World premiere of first-ever isiZulu feature film in Durban

Durban-based film producer, Anant Singh announced today that the world premiere of "Yesterday", the first-ever isiZulu feature film will take place on14 June when it opens the 25th Durban International Film Festival.

"Yesterday" is a groundbreaking film which was shot in KwaZulu-Natal, in the Bergville area. The film with English subtitles, is written and directed by Darrell James Roodt, stars Leleti Khumalo (Sarafina!), Kenneth Kambule (Backstage, Generations, I Dreamed Of Africa), Harriet Lehabe, Camilla Walker and child star Lihle Mvelase who makes her
feature film debut.

"Yesterday" is a moving story of a young mother named Yesterday who falls ill and discovers that she is HIV positive. Her husband, a migrant mineworker, refuses to accept this. Yesterday is left to fend for herself and her young daughter, Beauty, hoping that she will survive long enough to see her child go to school.

"We are delighted to be holding the World Premiere of 'Yesterday' at the Durban International Film Festival," said Anant Singh. "'Yesterday' is a powerful film that confronts the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. It is the story of one woman's perseverance to survive against all odds and audiences will be deeply touched by it. Darrell did an amazing job with the script and the direction of the film and it is great to be working with him again. We are also proud to have shot this important film on location in our province," added Singh.

The Durban International Film Festival said that it was proud to showcase the World Premiere of a homegrown film and that "Yesterday" is an ideal film, from both an artistic and ethical perspective, and that it is the perfect opening night film for the festival as it celebrates its Silver Anniversary.

"Yesterday" was made with the support of the National Film And Video Foundation, M-Net and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

John Samuel, CEO of The Nelson Mandela Foundation commented, "'Yesterday' will be used by the Foundation as part of 46664, its global awareness campaign for HIV / AIDS as the medium of film is one that effectively mobilises viewers from a grassroots level, those that may be infected, through to corporates and international donors.

"Yesterday" will be released nationally in South Africa on 30 July by Videovision Entertainment though United International Pictures (South Africa). "Yesterday" is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, M-Net, The National Film And Video Foundation, Distant Horizon and Exciting Films.



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