‘SARAFINA!’ PAYS HOMAGE TO THE WOMEN OF THE STRUGGLE
Producer, Anant Singh announced today that the classic film, SARAFINA! will be released at cinemas in South Africa on 11 August 2023 paying homage to the remarkable women who shaped the struggle. A captivating new poster which depicts the powerful female characters in the film has been designed especially for this release. Among these characters are Sarafina’s mother, Angelina who works as a domestic helper played by the legendary Miriam Makeba; Mary Masembuko, the outspoken and inspiring teacher played by Academy Award® winner Whoopi Goldberg and Sarafina, the fearless young girl and student activist, played by Leleti Khumalo. These characters vividly portray the vital role women played as the backbone of the struggle. This timely release during Women’s Month, serves as a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of these brave women. A compelling new trailer has also been created to promote the film.
Through a partnership with IMAX, SARAFINA! has been digitally remastered and additional scenes have been included. This version of the film, which will be released in August, was screened at the Cannes Film Festival last month where SARAFINA! participated again in the Official Selection, this time in the Cannes Classics Section, 31 years after its world premiere at this prestigious festival.
Commenting on the release of SARAFINA! during Women’s Month, Anant Singh said, “SARAFINA! is known for its association with the student uprising of 16 June 1976, but what the film shows is that the youth of that era were largely supported by strong and resilient women who inspired and motivated their activism. As such, SARAFINA! acknowledges the critical, though sometimes unacknowledged, role that women played as the soul of the struggle. We are thrilled to include previously unseen footage which features the heartwarming song, ‘Thank You Mama’, performed by Miriam Makeba and Leleti Khumalo. This digitally remastered version of the film, done in a special partnership with IMAX, will deliver an enhanced experience to the audience.”
SARAFINA! stars Leleti Khumalo; Academy Award® Winner, Whoopi Goldberg; Miriam Makeba; Mbongeni Ngema; John Kani and Somizi Mhlongo with the screenplay by Mbongeni Ngema and William Nicholson. The film is produced by Anant Singh and directed by Darrell James Roodt.
SARAFINA! will be released in South Africa on 11 August 2023 by Videovision Entertainment through United International Pictures Africa.
