It appears that success is not just something that follows our bok captain Siya Kolisi on the rugby field, but in the world of film and television as well.
The National Film and Video Foundation have recently released its lists of nominations ahead of the 18th annual South African Film and Television Award (SAFTAs) ceremony which will soon take place, and the world-renowned documentary Rise: The Siya Kolisi story has officially received the nod.
The documentary has been nominated in three categories, namely, Best Documentary Feature, Best Achievement in Sound, and Best Achievement in Editing according to television broadcaster DSTV.
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The film is a visual adaptation of his world-renowned autobiography, Rise. It tells the story of Siya’s life from humbled beginnings of growing up in poverty in a township called Zwide, in the Eastern Cape, to learning English while attending boarding school at Grey College along with some milestone triumphs like becoming the first black captain to lead the Springboks and winning the Rugby World Cup. In addition, there are also themes of faith and courage that play an important part in Siya’s transition from being a boy to becoming a man.
With the book, Siya hoped to encourage others who grew up in similar situations to rise from their circumstances and achieve greatness in the same way he has. It is ironically also the English translation of his mother’s name, Phakama. Something he emphasises in the book.
Currently, the Springbok captain has committed himself to national duties. This weekend he will be leading the green and gold Springboks when they face an old rival country, the New Zealand All Blacks in the rugby championship in Cape Town.
Also see: Siya Kolisi buys his father a seaside home in Gqeberha
