The Cannes Film Festival paid tribute to a classic piece of South African cinema this year. SARAFINA!, an iconic film, received a standing ovation at the prestigious festival, 31 years after its release. Producer Anant Singh and star Leleti Khumalo were present at Cannes for the historic moment. The film was screened in the Cannes Classics section.
Anant Singh, the legendary producer, has restored the 1992 musical drama, produced an iMax version, and added never-before-seen footage. The restored film remains relevant and still resonates with audiences today. The film is set to be released in South African theaters on August 11, 2023.
SARAFINA! is a celebration of women and youth. Despite being produced over three decades ago, the film continues to be relevant today. Leleti Khumalo, who starred in both the stage and film versions of the musical, expressed her pride in the film’s message and longevity. Khumalo stated, “This story is still relevant.”
Leleti Khumalo played the role of Sarafina in the stage version of the musical. However, the American businessmen involved in adapting the stage performance for the screen initially wanted Whitney Houston to take on the role. After much persistence from Anant Singh and South African director Darrell Roodt, Khumalo was given the opportunity to audition for the part and was ultimately successful.
SARAFINA! revolves around teenage students in Soweto during the Soweto Uprising. The film masterfully intertwines drama, music, and dance. Its powerful message of courage and rebellion against apartheid remains captivating for audiences today. Anant Singh emphasized the importance of acknowledging the past and learning from it.
Anant Singh became a legend in the film industry through trial and error. Driven by a desire to tell important South African stories and inform the nation and the world about the country’s situation, Singh passionately applied himself to learn the ins and outs of the film industry and tell impactful stories.
Singh’s next project will bring a documentary feature about Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on world leaders to the screen. The film, set to debut next month at a TV festival in Monaco, will explore Gandhi’s time in South Africa.
As a restored SARAFINA! prepares to return to South African cinemas in August, audiences can once again experience the vibrant combination of drama, music, and dance that the film delivers. It is a testament to its enduring power and relevance in today’s world.
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