Last year the South African film Yesterday was nominated for an Oscar in the best Foreign Language category. The delagation included producer Anant Singh, Director Darell James Roodt and Leleti Khumalo. The award landed up going to the Spanish film The Sea Inside, but it was the thrill of being nominated and also the exposure that has subsequently opened many doors for South African film-makers. But if you think that was enough for the film, you'd be wrong. Yesterday was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award this year, which is administered by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. In addition to this the film is considered to be the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize of broadcasting. the film has also been nominated in this year's Emmy Awards, which sounds bizarre. It has been nominated in the new category "Outstanding Made For Television Movie." Expect to see the awards on the 27th of August live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angelas. So I'll be following this closely as we build up towards the Emmys later this month.


And if that wasn't enough. This year Tsotsi walked away with an Oscar in the same category and the film still continues to make an impact in other nations. If you head to the official website you'll see just how big this movie is, and all the accolades that have followed in pursuit. What I love about these films is the fact that they deal with prevalent issues in South Africa. the film makers are dealing with true stories that are believable and emotive in their messages. In fact I still get goosebumps thinking about how well done the films are. I encourage those who haven't seen either one of the films too go and check them out.

This may sound like one of those TV commercials when I say "But wait there's more.." yet another film is making it big abroad. Bunny Chow will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. I must admit I've never heard of the film, and if I have one criticism it's the fact that the marketing of these films isn't up to scratch. yes Tsotsi and Yesterday has strong marketing campaigns, but most people showed their interests in the film after they were nominated for the prestigious awards. So what am I saying? Well I'm going to be doing a bit of research into some of the films in production at the moment, see who I can speak to and then will be doing my bit to promote and market them. but for now well done to Gavin Hood, Darell Roodt and john Braker for their respective and brilliant SA films.

Posted by jvonblog on August 03, 2006 at Thursday, August 03, 2006 | Permalink