Videovision Entertainment’s award-winning film, DON’T GIVE UP, produced by Anant Singh, closed the popular KZN African Film Festival (KAFF) in KwaMashu on Sunday evening. The film which focuses on the societal issues of poverty and homelessness, was presented by director, Darrell James Roodt and lead actress, Leleti Khumalo. KAFF is acknowledged as KwaZulu Natal’s leading independent film festival and showcases the work of emerging filmmakers and profiles local talent. This year marked KAFF’s 22nd edition.
DON’T GIVE UP achieved international success when it won the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s coveted Golden Nymph Award in the ‘Best Creation’ category in June this year.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, founder of KAFF, Edmund Mhlongo talked about the impact that DON’T GIVE UP made on him and how effectively the silent film technique was used to create an engaging and visually rich film. He also acknowledged the two-decade collaborative relationship that KAFF enjoys with Anant Singh and Videovision Entertainment.
In his address, Darrell Roodt spoke about making DON’T GIVE UP as a silent film which was driven by the musical score of multi-award-winning composer, Phillip Glass and he commended Leleti Khumalo for her powerful performance as the lead character, Faith. He also encouraged young filmmakers to take inspiration from their communities and experiences to tell unique stories.
For Leleti Khumalo, presenting DON’T GIVE UP at KAFF was a homecoming for her as she was raised in KwaMashu. She talked about creating DON’T GIVE UP as a medium to highlight the struggles of people who are homeless. She also spoke with pride of the successful collaboration with producer, Anant Singh and director, Darrel Roodt.
Producer, Anant Singh commented, “We are very proud that the film is celebrated in our hometown and we hope that it inspires young filmmakers to be brave in making story choices and create an industry in Durban which we are trying to do with our film studio project at Natal Command. DON’T GIVE UP is a groundbreaking film which challenges the creative elements and has achieved success with the Golden Nymph award and now to close KAFF is the most special highlight as Durban is our base. DON’T GIVE UP will be on national television shortly. I also wish to congratulate Edmund Mhlongo on his exceptional book on the heritage of KwaMashu and thank him for promoting the creative arts in KwaMashu.”
DON’T GIVE UP is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Distant Horizon starring Leleti Khumalo, Thobani Khubeka, Sibonelo Xulu and Eyama Mbali. The score is composed by the acclaimed Multi Academy Award Nominee, Philip Glass from Producer Anant Singh and is Written and Directed by Darrell James Roodt. The film features Peter Gabriel’s hit song ‘Don’t Give Up’ performed by Gabriel, featuring Kate Bush.
Audiences will be able to watch DON’T GIVE UP on e.tv’s streaming platform eVOD later this month.
