Zulu was the right language for the film says Anant Singh
Dubai - A press conference at the 2nd Dubai International Film Festival about the film Yesterday, a moving story of a young mother played by Leleti Khumalo, provided a glimpse into the impressive talent possessed by Africa. One of the world's most beautiful continents, African movies have attracted increased attention in recent years and Dubai audiences have been exposed to some of their fascinating films.
Darrell James Roodt, one of South Africa's most prolific directors who has also directed Yesterday said: "Yesterday is a powerful plea for tolerance, dominated by the story of an incredibly brave woman, willing to do anything for her daughter. The mission of the film was that if we could change the perceptions of even a single person towards the issue o HIV then we would have succeeded. I am happy to say that we have."
Leleti Khumalo, described as South Africa's best actress, likes to do meaningful cinema that conveys a clear message. "I am happy to do good quality work that I can be proud and that makes sense to me."
About the depth of talent in Africa, eminent South African producer Anant Singh, said: "It is really not comprehensible why our talent has not transcended into Hollywood or the UK market. I guess we are fortunate in a way that our talent has not left our shores and is available for our cinema."
"Zulu was our only choice of language to make the movie in. I am glad that we did so. Not only has it artistically kept its connection with the land and its people but it has been a commercial success as well. It was shown on HBO in the US to an audience of two million. It has been a success on the film festival circuit as well," concluded Singh.
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About DIFF
The second Dubai International Film Festival 2005 (DIFF) opened at 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 11 and will continue until Saturday, December 17, 2005. 98 participating films are now showing at the Festival venues of the Madinat Arena, the Madinat Theatre in Souk Madinat Jumeirah and CineStar Cinemas at the Mall of the Emirates. A series of interactive panel discussions between the public, filmmakers and industry specialists will be held at the Knowledge Village auditorium.
Tickets, and an entire schedule of the Festival films and events, are available through the Dubai Film Festival website www.dubaifilmfest.com, or via the DIFF Call Centre on 04-367-6701. The Festival is presented by Dubai Media City and its Founding Sponsors are Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Properties, Emirates, Etisalat and the Madinat Jumeirah - the Arabian Resort.
The Festival's Gold Sponsors are Bin Hendi Enterprises, National Bank of Dubai, Showtime, The Kanoo Group and The Palm Jumeirah; the Silver Sponsors are Filmworks, Motivate Publishing and Sony.
For further information please contact:
Deepa Asnani
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone
Tel: +9714 391 4548
Fax: +9714 367 2790
E-mail: deepa.asnani@tecom.ae
Website: www.dubaifilmfest.com
Nick Wheywell
ASDA'A Public Relations
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971-4-3344550
Fax: +971-4-3344556
E-mail: N.Wheywell@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2005
