Unusual Bones. is a writing, directing duo founded by Kanya
Viljoen and Emilie Badenhorst. The collective’s ethos is one of inclusivity,
empowerment and honesty and seeks to actively challenge the film and theatre industry’s hierarchical structure. Unusual Bones’ first short film ekstasis, won a Silver Screen at the Cannes YDAs for Best Direction, making them one of only two recipients of an award at the YDA’s from Africa. Most recently, Badenhorst and Viljoen co-wrote and co-directed a short film, ‘n Doop om Stilte (A Baptism of Silence), for KykNet’s Silwerskerm Festival. The film is scheduled to debut in August 2023.
Both Badenhorst and Viljoen have received multiple prizes and awards for their writing and directing. Badenhorst has worked with artists such as Romeo Elvis, Lolo Zouai, 6lack and Khalid. Her music video, Desert Rose (2020), was broadcast in Times Square and Sable Square in America and she was shortlisted at the Berlin Commercial Awards for Best Cast, Cinematography, Direction and Music Video. Viljoen’s experimental short film The Moment of Dying (2020) was recently shortlisted for Toronto International Women Festival, Cannes International Cinema Festival, New Wave Short Film Festival and won Best Experimental Film at the New Wave Short Film Festival. Viljoen is also known as a dramatist and director of many theater plays.