Following the screening of SARAFINA! in the Cannes Classics Official Selection yesterday (21 May 2023), producer Anant Singh announced that French media and entertainment giant, TF1 Studio/ Newen Studios will represent SARAFINA! for international sales. The film is produced by Singh, directed by Darrel James Roodt, and stars Academy Award® Winner, Whoopi Goldberg; Leleti Khumalo; Miriam Makeba; Mbongeni Ngema; John Kani, and Somizi Mhlongo; with the screenplay by Mbongeni Ngema and William Nicholson.
Commenting on the deal, Singh said, “It is great to continue the relationship which began through our 1992 partnership with Les Films Ariane which is now part of TF1 Studio, a Newen Studios subsidiary, with the film now being distributed by Newen Connect. Today, there are many opportunities to release the film including in IMAX, and also with students and schools, which gives us access to a whole new generation of audiences. TF1/Newen Studios are equally passionate about the film, and we look forward to working with them on theatrical and other media, and to generating revenue and viewership across the territories of the world.”
He added that “It was wonderful presenting SARAFINA! together with Leleti in Cannes 31 years after its first screening".
Producer Anant Singh and lead actress Leleti Khumalo attended the Cannes Classics screening and were accompanied by South Africa’s Deputy Ambassador to France, Minister Plenipotentiary Nthabiseng Makuwa. The film received a five-minute standing ovation.
