The iconic South African film Sarafina! has officially been selected by the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival for the Official Selection 2023 Cannes Classics.
Directed by Darrell Roodt and produced by Anant Singh, this 1992 musical drama returns to the screens of the illustrious movie festival from 16-27 May.
According to TshisaLIVE, a statement shared with the publication explained that the Cannes Classics is a “section that recognises films which are deemed to be works of quality which have contributed to the evolution of motion picture arts and encouraged the development of the film industry throughout the world.”
The film stars actors Leleti Khumalo (Generations), John Kani (Black Panther), Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act) media personality Somizi Mhlongo (Idols SA), writer and composer Mbongeni Ngema (Freedom Is Coming Tomorrow), and late Mary Twala (Ubizo) and Miriam Makeba (Pata Pata), to name a few.
Leleti took to Instagram to share the wonderful news.
“The Cannes Film Festival has invited Sarafina! to screen in the 2023 Official Selection Cannes Classics. That is so exciting!” she said. “I am so excited to go back there.”
She adds that she remembers the film received a 20-minute standing ovation. “I will be going back there to relive the moment.”
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Businesswoman and philanthropist Basetsana Kumalo commented, “This is just absolutely FANTASTIC and so well deserved! Sithi halala ????✊?.”
Media personality and motivational speaker Dawn Thandeka King also commented on the achievement. “Congratulations Mama, Sarafina deserves all the accolades ??????.”
Actress Zandile Msutwana also congratulated the star, saying, “Classic ????!! Congratulations ? and have a fantastic time.”
TshisaLIVE also shared what Anant had to say: “It is exciting to be returning to the Cannes Film Festival with Sarafina! after 30 years. Being selected for Cannes Classics is a rare and coveted recognition. We are privileged and thrilled that Sarafina! has notched up another first by becoming the first South African film to be selected twice by the Cannes Film Festival, the most prestigious festival in the world.”
He concluded, “The world premiere in 1992 sparked a renaissance of the South African film industry. Sarafina!’s return to Cannes celebrates the timelessness of our stories and I hope this will motivate a new generation of filmmakers.”
