The South African film “Old Righteous Blues'' has been submitted as South Africa's official entry at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars).
south african movies old righteous blues ' was submitted as South Africa's official entry to the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars).
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) announced on Thursday that the film will represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category.
“We are honored to do this.” old righteous blues Lebogang Mogoela, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NFVF, said: “Representing us on such a prestigious global platform, the universal themes of redemption, community and overcoming the past resonate with people around the world. I believe it will captivate viewers.”
Watch: Movie Trailer
The top 11 nominated films will be announced on December 17, 2024, and the final top five films in the Academy Awards International Feature Film category will be announced on January 17, 2025.
The 97th Oscar Awards are scheduled for March 2, 2025.
The NFVF is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) established to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa's film and video industry. Mr Mogoelama is the Chief Director of DSAC.
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what old righteous blues It's about
The film tells the story of a young man played by Aiden Croy. He dreams of leading his town's Christmas choir to its former glory, but he faces obstacles beyond his control.
The decision to participate in the film was made by South Africa's Academy Awards Selection Committee after an “extensive vetting process” that included scored reviews and thorough deliberation.
This year's committee was a diverse panel of experienced industry experts from around the world.
People from different areas of the film industry submitted their work to the Academy for approval.
The Afrikaans-language film with English subtitles was shown at New Metro Cinemas in September.
Its lead actor Kroy was recently nominated for the National Film and Television Award for Best Actor.
old righteous blues It won several awards at “2024 Silwerskermfees,'' “Romford Film Festival,'' and “Panther City Film Festival.''
2023 Best Supporting Actor Silver Skellymfeath: Josh Wynn Dyson, 2024 Romford Film Festival Best Director: Mounira Sarees, 2024 Romford Film Festival Best Actor: Croy, 2024 Panther City Best Supporting Actor at the Film Festival, Stefan Erasmus.
The film is distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution and is available for pre-sale on KykNet.
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of MultiChoice Group General Entertainment, said: “The setting of this film is very local and the captivating script is a uniquely South African story about unity and hope amidst division. “It provides a poignant perspective.”
Waldimar Pelser, Channel Director of Premium Channels, said: old righteous blues It represents the best of Mzansi filmmaking.
“All the team involved are thrilled that this beautiful film will represent the best of South African filmmaking in the run-up to the 2025 Oscars,” he said.
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