'Asad', a Western Cape produced short film, has been nominated in the Academy Awards 2013 Short Film (Live Action) category.

The film is a coming-of-age tale about a Somali boy struggling to survive in his war-torn land and is directed by an American, Bryan Buckley and produced by Rafiq Samsodien, a resident of the Western Cape.

The film was shot over the course a week in the Paternoster and features a cast of Cape Town residents.

'Asad' has already won top honours in various film festivals in the Best Short Film category including the Austin Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, Rhode Island Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival.

Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde said: "We are very proud that a Western Cape produced film has been nominated for an Oscar. The Academy Awards are the global film industry's most prestigious awards ceremony and the recognition of the Western Cape will undoubtedly be beneficial for our Province's film industry. The Western Cape is leading film destination and is brimming with talented producers, animators, directors, screenwriters, actors and cinematographers."

"Congratulations to Mr Samsodien and his team, the Western Cape is behind you." Minister Winde added.

Mediaenquiries:

Phumzile Van Damme

Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde

082 378 2235

Issued by: Western Cape Economic Development and Tourism

11 Jan 2013

Issued by: Western Cape Economic Development and Tourism