The special jury convened by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) announced today that the feature film, Noem My Skollie, currently on circuit in South African cinemas has been nominated as South Africa’s official selection to the 89th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars), in the category for Best Foreign Language Film Award.
The NFVF CEO, Zama Mkosi, said: “We are proud that, after a rigorous judging process, Noem My Skollie is nominated as the official selection for the 89th Annual Academy Awards.
”This is indicative of the role that the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) plays in empowering and transforming the film industry, by taking South African stories from our streets to the world.”
Competition this year for the coveted nomination to represent South Africa was intense.
This is a remarkable achievement for Daryne Joshua’s first feature film.
The producers, David Max Brown and Moshidi Motshegwa and their partners, who supported the financing of the film at the NFVF, kykNET, Mnet and the distributor, Ster Kinekor Entertainment, are absolutely thrilled with this news and are proud that the film deserved the accolade and confident that it will earn the Academy’s further nomination.
To date, the film has been seen by over 32 000 people in South Africa.
“Noem My Skollie’s great Box Office performance has now been crowned with the nomination as South Africa’s entry into the Oscars and we are extremely proud to have been part of getting this amazing film onto SA screens, and excited about the continued potential in our market and on the global stage,”, says Mario Dos Santos, chief executive officer – Ster Kinekor Entertainment.
“Noem My Skollie has been a project close to our hearts and M-Net and kykNET are incredibly proud of every single person who has brought this authentic South African story to life,” says Jan du Plessis, director: M-Net Channels.
“What makes it even more special, is that this moving film is the work of a first time director and that the story is rooted in the true-life experiences of the screenwriter. It’s a film the world needs to see.”
The film tells the story of a young man in 1960’s Cape Town, who ends up in jail and barters his skills as a storyteller in order to avoid being forced into the number gangs.
It is based on the life of the scriptwriter, John W. Fredericks, who is now 70 years old.
This heart-lifting story of redemption sends the audience on an action-filled roller coaster, with a massive emotional impact.
It is a film that delves with great authenticity into the culture of the coloured people of the Western Cape, but it is a film for all South Africans to enjoy, regardless of colour, creed or language.
“The sheer amount of love Skollie is receiving from audiences around the country continues to surprise us. We are overwhelmed by the honour of representing our country. Is met ‘n salute ja!” – Daryne Joshua (director)
‘The greatest affirmation an artist can get is from their own tribe. We are ecstatic to have this affirmation!” – Moshidi Motshegwa (producer)
“If you took films such as Shawshank Redemption, Tsotsi and City of God and rolled them into one movie that would best describe Noem My Skollie in terms of the cinematic quality and great night out.” – David Max Brown (producer)
“I dreamed the impossible dream. Deep inside my heart I knew that Skollie was going to make an impact! When I was 70 years old I was blessed with a replica of the Oscar, which takes centre stage on my desk. I manifested this!” – John W Fredericks (writer)
*Supplied by Alishia van Deventer from Starburst Promotions
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