“Old Righteous Blues” is a touching South African film that tells the story of a young man who wants to heal his broken community through music. He sets out to bring back the Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band, which fell apart due to family feuds. As he faces old wounds and seeks forgiveness, the film beautifully explores the power of music to bring people together. With its heartfelt journey of love, pain, and hope, this film is not just about singing; it’s about finding harmony in life and restoring connections.

What is “Old Righteous Blues” about?

“Old Righteous Blues” is a South African film that tells the heartfelt story of a young man striving to mend his fractured community through music. He aims to revive the Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band, confronting past familial conflicts and highlighting themes of reconciliation, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Unveiling a South African Gem

In the dynamic cultural landscape of South Africa, an evocative narrative is taking center stage, bringing the rich traditions of the Western Cape to a global audience. Muneera Sallies’s acclaimed film, “Old Righteous Blues,” has emerged as a formidable contender for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. This announcement, made by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), signifies a milestone for South African cinema, highlighting a story that intricately weaves together individual and community histories.

Set in the picturesque yet tumultuous streets of Bo-Dorp Robertson, “Old Righteous Blues” follows a young man on a mission to mend a fractured community through music. His journey centers on reviving the Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band, affectionately known as the Kerskoor, aiming to restore its former harmonious glory. Yet, this is more than a mere musical endeavor; it’s a confrontation with a deep-seated familial rift. Two decades earlier, his father’s bitter feud tore the choir apart, leaving a legacy of resentment that permeated the community.

This heartfelt saga of reconciliation and resilience unfolds as both a personal voyage and a communal tapestry. Over the years, the rivalry between two choirs has incited street conflicts, strained family bonds, and shifted allegiances, echoing themes of division and redemption. Sallies describes the film as “an intense glimpse into the life of a young man, a family, and a community,” capturing a journey that delves into reservoirs of pain, love, dreams, and courage. Her passion for the project ignited by the script’s captivating exploration of character and setting.

Bringing a Vision to Life

The origins of “Old Righteous Blues” are deeply embedded in the creative vision of writer and producer Carol Shore. Captivated by the Western Cape’s Christmas choir tradition over 25 years ago, Shore nurtured a dream to showcase this cultural marvel on the silver screen. The film features a stellar cast of South African talent, including renowned actors Kevin Smith, Euodia Samson, and Simon Bruinders, alongside award-winning performers Ayden Croy and Joshwin Dyson. These actors bring depth and authenticity to the film, navigating its emotional and social complexities.

The South African Academy Awards Selection Committee’s choice of “Old Righteous Blues” reflects the film’s cinematic excellence. With rigorous evaluations and deliberations, the committee ensured that the film met the high standards required for international acclaim. This honor highlights the film’s universal appeal, allowing it to transcend cultural boundaries and engage with global themes of conflict and healing.

Indigenous Film Distribution spearheads the film’s distribution, with KykNET, an Afrikaans-language channel, pre-purchasing rights, reinforcing its cultural significance. The film’s production involved a collaborative effort from KykNET Films, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, NFVF, Indigenous Film, Seashore Films, and The Ergo Company. This synergy of creative forces provided the support and resources needed to bring “Old Righteous Blues” to fruition, ensuring its wide-reaching impact.

A Celebrated Journey

“Old Righteous Blues” premiered at South Africa’s Silwerskerm Film Festival in 2023, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative. Its presence on the international circuit, including screenings at the Romford Film Festival in the UK and the Panther City Film Festival in Fort Worth in 2024, facilitated cross-cultural conversations, inviting diverse audiences to engage with its intricate storyline. The film’s limited theatrical release at Worcester Nu Metro, starting on September 20, 2024, marked both a local celebration and an Oscar-qualifying run.

At its core, “Old Righteous Blues” exemplifies the power of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering understanding. Through its exploration of music, memory, and community, the film prompts reflection on the lasting impacts of past conflicts and the potential for healing. It stands as a cultural beacon, offering a window into the vibrant tapestry of South African life and the universal human pursuit of connection and redemption. As the world turns its gaze to the 97th Academy Awards, “Old Righteous Blues” serves as a poignant reminder of cinema’s ability to illuminate the human condition, one story at a time.

FAQ about “Old Righteous Blues”

What is “Old Righteous Blues” about?

“Old Righteous Blues” is a South African film that tells the heartfelt story of a young man striving to mend his fractured community through music. He aims to revive the Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band, confronting past familial conflicts and highlighting themes of reconciliation, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Who are the key contributors behind the film?

The film is directed by Muneera Sallies and produced by Carol Shore, who was inspired by the Western Cape’s Christmas choir tradition. It features a stellar cast of South African talent, including actors Kevin Smith, Euodia Samson, Simon Bruinders, Ayden Croy, and Joshwin Dyson, who bring depth and authenticity to the narrative.

How has “Old Righteous Blues” been received in the film industry?

“Old Righteous Blues” premiered at the Silwerskerm Film Festival in South Africa in 2023 and has garnered attention on the international circuit, including screenings at the Romford Film Festival in the UK and the Panther City Film Festival in Fort Worth in 2024. It is also a contender for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, showcasing its cinematic excellence.

What themes does the film explore?

The film intricately weaves themes of reconciliation, community healing, and the power of music. It delves into personal and collective histories, addressing the impacts of past conflicts while highlighting the potential for forgiveness and unity through shared cultural experiences.

Where can I watch “Old Righteous Blues”?

“Old Righteous Blues” will have a limited theatrical release at Worcester Nu Metro, starting on September 20, 2024. Additionally, Indigenous Film Distribution is handling its distribution, making it accessible to wider audiences.

How does the film reflect South African culture?

“Old Righteous Blues” captures the rich traditions of the Western Cape, showcasing the significance of music and community in South African life. Through its narrative, it offers a window into the cultural tapestry of South Africa, inviting viewers to engage with themes of memory, conflict, and the universal pursuit of connection and redemption.