South Africa, July 21 -- The Monster is an experimental documentary created by third-year Afda Johannesburg students, which has been recognised among the Top Three Best Student Films at the Athens International Monthly Film Festival. The achievement places the film alongside outstanding student productions from around the world and highlights the exceptional quality of storytelling emerging from AFDA's Experimental Festival.

Produced as part of the 2026 Afda Experimental Festival, The Monster is a moving 12-minute documentary that blends fact with fantasy to tell the true story of breast cancer survivor Meena. Written by Chiraag Khusal, directed by Zainab Mkhabele, and produced by Ruby Vos, the film reimagines Meena's cancer journey as a...