for Where There Is Love, There Is No Darkness, marks a major milestone for South African acting on the global scene.
From Local Screens to Global Spotlight
FINIFA, now in its 16th year, celebrates the best of Amazigh and African cinema. For a South African actor to win at this North African festival shows just how far the country’s storytelling talent has reached.
Litlhakanyane’s performance in Bird Boy impressed international judges with its emotional range and authenticity. It’s his second major film role after The Rhino Case, where he played Thabo. Represented by MLA Moonrise Agency, he joins a growing list of young South Africans breaking into international film circuits.
Fans Celebrate “Tibi’s” Big Win
Back home, the news spread fast across social media. South Africans flooded X and Instagram with praise and playful nostalgia.
“Little Tibi doing big things,” one fan wrote, while another added, “From our TV screens to Morocco we’re so proud.” Some fans couldn’t resist joking that “South African boys are collecting international awards now,” but behind the humour was clear national pride.
It’s not every day that a young actor from a local soap finds his name among global winners.
AWARDS:
Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane wins Best Actor for international film
The Scandal actor was a Best Actor in a feature film joint winner for his role as August in Bird Boy at the 16th edition of the Festival International Issni N Ourgh du Film Amazigh (FINIFA) in Agadir,… pic.twitter.com/DBysMQn7P3
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 22, 2025
A Win That Means More Than a Trophy
Litlhakanyane’s award is more than a personal victory; it’s a sign of what’s possible for South Africa’s film industry. It shows that stories told on home soil can stand shoulder to shoulder with international cinema and that our young actors have the skill, training, and charisma to shine anywhere.
It also highlights how platforms like FINIFA are opening global doors for African creatives, giving them visibility in regions that once felt out of reach. For Litlhakanyane, this is not just a career highlight; it’s the start of a global journey built on local roots.
The Beginning of a Bright Future
At just 15, Litlhakanyane has achieved what many actors spend decades chasing: international recognition. His journey from Scandal! to Bird Boy mirrors the evolution of South African entertainment itself, with local stories finding a voice in global cinema.
As the applause continues from Morocco to Mzansi, one thing is certain. “Tibi” isn’t just a TV character anymore. He’s become a symbol of what South African youth can achieve when talent meets opportunity.
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: Youth Village
