(Pic from “The First Grader”: Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris) and Maruge (Oliver Litondo))Videovision Entertainment unveils production slate for 2010/06/06
Film producer Anant Singh has announced an exciting slate of films from the Videovision Entertainment stable for 2010. Leading the slate is the comedy Jozi which is currently in release, followed by the stand-up film, Outrageous, the documentary feature People of the Eland and the feature film The First Grader, which was recently shot in Kenya.
Jozi, which uses the city of Johannesburg as a backdrop for its narrative, is a fresh, innovative comedy. Directed by Craig Freimond, it is produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring and Robbie Thorpe and stars Carl Beukes, Lionel Newton, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Jena Dover, Moshidi Moshegwa and Nick Boraine with a guest appearance by Tobie Cronje. The film has been critically acclaimed with Leon Van Nierop (You / Huisgenoot / Drum) saying, “Finally a South African comedy without clichés and slapstick. Funny, absorbing and clever;” while Debashnie Thangevelo (The Star) said, “A traffic jam of converging witty lines in this slice of life comedy that leaves one veering between lanes that straddle tongue-in-cheek humour and surreal drama about surviving Jozi."
Stand up comedy fans will be in for a real treat with Outrageous which sees South Africa’s top stand up comics, John Vlismas, Barry Hilton, Mark Banks, Loyiso Gola, Joey Rasdien, Krijay Govender and Riaad Moosa come together for the first time ever, in a no-holds barred, adults only stand-up comedy experience. Drawing from the cream of comedy for Outrageous, the comics were chosen to represent the wide spectrum of styles. Produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring, the film is directed by Bevan Cullinan.
People of the Eland is an award-winning documentary from the filmmaking team of Craig and Damon Foster. It explores the world’s oldest culture and how it is now at the brink of extinction. It tracks the Khomani San of the Central Kalahari, the oldest living indigenous tribe in the world who peoples are genetically linked to every human being on planet earth. In modern times, their traditional nomadic way of life has changed and westernisation has severed their link to the land and the animals. The children feel there is no future and the elders are faced with haunting reminders of their past. People of the Eland is produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring, is directed by Craig and Damon Foster and will have its world premiere in Cannes this year.
The First Grader is inspired by a true story. It is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl, Bleak House) and written by South African-born, Emmy winner Ann Peacock (The Chronicles Of Narnia, Nights In Rodanthe, Kit Kittridge). The film stars Naomie Harris (Ninja Assassin, Pirates Of The Caribbean) together with Oliver Letondo. Set in a small, remote mountain-top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the newly promised free education by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his 80’s who is desperate to learn to read at this last stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied - even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six year-olds. The film is a Videovision Entertainment co-production with BBC Films, Sixth Sense Productions and Origin Pictures with support from the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund and will have its World Premiere in Cannes this year.
Videovision Entertainment’s Mr Bones 2 produced with South Africa’s number one box office star, Leon Schuster, won three South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA’s) last month in the categories, Best Editor in a Feature Film (Johan Lategan), Best Costume Designer in a Feature Film (Nerine Pienaar) and Best Make Up & Hair Stylist in a Feature Film (Debra Nicoll).
Commenting on the comprehensive production slate, Anant Singh said, “We at Videovision Entertainment pride ourselves in making films that will stand the test of time and also entertain diverse audiences. We thrilled with this exciting line up of upcoming films that have varied themes and tackle different genres. We reiterate our commitment to making quality films and to providing a platform for emerging talents. We are also delighted to have won three SAFTAs for Mr Bones 2 and we congratulate the recipients.”
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