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SA film glitters in Venice
06/09/2004 08:30 - (SA)
Venice - The ground-breaking isiZulu feature film, Yesterday had a gala premiere at the 61st Venice International Film Festival on Friday.
In attendance were its lead star, Leleti Khumalo, writer/director Darrell James Roodt, producer Anant Singh and South Africa's ambassador to Italy, LM Shope. Denzel Washington and acclaimed director Mira Nair also attended the premiere.
The film which is entirely in isiZulu with English subtitles, evoked an emotional response from the largely Italian audience and ended in a rousing standing ovation.
"We are thrilled that the Venice audience has responded so well to Yesterday," said Anant Singh.
"The audience was overwhelmed and visibly moved by the film and the language proved to be no barrier. Yesterday's strength lies in the fact that it is a universal story that takes one on a journey through one woman's life and highlights her courage and determination to overcome insurmountable odds."
"It is really exciting to be in Venice and to see so many people moved by Yesterday. I am proud that we have brought Yesterday to Venice, especially because it is an isiZulu film," said the film's lead star.
"Presenting Yesterday at a film festival as prestigious as Venice is really fantastic for our industry," said writer/director Darrell James Roodt. "It is an achievement to be here with a film from South Africa, more importantly, one in isiZulu. I am pleased that the audience was touched by our film," continued Roodt.
The lead stars of Collateral, Tom Cruise, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jamie Foxx as well as its director, Michael Mann also declared their support for Yesterday when they met with producer Anant Singh.
Yesterday stars Leleti Khumalo (Sarafina!), Kenneth Kambule (Backstage, Generations, I Dreamed Of Africa), Harriet Lehabe, Camilla Walker and child star Lihle Mvelase.
The film was released in South Africa on Friday through United International Pictures and is currently showing in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and will soon be showing in additional cities.
- News24
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South Africa
