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Somizi’s late mother Mary Twala bags international film awards

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung is a proud son after learning that his late mother and legendary actress Mary Twala bagged the Best Actress award at the 44th annual Hong Kong International Film Festival.

Expressing his pride on social media, the “Idols SA” judge took his cue from the makers of the film, “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection“, who were excited to share the news that Mary's work in the film was given global recognition.

“She didn't die ... she multiplied ... she stays winning,” said Somizi in his post.

In the film, which will open the Durban International Film Festival next month, Mary plays the lead role of a widow, who after learning of her son’s accidental death, ties up her worldly affairs and arranges her own funeral.

Her plans are disrupted when the village must make way for the construction of a reservoir, and she rekindles her lust for life, vowing to defend the ancestral cemetery and preserve her own dignity.

The film, by Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, won three awards including the Best Film accolade.

Earlier this month Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson praised Mary in an Instagram post.

Taking to social media, Tina said she had heard about Mary's death through Beyoncé, and hailed Mary as a “wonderful legend”

“Beyonce shared the sad news about this wonderful legend Mary Twala, who played the elder in the film (Rafiki) that she had passed on. It is very interesting that in the film the poetry says “the elders are tired” May she REST In Eternal Peace”, Tina said.

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