A South African film has made waves at the Cannes Film Festival where it premiered and has already received invitations to screen at other international film festivals.

Homeland: A Song for Refugees was made by SA filmmakers Firdoze Bulbulia and Faith Isiakpere, with respected songwriter and composer Neil Solomon writing the theme song.

It also saw a panel discussion convened at the festival to talk about it and the plight of refugees in the world.

The film focuses on the escalating global refugee crisis and rallies for a shift in the pervasive negative perceptions associated with displaced individuals.

“We are immensely proud that the showing of the transformative documentary film featured at the illustrious 72nd Cannes Film Festival on May 22. This poignant film is a clarion call to the world, shining a spotlight on the escalating global refugee crisis and rallying for a shift in the pervasive negative perceptions associated with displaced individuals,” it said.

“Bulbulia and Isiakpere, along with Solomon, have woven together a tapestry of profound narratives and evocative music to create a film that stands as a potent weapon in the battle against xenophobia.

“By showcasing the resilience, strength and shared humanity of refugees, Homeland: A Song for Refugees seeks to replace fear and misunderstanding with empathy and acceptance,” it added.

Having received high praise at its Cannes screening, the film has been invited to be shown at several film festivals in California, Toronto and Cameroon, thus broadening its reach and amplifying Rugby star on violence charge its vital message.

Turquoise Harmony Institute director Ayhan Çetin said the film’s screening spoke to the heart of the institute’s aim to reach out to the suffering.