PEDRO UGARTE AFP
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is proud to announce that the film “Old Righteous Blues” has been selected to represent South Africa in the Best International Feature Film category at the prestigious 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars). This remarkable achievement reflects the immense talent and creativity of the South African film industry, as well as the resilience of storytelling that transcends borders.
The South African Academy Awards Selection Committee decided after an extensive judging process, which included scored reviews and in-depth deliberations. This year’s committee comprised a diverse panel of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the film industry, who were submitted to and approved by the Academy.
Each submission was rigorously evaluated following the Academy Awards' Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria.
“Old Righteous Blues” is a deeply moving narrative about a young man’s journey to overcome personal limitations and rise above the ghosts of the past to unite a fractured community. Set against the backdrop of a divided town, the film follows the protagonist as he attempts to restore the once-glorious Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band (Kerskoor) to its former stature. However, he is confronted with the long-standing consequences of a bitter feud started by his father two decades earlier, which split the choir in two and devastated the community.
For twenty years, street battles ensued, families were torn apart, and loyalties were tested as the two rival bands claimed ownership of the town’s Kerskoor with destructive and violent consequences.
Award Winning Director Muneera Sallies says “It is an intense glimpse into the life of a young man, a family, and a community. More than that it is an intense glimpse into a journey and the heart of brotherhood, tapping into immense stores of pain, love, dreams, and courage. I was drawn to this project from the moment I first picked up the script.
I was intrigued and captivated by the characters and their stories within this little community, so much so that I immediately decided to visit and experience the streets of Bo-Dorp Robertson.”
Speaking on behalf of the NFVF, ACEO, Lebogang Mogoera expressed the foundation’s pride in the selection of “Old Righteous Blues” for the Oscars submission.
“This film is a testament to the exceptional storytelling talent within South Africa. We are honoured to have ‘Old Righteous Blues’ represent us on such a prestigious global platform, and we believe its universal themes of redemption, community, and overcoming the past will captivate audiences worldwide.”
Distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution and pre-sold to KykNet, “Old Righteous Blues” is a powerful reflection of the complex and often painful dynamics of community, legacy, and redemption.
The film, which has been a passion project of Writer Carol Shore for 30 years, is expected to resonate deeply with international audiences, offering a unique and poignant South African perspective on unity and hope amidst division.
TSOTSI
In 2005 South African film Tsotsi won the prestigious Oscar in 2006 and was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
