10 October 2024 – Johannesburg, South Africa – The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is proud to announce that the film “Old Righteous Blues” has been selected to represent South Africa in the Best International Feature Film category at the prestigious 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars). This remarkable achievement reflects the immense talent and creativity of the South African film industry, as well as the resilience of storytelling that transcends borders.
The decision was made by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee after an extensive judging process, which included scored reviews and in-depth deliberations. This year’s committee comprised of a diverse panel of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the film industry, who were submitted to and approved by the Academy. Each submission was rigorously evaluated following the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria.
“Old Righteous Blues” is a deeply moving narrative about a young man’s journey to overcome personal limitations and rise above the ghosts of the past to unite a fractured community. Set against the backdrop of a divided town, the film follows the protagonist as he attempts to restore the once-glorious Old Righteous Blues Christmas Choir Band (Kerskoor) to its former stature. However, he is confronted with the long-standing consequences of a bitter feud started by his father two decades earlier, which split the choir in two and devastated the community. For twenty years, street battles ensued, families were torn apart, and loyalties were tested as the two rival bands claimed ownership of the town’s Kerskoor with destructive and violent consequences.
Award Winning Director Muneera Sallies says “It is an intense glimpse into the life of a young man, a family, and a community. More than that it is an intense glimpse into a journey and into the heart of brotherhood, tapping into immense stores of pain, love, dreams, and courage.
I was drawn to this project from the very first moment I had first picked up the script. I was intrigued and captivated by the characters and their stories within this little community, so much so that I immediately decided to visit and experience the streets of Bo-Dorp Robertson. “
Speaking on behalf of the NFVF, ACEO, Lebogang Mogoera expressed the foundation’s pride in the selection of “Old Righteous Blues” for the Oscars submission. “This film is a testament to the exceptional storytelling talent within South Africa. We are honoured to have ‘Old Righteous Blues’ represent us on such a prestigious global platform, and we believe its universal themes of redemption, community, and overcoming the past will captivate audiences worldwide.”
Distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution and pre-sold to kykNet, “Old Righteous Blues” is a powerful reflection of the complex and often painful dynamics of community, legacy, and redemption. The film, which has been a passion project of Writer Carol Shore for 30 years, is expected to resonate deeply with international audiences, offering a unique and poignant South African perspective on unity and hope amidst division.
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at the MultiChoice Group, stated, “Old Righteous Blues” is a powerful reflection of the complex and often painful dynamics of community, legacy and redemption. “The film’s setting is truly local and the mesmeric writing offers a unique and poignant South African perspective on unity and hope amidst division,” she says. “MultiChoice is dedicated to telling African stories – produced and told by Africans – and taking them to the rest of the world, where they stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside other would-be Academy Award contenders”.
“The world which unfolds in Old Righteous Blues is magical and unique to the rural Western Cape towns where the movie was filmed. The story highlights the richness of South African heritage, while also exploring universal themes of resilience, and identity. These Christmas Choir bands are vehicles for joy and hope which the film captures with grace, warmth and humour. We are thrilled for the teams involved that this beautiful movie will represent the best of South African film-making in the run-up to the Oscars in 2025.”, said Waldimar Pelser Channel Director, Premium Channels.
The movie has already won 11 awards at Silwerskermfees, Romford Film Festival 2024 and Panther City Film Festivals. Some of the awards include, Best Supporting Actor Silwerskermfees 2023: Joshwin Dyson, Best Director Romford Film Festival 2024: Muneera Sallies, Best Actor Romford Film Festival 2024: Ayden Croy and Best Supporting Actor Panther City Film Festival 2024: Stefan Erasmus.
The NFVF extends its heartfelt congratulations to the cast, crew, and everyone involved in bringing this incredible story to life. The submission of “Old Righteous Blues” for the 97th Academy Awards marks another milestone in South Africa’s growing prominence on the global film stage, and we look forward to following its journey in the coming months. The Top 11 nominations will be announced on 17 December 2024, and the final Top 5 for the Academy Awards Best International Feature Film category will be announced on the 17 January 2025.
For more information on “Old Righteous Blues” and South Africa’s journey to the Academy Awards, visit the NFVF website https://www.nfvf.co.za/ or follow our social media platforms for updates.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
NFVF Representative:
Lerato Mokopanele
Marketing and Communications Manager
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
0813663880