With so much global success having been achieved already, South Africans could once again have something to cheer about when next year’s Oscar Award ceremony kicks off.
This comes after one of our local films, Old Righteous Blues, was submitted as the film of choice for the Best International Film ahead of the prestigious event.
The film which recently featured won multiple awards at the Silverskerm Fees was shot in the beautiful Western Cape town of Robertson and tells the story of Hantjie, an ambitious young man with a desire to become a drum major at his local Christmas choir.
Unfortunately, things are not as simple as it seems as he needs to get the nod from the choir leaders who still cling to the past and do not approve. Meanwhile, Hantjie is also romantically involved with Risi, the daughter of one of the leaders of the opposition choir.
Portraying the role of Hantjie is the vibrant young talent that is Ayden Croy, while Megan Saayman plays the role of Risi.
Ayden was recently nominated for Best Actor at the National Film and Television Awards for his role in the film, while the Muneera Sallies also received the award for Best Director at the Romford Film Festival in London.
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In a statement released by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), they stated: “This remarkable achievement reflects the immense talent and creativity of the South African film industry, as well as the resilience of storytelling that transcends borders.”
“The decision was made by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee after a judging process, which included score reviews and in-depth deliberations. This year’s committee comprised a diverse panel of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the industry, who were submitted to and approved by the academy. Each submission was rigorously evaluated following the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria.”
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