Rave reviews for Anant Singh's 'The Long Run'

2001-05-16 11:56

Videovision Entertainment's latest production, The Long Run opened to rave reviews in the US last weekend. The film is released in the US by Universal Focus, the speciality division of Universal Films, who also acquired the world-wide distribution rights, excluding Africa.

The Long Run is produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring and stars Oscar nominee Armin Mueller-Stahl, local rising star Nthati Moshesh and Paterson Joseph (The Beach).

The film was acclaimed by critics and has captivated US audiences. James Thomas of CBS Hot Videos said: "A very uplifting film. An excellent showcase for a test of wills," while Suburban Journals described it as: "The first film to capture the spirit of running since Chariots of Fire", American Dreamer / Independent Filmworks proclaimed: "The Long Run is a feel good sports film with kick. The movie maintains a freshness and a zeal for life," and the prestigious Film.Com declared: "The script by Johann Potgieter is refreshingly straightforward. Director Jean Stewart brings a less-is-more sensibility to the film," while the St Louis Post-Dispatch said, "The marathon scene was really amazing. Armin Mueller-Stahl is such a good actor."

The Long Run is a contemporary drama set against the backdrop of The Comrades Marathon, one of the world's most physically gruelling ultra marathons.

Mueller-Stahl portrays an exacting coach at personal and professional crossroads, who in the past had aspirations of winning the Comrades, but was sadly unsuccessful. He discovers a promising, spirited young runner played by South African actress Nthati Moshesh and after much persuasion begins training her to run the Comrades Marathon.

"We are encouraged by the excellent response to The Long Run in the US," said producer Anant Singh. "We are also delighted that we were able to take a unique South African story and make it into a world class film that has bowled over foreign audiences and critics."

The Long Run was shot entirely on location in South Africa and was written by Johann Potgieter, directed by Jean Stewart and produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring.

South African born award-winning composer Trevor Jones (Notting Hill, Thirteen Days) wrote the musical score and returned to South Africa especially to work on The Long Run, the first musical score for a South African film he ever wrote. The film features additional musical contributions by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sibongile Khumalo and emerging local group Amampondo.

The Long Run is to be screened on Wednesday, May 16 as part of the Celebrate South Africa programme in London and will be released on circuit in South Africa on July 20, 2001.

- News24