LOCAL: 'Barakat' has been selected by SA as official submission for Academy Awards
Have you watched this gripping film that shows the overcoming of anything in life?
Paying tribute to female ingenuity in the film and entertainment industry is something that is long overdue. But as we move into the future, small bites of change, that may be overdue, come to pass.
This is definitely the case when it comes to director and 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist of The Year for theatre, Amy Jephta. As the director of the multi-award-winning Muslim feature film, 'Barakat', it is exciting to announce that her efforts are being recognised by her country.
'Barakat' has been selected as South Africa’s official submission for the 94th Annual Academy Awards.
"This selection makes Jephta the fourth female director to be submitted to the Oscars by South Africa, and the first woman of colour. 'Barakat', Arabic word meaning blessings, is a story about celebrating life, culture and the importance of family – with whom one can overcome anything in life." (IOL)
In a time that has presented obstacle after obstacle for the film and entertainment industry, it is refreshing to see a film that addresses topics that sometimes are difficult to deal with in the family construct.
"The film tells the story of Ayesha Davids (Vinette Ebrahim), a widow who has to preserve the peace between her four sons (played by Joey Rasdien, Mortimer Williams, Keeno-Lee Hector and Danny Ross) after they all still struggle to come to terms with the death of their father." (IOL)
'Barakat' is a story that is told in Afrikaaps, which is spoken in the Cape dialect, it's their version of the Afrikaans language. Also a wonderful development around Afrikaaps is that there is currently a dictionary being created for the language.
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Check out the trailer for the movie below, courtesy of YouTube:
I am so proud that our small story about a family has reached as many people as it has. To be recognised by South Africa in this way is incredibly special after an extremely challenging year for our film industry.
It is such a wonderful honour to be celebrated by your country, and also an honour to be a part of the Academy Awards. A symbol of international acclaim, that truly adds to the South African level of esteem in film.
Image Courtesy of YouTube