Miriam Makeba, Leleti Khumalo, Whoopi Goldberg, Darrell Roodt and Anant Singh at the World Premiere of SARAFINA! at Cannes in 1992
Image: Supplied
A digitally remastered IMAX version of SARAFINA! will be released in cinemas on June 5 as part of commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising.
Anant Singh, Leleti Khumalo and Videovision Entertainment announced that the special release honours the young people who marched on June 16, 1976 in protest against apartheid, an event widely regarded as a turning point in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
Based on the play ‘Sarafina!’ by Mbongeni Ngema, the film originally released in 1992 and received international acclaim.
It became the first South African film selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s official selection. The film premiered at Cannes on May 11, 1992, where it reportedly received a 20-minute standing ovation.
The story, inspired by the youth of Soweto and their role in accelerating resistance against apartheid, remains one of South Africa’s most celebrated cultural works.
The new IMAX edition includes previously unseen footage as well as the song “Thank You Mama”, performed by Miriam Makeba and Leleti Khumalo.
Producer Anant Singh said the film continues to serve as a tribute to the bravery of the youth of 1976.
“SARAFINA! has, and will always be, a timeless tribute to salute the brave youth of 1976. The film is a testament to their courage. The film and Leleti Khumalo’s powerful performance, will continue to inspire the youth of today and generations to come.
“It’s amazing that 34 years have passed since the World Premiere in Cannes where the film was lauded by critics and the audience,” said Singh.
Actress Leleti Khumalo said the youth of 1976 deeply influenced her portrayal of the title character.
“The youth of 1976 were my role models and they inspired my performance as the Sarafina character both on stage and in the film. I am honoured to have immortalised their courage in the film.
“SARAFINA! has become part of South Africa’s culture and I am pleased that the film will be released in June to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of 16 June 1976. It was an amazing experience to take SARAFINA! to Cannes in 1992 where it was a big hit,” said Khumalo.
The 1992 Cannes premiere is widely regarded as a milestone for the South African film industry, helping propel local cinema onto the global stage during the country’s transition to democracy.
SARAFINA! is presented by Anant Singh and produced by Distant Horizon and Ideal Films in association with Videovision Entertainment, Les Films Ariane, Vanguard Films and the BBC. Directed by Darrell James Roodt, the film stars Whoopi Goldberg, John Kani, Mbongeni Ngema and Leleti Khumalo as Sarafina.
The screenplay was written by William Nicholson and Mbongeni Ngema.
The film will screen for one week at selected showtimes at cinemas including Baywest, Blue Route, Brooklyn, CapeGate, Cedar Square, Cresta, Eastgate, Irene, Mall of Africa, Mooi River, Rosebank Nouveau, Sandton, Somerset, SunCoast CineCentre, The Grove, Vaal, V&A and Watercrest.
Tickets will be available at a reduced price of R50 to make the screenings more accessible to the public.